tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686101258750129902024-03-13T11:31:48.765-04:00Mission Possible Blog Women, are you living in a spiritually unequal marriage? Do you feel spiritually mismatched? Deborah's goal is to share her personal testimony with others while applying Biblical principles in her posts and Bible study.God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-53919174093238938182022-01-02T20:38:00.005-05:002022-01-03T11:06:00.068-05:00New Year Expectations<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRx9LIXNDESzY299JjtwPEavXrZFQU1RVTUpSZXF2PPsSeQHCUOhovGAIMfZqsdwuPYi5mzSEKNuD1Uq_HoA2qPLHxF2rTKU03j8P4TfiENYwUhAh4tdPldCrS110WMj6ykphyEBOc35_zdoRKaSskdFF7wIr8XpDg7BNZGPAJfOeBSPCgcQzqqQm3rQ=s300" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="300" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRx9LIXNDESzY299JjtwPEavXrZFQU1RVTUpSZXF2PPsSeQHCUOhovGAIMfZqsdwuPYi5mzSEKNuD1Uq_HoA2qPLHxF2rTKU03j8P4TfiENYwUhAh4tdPldCrS110WMj6ykphyEBOc35_zdoRKaSskdFF7wIr8XpDg7BNZGPAJfOeBSPCgcQzqqQm3rQ" width="300" /></a></div><b style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Optimism runs high as the New Year unfolds! Another chance to<br /> start fresh! What will you do to make this year a year of "new beginnings"?</i></b><p></p><b><i><br /><span>Did you make a New Year's resolution?</span></i></b><br /><i style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Some of the more popular </i><b>Top 10 Resolutions</b> <i>that we make are:</i></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>~ Spend more time with family and friends<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>~ Commit to a new diet and eating choices<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>~ Give more to charity – time and money<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>~ Learn something new<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>~ Make time for fitness<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>~ Get out of debt<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>~ Get organized</b></i></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>Most people resist change, but I say,</b><b> "Change is good!"</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Isaiah 43:18-19 says this: </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />As Christians, we are <i>new</i> creatures in Christ. We have a new beginning. We can establish new habits that are godly and useful. We can find new inspiration and a fresh new revelation as we read and study God’s Word. Who doesn't like the idea of a clean slate – a chance to start over?</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The Apostle Paul instructs us to know Christ in a <i>new</i> intimate way. That kind of spiritual intimacy caused him to, <i>“…press on and lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me”</i> (Philippians 3:10-12). We have a revelation from Christ that brings a fresh, spiritual comprehension, which in turn gives us apprehension to live out our Christianity with boldness. </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Our confidence cannot be in our flesh, but in the power of God. Look to Him with the expectation of what He can do in us and through us. As Paul states in verse 13-14, <i>“but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the book of Revelation, John tells us that those worshiping before the throne of the Lamb will sing a </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">new</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> song. In his vision he gazed upon a </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">new</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> heaven and a </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">new</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> earth.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><i>What a great lesson for the "new YOU" and our new life resolutions. </i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span><i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;">Look forward, not backwards.</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep your eye on Jesus and the heavenly goal. Pattern your new ideas and habits on what the Word teaches. Model yourself after your Maker and Master. Fix your gaze upon Jesus…He is all you need to walk in the newness of life.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span>Even in these days of the unknown and unchartered we have confidence in this: that God is in control... We can live without fear and anxiety because God is sovereign and uses everything to bring good out of even the worst circumstances for our good and His glory. (Romans 8:28)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnKC6S7QJFcBKoRsbTLtAdS-nf4xfvDuv7d-c7wPkS_JFPjRGJGZ6xKC7bY_Bt8N8hOCpnRx2lK297R3Rk819k1JbWAvfOR8ck6GKEC9E5GyMClcDV2PSwGpbhODUYVC7iwGo5-qpZZAUZux4tjk0R2Yd1L6IBKQM5vNyywi-19-DJqGmak98Ck1BSng=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnKC6S7QJFcBKoRsbTLtAdS-nf4xfvDuv7d-c7wPkS_JFPjRGJGZ6xKC7bY_Bt8N8hOCpnRx2lK297R3Rk819k1JbWAvfOR8ck6GKEC9E5GyMClcDV2PSwGpbhODUYVC7iwGo5-qpZZAUZux4tjk0R2Yd1L6IBKQM5vNyywi-19-DJqGmak98Ck1BSng=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;">So - take this new year ahead with a grain of salt... Look it square in the eye and face it with boldness and great faith that your Creator has a plan in place for you and yours...</span></i></b></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frances Ridley Havergal wrote the hymn <b>Another Year Is Dawning</b> in 1860 as a celebration of </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">New Year’s Eve and looking forward in faith to God’s blessings. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What a beautiful tribute to what a N<i>ew</i> Year can hold in store for us…</span><o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Another Year Is Dawning</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year is dawning:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Father, let it be,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In working or in waiting,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year with Thee;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year of progress,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year of praise,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year of proving<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thy presence all the days.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Another year of mercies<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of faithfulness and grace;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year of gladness<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the shining of Thy face;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year of leaning<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Upon Thy loving breast;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year of trusting,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of quiet, happy rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year of service,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of witness for Thy love;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year of training<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For holier work above.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year is dawning:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Father, let it be,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On earth or else in heaven,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another year for Thee.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are you facing this year? Do you wrestle with a looming financial situation? Are you dreading a changing family dynamic? Do you anxiously await a medical report or future surgery? Is your marriage looking like something out of a horror movie? Take heart... Jesus specializes in <i><b>new beginnings!</b></i></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Here’s to a new year full of hope and anticipation in what </span></i></b></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">God has in store for you!</span></i></b></i></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. </i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i>(Numbers 6:24-26)</i><o:p></o:p></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5etAkhFlce7GlWSqsytfWld4pNY-VdsB3ES_Qp4s1yv4_dlHKxAgcX2BZxRf6sIWIhCZsOh3PbBRd_QGlfNbOZ-cMTFMoUxv3U_INRyScyTYDbn7mJQK9Bc7F6jEphWyLShD3IJ4aMCJX/s1600/Deb+Signature+sm.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5etAkhFlce7GlWSqsytfWld4pNY-VdsB3ES_Qp4s1yv4_dlHKxAgcX2BZxRf6sIWIhCZsOh3PbBRd_QGlfNbOZ-cMTFMoUxv3U_INRyScyTYDbn7mJQK9Bc7F6jEphWyLShD3IJ4aMCJX/s1600/Deb+Signature+sm.png" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uV2ebTpNf4/Voc3CBm2z1I/AAAAAAAAHKg/HbNn2SKJSbI/s1600/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bextra%2Bsm.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uV2ebTpNf4/Voc3CBm2z1I/AAAAAAAAHKg/HbNn2SKJSbI/s1600/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bextra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></i><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </i><br /><i><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 10pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.Godmissionpossible.com</a></span></i><br /></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-14673988808946602072021-10-17T21:30:00.004-04:002021-10-17T21:32:31.395-04:00Thanksgiving All Year Long<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCchIGH-vwN_ZrFAa8yUhLH2w7UaTcL17Nk01of5XgvPrNufWmy6KQ0nDQRzZ2PqYvkGHpxWqJRL885bz-Sx0zT21ILsnhLGvbnMkskkRW15pO3ascPhx1GgFCk8ymsrkuXtsBBh4r5wC/s1600/Thanksgiving+scripture.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCchIGH-vwN_ZrFAa8yUhLH2w7UaTcL17Nk01of5XgvPrNufWmy6KQ0nDQRzZ2PqYvkGHpxWqJRL885bz-Sx0zT21ILsnhLGvbnMkskkRW15pO3ascPhx1GgFCk8ymsrkuXtsBBh4r5wC/s320/Thanksgiving+scripture.jpg" width="320" /></a> <b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him</span></i></b><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #783f04;"> (Psalm 34:8).</span></i></b></p><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #990000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />During this Thanksgiving season - what are you most thankful for? Is it something to do with your family, your workplace, or maybe your place of worship? Do you express thanksgiving for big things as well as the little things? Do you vocalize what you are thankful for to your family, friends and most importantly, to God Himself?<br /><br /><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>As Christians, we are to develop and display a grateful heart.</i></b></span><br /></span><br />We are told in Psalm 100:4 <i><span style="color: #990000;">“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”</span></i><br /><br /><span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Thanksgiving</b></i></span><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></span>is likely based on the traditional “first thanksgiving” harvest meal shared in 1621 at the Plymouth Colony Plantation by the Pilgrims and a group of Native Americans.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days providing enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 native Americans. The feast consisted of fowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. William Bradford noted that, <i>"besides waterfowl, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many”</i>, probably gave rise to the American tradition of eating turkey at Thanksgiving.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qbe3sLZbD0/WhCqiH6ekfI/AAAAAAAAJZw/la3VQGlBeDU4blVnikomq0DWvtT2ApchgCLcBGAs/s1600/Thanksgiving%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="398" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qbe3sLZbD0/WhCqiH6ekfI/AAAAAAAAJZw/la3VQGlBeDU4blVnikomq0DWvtT2ApchgCLcBGAs/s320/Thanksgiving%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Thanksgiving is generally observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. This holiday provides a valuable opportunity for the strengthening of family bonds, expressions of gratitude, and a reminder of God’s rich blessings.<br /><br /><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>As Christians, we acknowledge God’s goodness and provision in our expression of Thanksgiving. </b></i></span><br /></span><br />God’s Word implores us to give thanks to Him. Both Old and New Testament books of the Bible encourage us to have an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 50:14 tells us to, <span style="color: #990000;"><i>“Offer to God thanksgiving.”</i> </span>Psalm 95:2 says, <i><span style="color: #990000;">“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving...”</span> </i>In Philippians 4:6 the Apostle Paul declares, <i><span style="color: #990000;">“…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” </span></i><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite psalms is 136. It begins with verses 1-3 - thanking God for His Goodness. <span style="color: #990000;"><i>"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever."</i> </span>So much we have to be thankful for! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Thank Jesus for your salvation. If we had nothing else to be thankful for, that would be sufficient!</i></b></span><br /><br />Oh, how we thank Him for rescuing us from certain destruction and eternal doom! In II Corinthians 9:15 Paul says this,<i> <span style="color: #990000;">“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”</span> </i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">This Thanksgiving, make it a priority to focus on faith, family, and giving. The blessing we receive from meeting the needs of someone else is huge. Give to your local shelter, or volunteer your time. Do something different as a family, and make a memory by serving others in your community. Help distribute gift baskets at church to the needy, or invite a co-worker who doesn't have immediate family nearby for a home-cooked meal and fellowship. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"> Enjoy one of the greatest praise songs ever sung </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;"><b> Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/blbslHDgceY" width="320" youtube-src-id="blbslHDgceY"></iframe></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIETwgqo6c8/YWzJi9dLY2I/AAAAAAAAMMc/dRAbbdKwjREkDPG3hIC00ddiXp4nG9G5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s294/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" height="46" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bIETwgqo6c8/YWzJi9dLY2I/AAAAAAAAMMc/dRAbbdKwjREkDPG3hIC00ddiXp4nG9G5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" width="294" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQbnEkbdfnE/YWzJvd5ZxgI/AAAAAAAAMMg/GgqNpQ_eDNs7lDTs5DQOuCYu24S8b9P_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s135/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" height="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQbnEkbdfnE/YWzJvd5ZxgI/AAAAAAAAMMg/GgqNpQ_eDNs7lDTs5DQOuCYu24S8b9P_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" width="88" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></i></div>Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </i><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a> </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-68191600017090402252021-07-29T16:47:00.005-04:002021-07-29T16:47:59.868-04:005 Things to Consider in the Midst of Depression<p><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPcVM0-4EzI/V6KjNB5yqcI/AAAAAAAAIOg/MwjF4p0AZ2sUliuxtAE00nKC-63ZeDN2ACLcB/s1600/woman%2Bcrying.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPcVM0-4EzI/V6KjNB5yqcI/AAAAAAAAIOg/MwjF4p0AZ2sUliuxtAE00nKC-63ZeDN2ACLcB/s200/woman%2Bcrying.jpg" width="200" /></a> <b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Sadness is an expression of grief or unhappiness. It often precedes a brief</i></span></b><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> season of depression.</i></span></b></p><span>I am generally an upbeat, positive person. Cheerful, encouraging, and hopeful describe me most days.</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>So why do I find myself feeling so sad at times? What causes me to well-up inside and become so despondent? Why can't I control my emotions better - especially in the presence of other believers?</span><br /><span><br /></span>When you live in an <b><i>unequally-yoked marriage</i></b>, you feel like you just don't belong in the local church the same way a Christian married couple does. You are essentially a "lone" Christ follower. Your habits and routines are different. Your giving and commitments are different. Your spiritual cadence is different from the other couples. You feel so out-of-step with everyone else. Here is a post I wrote earlier that deals with some of those differences titled <a href="http://godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/2014/07/are-you-missing-in-action.html" target="_blank">Are You Missing In Action?</a><br /><br /><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Depression is a valid emotion in the cycle of life. Don't let anyone tell you not to feel sad or depressed. You are a human being, not a robot. However, you can "visit" depression on occasion - just don't take up permanent "residence" there.</i></b></span><br /><br />In I Kings 19:1-18 we read about Elijah and his struggles with depression. After God miraculously displayed His divine power on Mount Carmel, Elijah withdrew into the desert armed with a death wish. He hid in a cave and wailed "woe is me" before accusing God of leaving him all alone to fight the heathen foreigners.<br /><br />King David struggled with depression and feelings of intense sadness more than once. Some of his emotions had to do with blatant sin, while others dealt with fear and rejection. He often questioned God about the whole matter.<br /><br />Here are some of David's heartfelt pleas: <i>Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destruction... (Psalm 35:17) Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. (Psalm 38:9) Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? (Psalm 42:5) Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You. (Psalm 57:1) </i><i>Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. (Psalm 141:1)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's okay to cry out to God and raise the question "Why?"</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>God already knows our struggles and fears. He sees down the road of uncertainty. He is aware of the pitfalls and traps laid by the enemy. He cannot be taken by surprise. Nothing is too difficult for Him to deal with. <i>So why do we fret and get ourselves so worked up over things we have little or no control over? What do we do with the intense feelings of sadness and heaviness that blanket our souls? How do we make sense of the heartache and sorrowful countenance?</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXpt381Ctqs/V6K4cFT0bCI/AAAAAAAAIO0/8Ti4Iz6ouhIRwqQcdH4qY6qUNbuVTrtdgCLcB/s1600/woman%2Bdejected.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXpt381Ctqs/V6K4cFT0bCI/AAAAAAAAIO0/8Ti4Iz6ouhIRwqQcdH4qY6qUNbuVTrtdgCLcB/s320/woman%2Bdejected.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here are five possible reasons for your sadness...</span></i></b></div><span><br /></span><span><b>1.</b> <b>We are grieving the fact that our marriage partner isn't in sync with us spiritually. </b>Believers have a spiritual discernment. We are instructed by the Spirit of God. Our unbelieving spouse can't grasp that concept and they are spiritually blind. Amos 3:3 declares, <i>"Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"</i> And Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, <i>"For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"</i></span><br /><span><br /></span><span><b>2.</b> <b>We are saddened by the thought that our best efforts haven't made a substantial difference in their spiritual conversion.</b> We have to be realistic here in our expectations. God is the one who draws unbelievers into fellowship with Himself. As Paul says in I Corinthians 3:6, <i>"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase."</i></span><br /><span><br /></span><span><b>3.</b> <b>We have difficulty processing the fact that our marriage might never improve on the timetable or in the way we think it should. </b>God has a specific plan for our marriage. He is never in a hurry, and He is never late. The important thing to remember is God wants to do what will bring Him the "most glory" with regards to our mate's salvation. God has given them His permissive "free will" to choose salvation or to reject it. Our place is to pray for their spiritual enlightenment. (Romans 10:20)</span><br /><span><br /></span><span><b>4.</b> <b>We can't seem to grasp the thought of differences that may never be reconciled. </b></span><span>One of the hardest things to do is to examine our own emotions and then take steps to deal with them honestly. My previous post</span><span> </span><a href="http://godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/2012/08/cant-we-all-just-get-along.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Can't We All Just Get Along?</a> has some great pointers to help you stay on track.<br /><span><br /></span><span><b>5</b>. <b>We reluctantly recognize that depression may visit us for a season.</b> We must come to grips with the fact that we will have good and bad days, ups and downs, highs and lows. Every marriage experiences "seasons" - and quite often they coincide with major life events, changes, challenges, and family dynamics that we have no control over. Our spouse will not always give us the support we long for. However, you can count on this: Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. (Joshua 1:5)</span><br /><span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>So how do we move forward and regain our spiritual footing?</b></i></span></div><span><br /></span><span>Be practical and proactive. Start by doing the basics: eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. When you feel overwhelmed - take a deep breath and prioritize. Give yourself permission to process sadness and grief. Keep yourself centered on God's Word. Pray for wisdom and understanding. Reprogram your mind to think on <i>"things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and virtuous"</i> (Philippians 4:8).</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>Don't worry - and be happy might just be words from a popular song - but they also help to redirect your thoughts. Our Lord Jesus put it this way, <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?"</span></i> (Luke 12:25-26).</span><br /><span><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZUCyYm5UAY/V6K6u0w82wI/AAAAAAAAIPA/MVbeVEEva386p2tR9t7VAHWCu-wW338hgCLcB/s1600/woman%2Bsad%2Bhappy%2Bface.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZUCyYm5UAY/V6K6u0w82wI/AAAAAAAAIPA/MVbeVEEva386p2tR9t7VAHWCu-wW338hgCLcB/s320/woman%2Bsad%2Bhappy%2Bface.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span>God will help you with your feelings of sadness and depression. Prayer and meditating on His Word brings comfort and security. God is our Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>Stay well connected with Christian friends. Continue with your small group studies and church activities when you find yourself wanting to withdraw. We were meant to be part of a community of believers. Encourage one another and extend grace even when it is undeserved.</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>Each day begins with a clean slate. Every dawn holds new opportunities and possibilities. Today is a good day for a good day...</span><br /><span><br /></span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5yV6sfGz6c/YQMS0wnjPnI/AAAAAAAAMLw/ps8K8-NCGKcx3RrPmtiaNbyxF0uDa0TvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s294/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" height="46" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5yV6sfGz6c/YQMS0wnjPnI/AAAAAAAAMLw/ps8K8-NCGKcx3RrPmtiaNbyxF0uDa0TvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" width="294" /></a></div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kj45m6o4RvU/YQMTTIcjpPI/AAAAAAAAML4/uynM4NsF1bAgn2KrCvkemx6P8g5zdESUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s135/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" height="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kj45m6o4RvU/YQMTTIcjpPI/AAAAAAAAML4/uynM4NsF1bAgn2KrCvkemx6P8g5zdESUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" width="88" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com<br /></a></span></i></div><div><span>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></span></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-57874846493993918362021-05-18T17:12:00.003-04:002021-05-18T17:15:14.086-04:00Live Long and Prosper...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B48snj8-wtI/YKB5zShMbmI/AAAAAAAAMIs/mN5GHCztNwIZuIRWQ6t5vJhkiC6ExAGrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s264/Spock%2BLLAP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="264" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B48snj8-wtI/YKB5zShMbmI/AAAAAAAAMIs/mN5GHCztNwIZuIRWQ6t5vJhkiC6ExAGrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Spock%2BLLAP.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things </span></i></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and be in health, just as your soul prospers. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(3 John 2).</span></i></b></span><p></p><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Okay – I’ll admit it...I was a</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">'Trekkie'</i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">back in the day. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I loved watching Star Trek each week as Captain James T Kirk and First Officer Spock explored brave new worlds in far-away galaxies aboard the Federation Starship Enterprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Set the in 23<sup>rd</sup> century, their galactic adventures centered around the United Federation of Planets and its interaction with both friendly and hostile alien species. Each week the show featured the young crew facing life and death decisions as they navigated through difficulties and dangers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mr. Spock would, on occasion, give a blessing of sorts to someone with whom he had respect for or to whom he paid homage to by saying, <i><b>“Live long and prosper”</b></i>. A caveat here: <i>in my opinion</i>, Gene Roddenberry likely had 3 John 2 in mind when he crafted that famous line.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>To prosper is to become strong and flourishing – successful or thriving. It also refers to succeeding in an enterprise or economic activity. </i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Genesis 39:5 and 39:23 refers to Joseph’s prospering under God’s mighty hand. Verse 3 tells us, <i>“And his mater saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to <b>prosper</b> in his hand.”</i> Later in verse 23 we see, <i>“The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s hand, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it <b>prosper</b>.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prosperity can relate to the physical, the mental, and the spiritual state. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What does prosperity look like to the Christian? It is proof of God’s working within the daily circumstances of a believer’s life.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It can be an economic surplus, or it can be a physical advantage.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It may manifest itself as an emotional boost, or it can become a spiritual fountain.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prosperity to me is an indication of inner joy working itself outward in a Christian’s life that is so evident to others that it can only be attributed to God.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 1 tells us that that the blessed man [woman] delights in God’s law and meditates on His precepts. Verse 3 says, <i>“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall <b>prosper</b>.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 35:27 tells us the Lord has pleasure in the prosperity of His servants. Psalm 122:6 declares those who love the Lord will <i><b>prosper</b></i>. Even the Apostle Paul told the Corinthian church to <i>“…lay something aside, storing up as he may <b>prosper</b>, that there be no collections when I come.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Biblical prosperity opens the door for the Christian to share their abundance with those in need. It is never to be hoarded and wasted. Even King Solomon warned us in Ecclesiastes 7:14 that God brings both prosperity and adversity – that we might be joyful in the one, and mindful in the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>3 John 2 was written as a greeting to John’s dear friend Gaius, who most likely supported traveling teachers and missionaries.</i></b></span> </span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf7kfmMgDR0/YKB-fZosu1I/AAAAAAAAMI0/0MMuShPlpAwtEMOR4Lrp1WPwzy8bjdvPACLcBGAsYHQ/s275/StarTrek_Logo_2007.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf7kfmMgDR0/YKB-fZosu1I/AAAAAAAAMI0/0MMuShPlpAwtEMOR4Lrp1WPwzy8bjdvPACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/StarTrek_Logo_2007.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>John commended him for his steadfast adherence to God’s Word. He prayed for him to have good fortune and good health – that his everyday affairs would prosper and flourish as his soul did. John was happy to hear the good report concerning his beloved student of truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In biblical times good health and longevity were a rarity. Thus, this saying was frequently used to bless someone and to bestow God’s favor upon them by proxy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our Vulcan friend might have exuded little to no emotion while giving his blessing, but we can all agree it is a benediction of sorts nonetheless. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Live long and prosper definitely has its roots right here in Scripture.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Right on Mr. Spock… good job!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1gMDu3zKB0/YKB_7TzIEeI/AAAAAAAAMI8/kLQ4RO1Z5jkS3JuEX4E7tJLUi1O5CQfvACLcBGAsYHQ/s294/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1gMDu3zKB0/YKB_7TzIEeI/AAAAAAAAMI8/kLQ4RO1Z5jkS3JuEX4E7tJLUi1O5CQfvACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5vS5oUkxJ8/YKCAvxt4mAI/AAAAAAAAMJE/Zf2IJFOXmfIMIr4BGUl80SPVLeB1ssdQACLcBGAsYHQ/s135/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5vS5oUkxJ8/YKCAvxt4mAI/AAAAAAAAMJE/Zf2IJFOXmfIMIr4BGUl80SPVLeB1ssdQACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><o:p> </o:p></i><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></p></span></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-14450657697434023842021-02-04T22:02:00.002-05:002021-02-04T22:06:37.667-05:00If God Sent You a Valentine...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C28YzCJZhZM/YBy0ZIUM-rI/AAAAAAAAMHc/nthIr217u9wLZB7QtkkkVnWvwjQrZmN5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Be%2Bmy%2BValentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C28YzCJZhZM/YBy0ZIUM-rI/AAAAAAAAMHc/nthIr217u9wLZB7QtkkkVnWvwjQrZmN5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Be%2Bmy%2BValentine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentines didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840's by Esther A. Howland.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> (courtesy Wikipedia)</i></span></p><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>If God were to send you a Valentine what would it look like?</b></i></span></div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">That is not a difficult question to answer if you are a Christian, for He has already given you one... God's Word is His <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Valentine</span></i></b> to you and me. Not just any <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Valentine</span></b></i> - but one that transcends our ability to grasp it's full impact. God's <i>Love Letter</i> is given to us for all time and for all circumstances. It is not limited to a special holiday.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">God's requirement for us as His beloved is that we make Him our <i>"<b>first love</b>"</i> - wholly committed to Him. Our heart represents our core being. Loving God with our <b><i>whole heart</i></b> means our affections must be focused foremost and fully on Him first. Only then can we love others with the love He loves us...</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is the highest form of affection. Agape love is the highest form of love according to God's Word. In your spiritually uneven marriage God wants to love your spouse through you, and that means even when you don't feel like it. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is the volition of your will that will direct your emotional response. Decide now that you will show your love by your actions. Remember your vows: to love and cherish, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health... <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>Loving your husband needs to be unconditional and intentional.</b></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQuaKhuZcTY/VNfDxB-1D3I/AAAAAAAAFuw/7X_bzRiUTec/s1600/ABP%2Bquote%2B2%2Bhearts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQuaKhuZcTY/VNfDxB-1D3I/AAAAAAAAFuw/7X_bzRiUTec/s1600/ABP%2Bquote%2B2%2Bhearts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I write these posts I can honestly say I am reinforcing my own need to hear this. I write and read these blog articles for my own admonishment and encouragement! I too struggle with emotions and the up and down feelings that accompany any marriage - especially when you are spiritually mismatched. There is often a disconnect - a drifting apart that occurs with regards to spiritual intimacy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Valentine's Day</span></i></b> do something special for your mate. .</span>Sure - give them candy hearts and a card. Make them their favorite meal and spend quality time together. Then give them something unexpected..<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Give them a </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">look in the eye</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> honest thank-you for all that you have been through together. Men desire - no, men </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>need</b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> our respect and love. Tell them that you’d marry them all over again – that they are just what God designed for you! Reinforce that through your marriage, children, family issues, parents' deaths, surgeries, illnesses, moves, remodels, and lots of other LIFE events, that you are totally committed to them!</span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">What has touched my heart more than anything else over the years has been a consistent hand-written note in every Valentine card I receive from my husband, telling me that he loves me, and thanking God for me. This is a gesture of love coming from a man who has yet to make Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. How blessed I am!</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYXPGC5Q7W8/VNfMPpH_LdI/AAAAAAAAFvA/ivlswMCXxmw/s1600/Candy%2Bhearts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYXPGC5Q7W8/VNfMPpH_LdI/AAAAAAAAFvA/ivlswMCXxmw/s1600/Candy%2Bhearts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />In the book of Ephesians Chapter 5 commands us to walk in love towards one another. The Apostle Paul is teaching on submitting to one another in the fear of God. Husbands are admonished to love their wives just as Christ loves the church. Wives are taught to respect their husbands. </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div>This portion of Scripture is not just for Christian marriages - but for all marriages. Our submission to Christ in our marriage is <u>key</u> to pleasing Him and our spouse. You can visit a previous post I wrote on the subject of <i><b>submission</b></i> <a href="http://godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/2011/06/oh-no-not-s-word.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> .<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Give your husband a </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Valentine</span></b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> straight from God's heart... give him love abounding from a grateful <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">heart</span></i></b> established in God's Word - full of peace and grace!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivFBAZ1jzkw/YByzq2D_B_I/AAAAAAAAMHM/P54jRagKU4Yig8TI1bCzUDR9Z_Tyw_-SACLcBGAsYHQ/s294/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivFBAZ1jzkw/YByzq2D_B_I/AAAAAAAAMHM/P54jRagKU4Yig8TI1bCzUDR9Z_Tyw_-SACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knlvbitlBf0/YBy0HhaGqiI/AAAAAAAAMHU/Kb2oJF3jMWAOpMHmzzMVq9Fnb6cBW9GpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s135/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knlvbitlBf0/YBy0HhaGqiI/AAAAAAAAMHU/Kb2oJF3jMWAOpMHmzzMVq9Fnb6cBW9GpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></p><br /></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-76768979721999390742021-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:002021-01-01T00:02:52.838-05:00New Year - New Opportunities!<p> <i style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b>Just like Groundhog Day - </b>it's a replay from the year before. The New Year and all the anticipation that it brings hangs in the balance...</i></p><p>But this past year was different. Our lives were turned upside down. We had to adjust to things that were not of our choosing or in our control...</p><p>We make resolutions, we start diets & exercise, we begin healthy habits and quit things that we've decided not to do anymore, all in an attempt to start afresh with a clean slate...</p>So - why do we feel like all the effort never pays off? What can we do differently THIS YEAR to make our goals and dreams a reality?<br /><br />Remember, you are in control of your own spiritual destiny with God. It is a personal relationship between you and your Creator. Your mind, will, and emotions play an important part. Your volitional level involves your will (or willingness). Your emotions and intellect carry out your desire. Make sure you aim for success by making the decision to follow through with your plans. Here are a few tips to get you started...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bj_sr4blpCg/VKSx5wxM4VI/AAAAAAAAFd8/3bYwjHlT4WE/s1600/Bible%2Bstudy%2Btime.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bj_sr4blpCg/VKSx5wxM4VI/AAAAAAAAFd8/3bYwjHlT4WE/s1600/Bible%2Bstudy%2Btime.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First of all</span> </i></b>--- Don't stress out! God's Word declares His mercy and compassion are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). When we fail (and we will) we know He is a God of fresh beginnings and second chances. These are two of my favorites verses for encouragement:<br /><br /><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Isaiah 43.18-19" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Isaiah%2043.18-19" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Isaiah 43:18-19</a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px;">“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a <b>new</b> thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” </i><br /><br /><a class="lbsBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Jeremiah 29.11" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Jeremiah%2029.11" style="background-color: white; color: #6699cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11</a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.2px;">"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, go give you a future and a hope."</i><br /><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Secondly</i></b></span> --- Map out your overall strategy for the year ahead. Start out with small steps towards your goal. Keep reminding yourself that you're doing better than the previous year. Stay focused on the "big picture" and not on your failures. You will have setbacks and disappointments, so be ready for bumps in the road. Thank God for your progress and ask Him to help you in your spiritual journey.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TB5xAHyvZu8/VKS2sKSWoQI/AAAAAAAAFeI/49GRoCFXTfI/s1600/woman%2Bwriting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TB5xAHyvZu8/VKS2sKSWoQI/AAAAAAAAFeI/49GRoCFXTfI/s1600/woman%2Bwriting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Thirdly</i></b></span> --- Keep on keeping on! Don't give up or let the enemy of your soul taunt you. Every day that you set your mind and affection on Jesus Christ is a winning day! Bask in His Word, keep on praying, and stay in fellowship with other believers. Isolation is one of Satan's greatest weapons. Encourage you<span style="font-family: inherit;">rself daily in the Lor</span>d. Ask Him to help you succeed by producing good fruit in your spiritual life (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: left;">As we walk day by day through the year 2021, let us be comforted by this </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: left;">great hymn.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Leaning on the Everlasting Arms</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What a fellowship, what a joy divine,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leaning on the everlasting arms;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leaning on the everlasting arms.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Leaning, leaning,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Safe and secure from all alarms;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Leaning, leaning,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"> Leaning on the everlasting arms.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">O, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Leaning on the everlasting arms;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">O, how bright the path grows from day to day,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Leaning on the everlasting arms.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">What have I to dread, what have I to fear,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Leaning on the everlasting arms?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Leaning on the everlasting arms.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Elisha Albright Hoffman)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>In this New Year resolve to make forward progress with Christ:</b></span></i></b></span></i></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span><span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">As the Apostle Paul states in Philippians verse 13-14, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">“but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” </i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>Enjoy two more of my favorite New Year's Eve posts from years past:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/2017/01/3-steps-to-new-years-resolution-you-can.html" target="_blank">3 Steps to a New Year's Resolution You Can Keep</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><a href="http://godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/2010/12/sure-foundation.html" target="_blank">A Sure Foundation for the New Year</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UT0HVlAvFs/X-6rNd0T3LI/AAAAAAAAMGc/D7FEAvYE-5s4txhvTDpvxDYBadbb0vk0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s294/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UT0HVlAvFs/X-6rNd0T3LI/AAAAAAAAMGc/D7FEAvYE-5s4txhvTDpvxDYBadbb0vk0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jI9T7uC01Hg/X-6rlJCHdgI/AAAAAAAAMGk/r-JTxnFg4TwVdzJAUJvKVXAed3rf3b06ACLcBGAsYHQ/s135/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jI9T7uC01Hg/X-6rlJCHdgI/AAAAAAAAMGk/r-JTxnFg4TwVdzJAUJvKVXAed3rf3b06ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a></div><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-26778046222150439702020-12-04T23:28:00.003-05:002020-12-04T23:28:48.704-05:00Holiday Expectations - Keeping It Real<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm026Tuuqw0/X8mtp8ZXWaI/AAAAAAAAMFw/xzKPE8y0XvQ8qJ3qO3hwV-tifdDrI0ySwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Christmas%2Bfamily.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm026Tuuqw0/X8mtp8ZXWaI/AAAAAAAAMFw/xzKPE8y0XvQ8qJ3qO3hwV-tifdDrI0ySwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Christmas%2Bfamily.jpg" /></a></div> <b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">It’s that time of year when expectations </span></i></b><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">run high… but they often don’t quite </span></i></b><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">measure-up to reality. </span></i></b><p></p><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This holiday season is different for sure... Travel is being discouraged, gathering to share a meal with multi generations is frowned upon, and many do not have the additional resources to spare for lavish presents and overindulgences. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>We all have unmet expectations when it comes to Christmas. </i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now might be a good time to reevaluate what is </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>really important</i></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> this Christmas. <b><i>Faith, family and charity</i></b> are my favorite things to focus on during this time of year. Here is my take on each of them:Christmas. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">FAITH </span></b>- Jesus is certainly the <i><b>Reason for the Season</b></i>. The babe in the manger born in Bethlehem came into this world to fulfill prophesy foretold long ago of a Savior – Christ the Lord. He is our Prince of Peace during times of turmoil and uncertainty. Jesus is the “indescribable gift” from the Father above.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(II Corinthians 9:15).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">FAMILY</span></b> - Now there is a “loaded” subject. We all have them, but sometimes we don't like them very much. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Often during family gatherings tensions arise between siblings, parents and children, and spouses. Every family has their </span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">danger zone</i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> when it comes to relationship pitfalls. Placing unrealistic expectations on your family can cause depression, anxiety, and anger. Be sure bathe your holidays in prayer. Extend grace where needed and use self-control liberally.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">CHARITY</span></b> - Nothing makes you feel better than meeting a need and helping someone less fortunate than yourself. Giving emulates the character of <b><i>Jesus</i></b>. This is the season for gift giving and donating your time, energy and finances to worthy causes. Share with others what the Lord has blessed you with. Remember, it is not the size of your gift – but the heart motive that matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Oftentimes family gatherings are a flashpoint for tensions.</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPNkcJkb6ng/X8mt8Qh_aGI/AAAAAAAAMF4/h91VG3OGERwTFqNlI2uKYpH5Yj8fCT7dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Norman%2BRockwell%2BChristmas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPNkcJkb6ng/X8mt8Qh_aGI/AAAAAAAAMF4/h91VG3OGERwTFqNlI2uKYpH5Yj8fCT7dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Norman%2BRockwell%2BChristmas.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">First of all - we likely don't have a perfect family - who does? It might be stressful to deal with an ex-spouse or ex-in-laws. Many people deal with new dynamics in a blended family. Things don’t always go as planned, so be sure to stay flexible and non-confrontational if possible. Extend grace to others. Don’t assume wrong motives. Allow extra time for yourself in order to avoid a melt-down in the middle of cooking, cleaning and socializing with your extended family. Ask others to help with food preparation, gift-wrapping, decorating and cleanup.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Give yourself permission to “let something go” that was on your to-do list without the guilt. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Every year isn’t going to be a Norman Rockwell Christmas – and that is OKAY. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recognize that not everyone is going to want to do what </span><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>you want to do</b></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> at Christmastime.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Give and take is essential with a large family as much as it is with a small one.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Feelings will get hurt and toes will get stepped on.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s OKAY.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Focus on the major things and don’t fret over the minor things.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Making memories that will last is honorable – but not at the expense of your sanity or your relationships.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Enjoy the journey. Keep your sanity by maintaining some boundaries. Get plenty of rest, eat right, and exercise to keep yourself healthy and mentally balanced. Slow down...</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Remember – JESUS is the Reason for the Season. Everything else is just filler...</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nl7WH1GRQFg/X8ms4T0j8II/AAAAAAAAMFg/vAuLLsgKKooNC5H0rQiZMRSSy2uHoniswCLcBGAsYHQ/s294/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nl7WH1GRQFg/X8ms4T0j8II/AAAAAAAAMFg/vAuLLsgKKooNC5H0rQiZMRSSy2uHoniswCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0z1yfvjsYAE/X8mtSPR77pI/AAAAAAAAMFo/OhrB87bKl6UMFRRYmDfayyWRKFwHHHiwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s135/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0z1yfvjsYAE/X8mtSPR77pI/AAAAAAAAMFo/OhrB87bKl6UMFRRYmDfayyWRKFwHHHiwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a></div></div></b><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.</i> </span><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></i><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Times, serif;"><b>If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</b></span></i></p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-46708433558021268462020-11-12T22:36:00.001-05:002020-11-12T22:36:49.835-05:00Thankful in Everything...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmgrqYFdERo/X6tkIwpr0GI/AAAAAAAAMEc/Zcz3njNgRs86ynlbMNckOkp0lP8-VlPUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s160/Thanksgiving%2Bmeal.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="123" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmgrqYFdERo/X6tkIwpr0GI/AAAAAAAAMEc/Zcz3njNgRs86ynlbMNckOkp0lP8-VlPUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Thanksgiving%2Bmeal.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia;"><i> <b>The</b></i></span><i style="color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> holidays are fast approaching.</b> Are you feeling lonely at home - even amongst your family? Do you wrestle with a sadness and disconnect during a time when commercials and advertisements portray unity and happiness?</span></i><i style="color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></i><i style="color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do you begin to fantasize about having what you perceive others have all around you? What do you do with all those conflicting feelings and thoughts?</span></i><div><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We all remember the classic <i><b>Norman Rockwell </b>painting of Thanksgiving Dinner.</i> It’s the quintessential portrait of the all American family gathered for a special meal and fellowship. <b><i>Sometimes life doesn’t imitate art…</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><b><i>During this pandemic - life is not normal... at least not the way it used to be... </i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There will most likely be hesitation to gather under one roof for a large sit-down dinner. We probably won't have multi-generational family time like we did in years past...</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">There are new protocols for sanitation, social distancing, food preparation and meal sharing guidelines.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">One thing is certain - nothing remains the same. It is for a season...</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you’re in an unequally yoked marriage, you will have days where you feel miserable and venerable. There will always be drama. You may feel isolated and out-of-sorts. We all can recall times when we’ve just felt alone - but you don't need to let that dictate how you respond to others around you.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -27pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxJRn13Yf1M/X6tkUKZ-8HI/AAAAAAAAMEg/4BqSU9UfIUE-ihm1FMnpYyGQUsI1LYTvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Thanksgiving%2Bdinner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1200" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxJRn13Yf1M/X6tkUKZ-8HI/AAAAAAAAMEg/4BqSU9UfIUE-ihm1FMnpYyGQUsI1LYTvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h216/Thanksgiving%2Bdinner.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I catch myself thinking thoughts that are not God honoring or when I wallow in self pity – I look up and acknowledge to God that I need help – <i><b>fast</b></i><b><i>!</i></b> What does He reveal to me in my moments of sorrow and helplessness?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><ul><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> </span><span>He reminds me that I have a loving and devoted husband, even though he has not yet given his life to Christ.</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He reminds me that Hollywood and advertisers would have me believe that every day is to be filled with roses and smiles and dreams come true.</i></span></li></ul><ul><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> He reminds me that feelings last for a time, but commitment is everlasting.</span></i></li></ul><ul><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span>He reminds me that I tend to look at other marriages through “rose-colored glasses”.</span></span></i></li></ul><ul><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"> </span><span>He reminds me that nothing affects His love for me – not even my doubt.</span></span></i></li></ul><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Scripture, when David was ruthlessly pursued by King Saul, he found solace and peace in God. David wrote Psalm 27 during that time of anticipation, and verses 13-14 express his steadfast faith in God: <i>"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!"</i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia;"><b><i>Some of my favorite verses that express a spirit of thanksgiving are:</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>Psalm 107:1</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>Psalm 95:2-3</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>Colossians 3:16</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>Psalm 28:7</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>II Corinthians 2:14</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>Psalm 30:12</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>Psalm 75:1</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>Philippians 4:6</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b><i>Psalm 100:4</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><i><b>Remember - true thanksgiving emits from a grateful heart. </b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Even in turbulent times we can have a peace that surpasses understanding. </i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>As the storm rages above, there is a deep calm beneath the breaking waves...</i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0D_h4GiNl0/X62ycjGKgqI/AAAAAAAAMEw/QlwY-0oPKLMU2xgo2fmI3rabbxq4UibeACLcBGAsYHQ/s318/stormy%2Bseas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="318" height="118" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0D_h4GiNl0/X62ycjGKgqI/AAAAAAAAMEw/QlwY-0oPKLMU2xgo2fmI3rabbxq4UibeACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h118/stormy%2Bseas.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Take a fresh inventory of your blessings and face the holidays with a renewed vigor and confidence, knowing that your Heavenly Father delights in you.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XO5tHL9Tsc/X620-KYPFzI/AAAAAAAAME8/oenvjN6ZRGwzDDVzACsLD5psNwEBBqrlACLcBGAsYHQ/s294/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XO5tHL9Tsc/X620-KYPFzI/AAAAAAAAME8/oenvjN6ZRGwzDDVzACsLD5psNwEBBqrlACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LlwFtuGlBJw/X621LZHFJ5I/AAAAAAAAMFA/ipwhQeMFn14Edwf-7g01cL-UZF1noGDeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s135/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LlwFtuGlBJw/X621LZHFJ5I/AAAAAAAAMFA/ipwhQeMFn14Edwf-7g01cL-UZF1noGDeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a></div><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i><span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><i style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b></b></span></i></div></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-43137705884237977072020-09-27T20:55:00.000-04:002020-09-27T20:56:22.911-04:00Do You Belong to Jesus?<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEFq5U25ix4/X3Ez-Hi3IfI/AAAAAAAAMD8/3QIxf61EiGAPvH1Q1BIH4weNYp4zhKU_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couple%2Bdistant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEFq5U25ix4/X3Ez-Hi3IfI/AAAAAAAAMD8/3QIxf61EiGAPvH1Q1BIH4weNYp4zhKU_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/couple%2Bdistant.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Are you still waiting for a particular family member to make a decision to </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">f</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">ollow Christ?</span></i></b> </p><p>They might even say they are a Christian - but their life's actions don't back up that assertion. Many profess their religious preferences and convictions, but a true conversion will be evident by their lifestyle (fruit). Ultimately, only God Himself knows if they are truly saved.</p><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Embracing the true gospel and its doctrines is difficult.</span></i></b> <div><br /></div><div>Jesus Himself had this to say about two ways of life: <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way, which leads to life, and there are few who find it."</span></i> (Matthew 7:13-14)<br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Becoming a Christian is an individual choice</span></i></b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is not predicated on your family background, your church attendance, or your moral values. There is a saying that <i>"God has no grandchildren"</i>. It is based solely on faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ as a substitute for you at Calvary. He bore our sins so we could become sinless. It is a belief and a personal confession of His saving grace and mercy extended to you as a sinner by a loving God who pursues us.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">There should be a time in your life where you can clearly point to </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>an event </i></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>or a private moment that changed you forever, and that is </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">your genuine conversion experience with the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></i></b></div><br />There is a <i>super highway</i> in life that is packed with many lanes of traffic - all headed in the wrong direction. The pace is fast and furious. There is congestion and noise and mass confusion. The world is on the broad road to destruction and death. Eternity for them is pure hell - literally...<br /><br />There is also a road less traveled. It is like a picturesque back country road - meandering through the hills and valleys of life. It is a narrow road that leads to life and godliness. It is often a difficult and lonely journey. Eternity for the true believer will be a never ending communion with the God of creation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLyirb4L5k8/WewMzCRzEAI/AAAAAAAAJYc/By8e3Y3uVDMuq4CKj8GIc30XRmb38peKwCLcBGAs/s1600/path%2Bin%2Bcountry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLyirb4L5k8/WewMzCRzEAI/AAAAAAAAJYc/By8e3Y3uVDMuq4CKj8GIc30XRmb38peKwCLcBGAs/s320/path%2Bin%2Bcountry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i>In the last days there will be many in the "church" who will fall away from the faith (apostasy).</i></b> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are countless false believers and those who would confuse and mislead many on the way. Our loved ones are often lulled by the world and its relentless tug-o-war on their hearts and minds. Praying scripture is one of the most effective ways to petition God on their behalf. This passage is a favorite of mine: <i>"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe..." </i>(Ephesians 1:17-19 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">No doubt there will be many in heaven whom we never thought would be there. Certainly there will not be people in heaven that we were sure would be there. The point is Scripture clearly teaches there are "few" who find the narrow gate to heaven. It is a road less traveled and it is difficult.</div><div><b style="background-color: white; color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></div>The good news is that God invites us to join Him via the gospel message - declaring His love sent down from heaven, that we might ask Jesus Christ to save us and sanctify us by His redeeming work.<br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">For those who live in an unequally-yoked marriage, faith in God's ability to reach them is crucial. </span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Pray for them and remember that their decision to follow Christ is just that: a personal choice. We do not answer for their actions or their failure to act on His invitation. <i>Free will to reject His offer is not God's perfect will - but it is in His permissive will. </i></div><div><i><br /></i><span>There will be evidence of a true conversion for a believer when they become part of God's family.<b style="color: #0b5394;"> </b></span>You cannot be a true disciple of Jesus Christ without loving His people, His Word, and His ways.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A Christian is a “follower and disciple of Christ”. </b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>The <u>one</u> who keeps His commandments and </b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><u>does</u> His will is a true Christian</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="John 14.15" data-version="nkjv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/John%2014.15" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">John 14:15</a>). </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpUy8XhzA5s/WewXT9JBjmI/AAAAAAAAJZI/vlO0_t9rrpsDJMjCUZOBE0nP0skFCUXcgCLcBGAs/s1600/I%2Bbelong%2Bto%2BJesus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpUy8XhzA5s/WewXT9JBjmI/AAAAAAAAJZI/vlO0_t9rrpsDJMjCUZOBE0nP0skFCUXcgCLcBGAs/s320/I%2Bbelong%2Bto%2BJesus.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Here are two past posts that talk candidly about true conversion </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">by way of the narrow path:</span></i></b></div><br /> <b> <a href="http://godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/2013/04/its-not-about-religion-its-about.html" target="_blank">It's Not About Religion</a> <a href="http://godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-bona-fide-convert.html" target="_blank">A Bona Fide Convert</a></b><div><b><br /></b><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tn-mBAKq-g/WewQzpYRSwI/AAAAAAAAJYo/CccO0O7a7FAZmebBXyF5ovxzKcQy4lVtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tn-mBAKq-g/WewQzpYRSwI/AAAAAAAAJYo/CccO0O7a7FAZmebBXyF5ovxzKcQy4lVtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_EZnyiUe8n8/X3Eh1s80MWI/AAAAAAAAMDw/koP8DXt3QHwZ3AWjHI1dZELKJAeQkdAHACLcBGAsYHQ/s135/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_EZnyiUe8n8/X3Eh1s80MWI/AAAAAAAAMDw/koP8DXt3QHwZ3AWjHI1dZELKJAeQkdAHACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div><div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></p></div></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-84572581843306935362020-08-25T23:02:00.000-04:002020-08-25T23:02:56.646-04:00Where are you, Lord?<div class="separator"><p style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2048" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WR6H0_6cW_I/X0XGCtx0vKI/AAAAAAAAKrY/df-4qSfm3r0xpu8e1UEbctwRKtXmHBZBACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h181/daria-nepriakhina-_XR5rkprHQU-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /><b style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i> </i></b></p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><b><i>A well-known phone carrier was famous for its mantra of "Can you hear me now?"</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span>The mobile phone user wanted to make sure he is heard from any location, at any time, in any situation. Connection is the key to success.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span>Suppose you are on a call with your spouse and they begin to fade out. It’s hard to hear them – you might only catch every other word. Their voice might grow faint and you may hear static in the background. You frantically move from room to room in hopes that the signal with grow stronger.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><span face=""><b><i>Sometimes you are in a place with God where your signal is weak and your connection is wavering.</i></b></span> </span><br /><span><br /></span><span>The fault is not at God’s end, but at <u>yours</u>. You've moved <i>out of range</i> and now you no longer hear Him clearly. <i>“Where are you, God?”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span>Now go back in time with me… Remember playing with two cans and a string when you were little – believing you were in an urgent conversation with your sister or best friend? Sure, you could hear alright, but every now and then you wondered if what you said actually got to the ear of whoever was on the receiving end. The science says it works, but you had your doubts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doAnPDItGxY/UbaXAVor4fI/AAAAAAAAElg/fK8tdxRjKTw/s1600/tin-can-string+phone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doAnPDItGxY/UbaXAVor4fI/AAAAAAAAElg/fK8tdxRjKTw/s200/tin-can-string+phone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dr. David Jeremiah [Turning Point Magazine] puts it this way: </div></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span> </span><i><span face=""><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span face=""> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whenever we pray, God is on the other end of the line with His ear to the can, hearing every word and listening to every vibration of our voices. He hears even the faintest sigh. The prophet Daniel prayed regularly all his life and history was changed. The apostle Paul prayed, and cities were opened to the Gospel. Hannah prayed and God lifted her burden.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> If you’re in anguish or distress, you don’t need two cans and a string. Two bent knees and a broken heart will do just fine.</span><span face=""><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span><span face=""><b><i>So, how can you be sure you’re being heard? What can you do from your end to keep the connection intact?</i></b></span> </span><span><span face=""><b><i>Here are four simple things:</i></b></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><div style="text-align: center;"><ol><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span> </span></span><span> Keep the line open. (confession, repentance, devotion)</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span> </span></span><span> Minimize distractions (gadgets, TV, kids and pets)</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span> </span></span><span> Focus on God (Bible, devotions, praise music)</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span> </span></span><span> Don’t lose hope while you wait. (prayer)</span></li></ol></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span>I have personally been going through a season of wondering if I am hearing clearly from God or not. </span><span>You know what I mean…You usually find yourself asking at least one of these questions out of frustration:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: center;"><span> <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><b> “Lord, why don't you answer me?”<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><b> "Jesus, where are you?"<o:p></o:p></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><b> “Help me hear Your voice, Lord.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span face="">I know intellectually that God is still where He has always been. The disconnection is at my end - not His!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><br /></span><span>I’m the one who has moved into the <i><b>“dead zone”</b></i> where the signal is faint at best, or non-existent at worst. Then I find myself </span><span>rehearsing in my mind those things which might have caused the <i>“dropped call”</i>. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4pPeffS5zQ/X0XOMk6-asI/AAAAAAAAKsQ/mI0cuVsNBKQ2ANErVrbHoOuB9EXhTbmuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1130/dead-zone-cell-phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1130" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4pPeffS5zQ/X0XOMk6-asI/AAAAAAAAKsQ/mI0cuVsNBKQ2ANErVrbHoOuB9EXhTbmuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h261/dead-zone-cell-phone.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span>One of my favorite verses is Psalm 139:23-24, <i>“Search me, O God, and know my hear; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” </i>Verses 1-4 give me pause to reflect on the fact that though I have interfered with the connection – God in His great mercy recognizes my human limitations and knows me intimately. He comprehends my thoughts and my actions before I do. His Spirit invites me to r<i>e-connect</i> on a stronger signal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span>I am glad God is still interested in having a dialog with me. I often find myself taking a rogue thought captive and redirecting it to the Lord in the form of a prayer and praise. I am determined to keep my line of communication open with Him despite my shortcomings </span><span>and failures.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face="" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Do you have a tried and true method of staying connected to the Lord? What advice can you share with others on how to maintain a strong signal through the constant static of life?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0s71b-i5J8/UbfcD5q67hI/AAAAAAAAEmA/motqwPkSk08/s1600/Cell-phone-bars.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><br /><img border="0" height="105" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0s71b-i5J8/UbfcD5q67hI/AAAAAAAAEmA/motqwPkSk08/w128-h105/Cell-phone-bars.jpg" width="128" /></a><span><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span>Now, more than ever - you need to hear Him clearly!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><br /></span></div>I am a sheep of the Lord’s pasture. I listen for His voice. I follow Him closely.</span><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Yes Lord - I've got 5 bars now!</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2HmLB4tETs/X0XIG79mwyI/AAAAAAAAKrk/kt8d2VFoc6Qs73AnY6bfuRIlzNF7U1kEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s294/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2HmLB4tETs/X0XIG79mwyI/AAAAAAAAKrk/kt8d2VFoc6Qs73AnY6bfuRIlzNF7U1kEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.co</a>m</span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have be</span></i><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">en encouraged by this post - please take time to
s</span></i><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">hare i</span></i><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">t wi</span></i><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">th </span></i><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">others.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4zCWWMZHIU/X0XJnSBBq_I/AAAAAAAAKr4/f3LlT6eh2HAYH0trFJVrzYq3e26Kd3whQCLcBGAsYHQ/s135/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4zCWWMZHIU/X0XJnSBBq_I/AAAAAAAAKr4/f3LlT6eh2HAYH0trFJVrzYq3e26Kd3whQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /></i></b></span></div>God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-30824435872940864382020-03-22T23:50:00.001-04:002020-03-24T16:31:32.556-04:00The Virus God Saw Coming...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR1GWotR4vE/XnQdety-yrI/AAAAAAAAKow/1uUwW6eeJjIJ57Z560xmRagKXNzbVCYCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/coronavirus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR1GWotR4vE/XnQdety-yrI/AAAAAAAAKow/1uUwW6eeJjIJ57Z560xmRagKXNzbVCYCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/coronavirus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is a particularly worrisome time for all who can't help but see & hear the newscasts day in and day out regarding the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But it is also a unique time in our history, one which presents a rare silver lining for Christians. We can use this as an opportunity to share our faith and hope in Jesus Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There will be debates whether or not God allowed this sinister pandemic to occur in order to bring about His sovereign plan to unfold at this time in our nation's history. There will also be discussions on a litany of subjects related to end-time events and signs of the times as it relates to Christ's return.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #a64d79; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i>One thing I know for sure: God saw this virus coming... </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing takes God by surprise. He is not <i>"wringing His hands"</i> and <i>"shaking His head"</i> because the virus is spreading globally. God is still on His Throne. He already sees the beginning of this crisis from the end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So what can we do in the meantime as we are faced with possible government imposed Martial Law? (you can read about it here if you are curious) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_law_in_the_United_States" target="_blank">Martial Law in the U.S.</a> How should we spend endless hours of self-quarantine in our homes? Can we still be productive and make a difference around us?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some people have careers that allow them to work from home with little difficulty. Others have jobs that require them to be in close proximity to the public at large - whether they are in law enforcement, the medical field, or the food & home goods supply chain. Many simply won't be able to keep their jobs because their places of business have suspended operations or closed down temporarily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are blessed to work part-time from home or still have children (or grandchildren) under your roof, then you might have some discretionary time like I do to be an <i>"encourager from afar."</i> This blog post is a small contribution I can make to the public at large. My little blog reaches across the globe with the click of a mouse. I know that the internet can play a vital role for those who are isolated - irregardless of this virus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">People are becoming more aware of their mortality and vulnerabilities. They are increasingly uneasy and are more afraid of the unknown. We all have some level of anxiety of what is yet to come. However, the Christian is in the unique position to spread God's truth and give a testimony for the "hope we have within us" (I Peter 3:15).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we are in the midst of a crisis and face afflictions and suffering, first use it as a time of self-reflection. Then use what you have learned as a tool for ministering to others. Tell them why you have a relationship with Jesus Christ vs religion (I wrote a blog post about it here) <a href="https://godmissionpossible.blogspot.com/2013/04/its-not-about-religion-its-about.html" target="_blank">Relationship with Jesus - Not Religion</a> . Share your testimony. Explain to them why they need a Savior and a spiritual rebirth in order to be with God in heaven. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span>n times of uncertainty you can still be an effective ambassador </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>for Jesus Christ. Don't let fear rob you of your mission.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>First, clothe yourself with humility</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Second, divest yourself of anxiety and worry</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Third, arm yourself with sobriety</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Fourth, remind yourself of eternity</i></b></span><br />
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Remember, <b>FEAR</b> is an acronym for: False Evidence Appearing Real. Many times what we fear actually never comes to pass. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt said over the radio to millions of Americans in 1933, <i>"You have nothing to fear but fear itself." </i><br />
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Fear is a weapon Satan uses to immobilize the masses in a way that is debilitating and destructive. In Luke 12:32 Jesus said, <i>"Do not fear..."</i> So how can we rise above that feeling and function in a healthy environment with those around us?<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Here are three things from God's Word that you and I can take comfort in:</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>1. God can be trusted in times of trouble</i></b></span><br />
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, <i>"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." </i><br />
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Number 23:19 says, <i>"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" </i>God is indeed trustworthy.<br />
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Corrie ten Boom said, <i>"God has no problems, only plans."</i></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>2. God will take care of us in times of trouble</i></b></span><br />
Psalm 91:9-11 says, <i>"Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." </i>I Peter 5:7 encourages us to, <i>"...cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you."</i><br />
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Martin Luther said the following, <i>"Pray and let God worry."</i></div>
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<i style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700;">3. God will always be with us in times of trouble</i><br />
Joshua 1:9 declares, <i>"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."</i><br />
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Remember the three Hebrew youths Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego who were cast into the fiery furnace? Even Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God's presence in Daniel 3:25, <i>"Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."</i><br />
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Jesus Himself said, <i>"...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."</i> </div>
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(Matthew 28:20)</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Take heart... God never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalms 121:3-4) </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>He is still Sovereign over all - now and forever. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></span></div>
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-36858417549658684292020-01-09T22:08:00.001-05:002020-03-26T14:40:54.343-04:00Transformation in the New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Have you been waiting for your spouse to come to knowledge of Jesus Christ that will transform his life?</i></b></span> </span><br />
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Sometimes that personal revelation takes awhile... You can read about Thomas in John 20:19-29. I firmly believe in divine appointments. Thomas was not in the room when Jesus met with the disciples on the evening He arose from the grave. Did you ever wonder why Thomas wasn't present with them?<br />
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Remember, this was the same Thomas that asked Jesus in John 14:5, <i>"Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way"? </i>Jesus then told him,<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> "</span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me". "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him".</span></i><br />
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Isn't it interesting that we also often don't recognize the Lord. We know through scripture that Thomas knew Him, but he did not believe that the other disciples saw Him that night in the upper room. In John 20:14 Thomas insisted, <i>"Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe".</i><br />
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He was basically giving himself an ultimatum! Proof is often needed, even demanded by the natural man. But Thomas was a spiritual man, one who knew the Lord intimately - face to face. What hampered his ability to "see without proof" what he already knew in his heart? Or did he really believe what he had been told?<br />
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John 20:26 says, <i>"And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, <span style="color: #cc0000;">"Peace to you!"</span></i> Do you think Thomas had peace after the other disciples told him he missed seeing Jesus?<br />
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In verse 27 we read, <i>"Then He said to Thomas, <span style="color: #cc0000;">"Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."</span></i> Jesus turned toward Thomas and personally addressed him. Isn't that just like our loving Lord, to meet us at our weakest point with His immeasurable grace and mercy?<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Your spouse also needs to have a transforming meeting with Jesus - face to face. His doubts and fears can be overcome when Jesus dialogues with him on his level, just like Thomas!</i></b></span><br />
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Seek God while He may be found and reach out to Him for salvation and understanding. He is waiting with open arms. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, <i>"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."</i><br />
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This is a great quote from Oswald Chambers in <i>My Utmost for His Highest</i>:</div>
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"The experience of salvation means that in your actual life things are really altered, you no longer look at things as you used to; your desires are new, old things have lost their power. If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the alteration manifest in your actual life and reasoning, and when the crisis comes you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing alteration that is the evidence that you are a saved soul."<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. II Corinthians 5:17</i></b></span><br />
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There are many people sitting in church who are not spiritually reborn. They do not understand the concept of being "a new creation in Christ." They think God welcomes them with open arms because He "loves everyone." Here is a post I wrote awhile ago on the difference between religion (works) and a real relationship with Jesus Christ (g<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Click below:</span></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2T5B65j" target="_blank">RELATIONSHIP not RELIGION</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i><span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-34518868162803901602019-12-09T21:37:00.002-05:002019-12-09T21:37:43.718-05:00The 12 Days of Christmas and it's Christian Meaning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The "Twelve Days of Christmas" is a song that many of us grew up singing - yet what do we really know about its origins? </span></span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.</span></div>
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<i style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It has come to my attention that the historical version of the song and its origins posted here may not be completely accurate. Nonetheless, below is a possible explanation as to the song's history and meaning that also matches the video at the end of this post.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-<b>The</b> partridge in a pear tree was <i><b>Jesus Christ.</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-<b>Two</b> turtle doves were the <i><b>Old and New Testaments</b></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-<b>Three</b> French hens stood for <i><b>Faith, Hope and Love</b></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-<b>Four</b> calling birds were the <i><b>four gospels of </b><b>Matthew, Mark, Luke & John</b></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-<b>Five</b> golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first <i><b>five books of the Old </b></i></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Testament</b></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-<b>Six</b> geese a-laying stood for the <i><b>six Days of Creation</b></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-<b>Seven</b> swans a-swimming represented the <i><b>sevenfold gifts of the </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><b> Holy Spirit</b></i>- </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Prophesy,Serving, Teaching,</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-<b>Eight</b> maids a-milking were the <i><b>eight</b></i> <i><b>Beatitudes</b></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-<b>Nine</b> ladies dancing were the <i><b>nine fruits of the Holy Spirit</b></i>--</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Faithfulness, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> Gentleness, and </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Self Control.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-<b>Ten</b> lords a-leaping were the <i><b>Ten Commandments</b></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">-<b>Eleven</b> pipers piping stood for the <i><b>eleven faithful Disciples</b></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> -<b>Twelve</b> drummers drumming symbolized the <i><b>twelve </b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b> points of </b></i></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>belief in the </b></i></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Apostles' Creed</b></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The popular Christmas carol goes like this:</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> A Partridge in a Pear Tree.</span></div>
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On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...</div>
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2 Turtle Doves, a<span style="font-family: inherit;">nd a Partridge in a Pear Tree.</span></div>
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On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...</div>
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3 French Hens, <span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Turtle Doves, a</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">nd a Partridge in a Pear Tree.</span></div>
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On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...</div>
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4 Calling Birds, <span style="font-family: inherit;">3 French Hens, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Turtle Doves, a</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">nd a</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Partridge in a Pear Tree.</span></div>
</dd><dd style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></dd><dd style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> And so on... until the twelfth day -</span></div>
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</dd><dd style="font-family: inherit;"></dd><dd style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
The earliest well-known version of the music of the song was recorded by English scholar James O. Halliwell in 1842, and he published a version in 4th edition </div>
</dd><dd style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Nursery Rhymes of England</i> (1846), [Wikipedia]</div>
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<br /></div>
</dd><dd style="font-family: inherit;"></dd><dd style="font-family: inherit;"></dd><dd style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Here is the Twelve Days of Christmas performed </span></i></div>
</dd><dd style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> by </i><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">the New York Philharmonic Orchestra -</i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"> </i></span></div>
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</dd><dd><br /></dd><dd><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mYIhPn6YBI8" width="560"></iframe></dd><dd><br /></dd><dd><br /></dd><dd><br /></dd><dd><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdNn9QZq2ug/Xe75fJsOERI/AAAAAAAAKnM/0AB-r8-47N0gwZIvRezQyBsKQnmjwE4AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdNn9QZq2ug/Xe75fJsOERI/AAAAAAAAKnM/0AB-r8-47N0gwZIvRezQyBsKQnmjwE4AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Deb%2BSignature%2Bsm.png" /></a></div>
<br /></dd><dd><br /></dd><dd><br /></dd><dd><br /></dd><dd><br /></dd><dd><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkqqlcGI-Bo/Xe70MbhSwII/AAAAAAAAKnE/iBo_jkcAceYPLVKhb1mzwZKSZRnS_4xUgCEwYBhgL/s1600/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkqqlcGI-Bo/Xe70MbhSwII/AAAAAAAAKnE/iBo_jkcAceYPLVKhb1mzwZKSZRnS_4xUgCEwYBhgL/s1600/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-81619489715138333422019-10-25T23:32:00.000-04:002019-10-26T19:49:32.285-04:00The Abigail Syndrome<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZBGAzjaOaE/XYg3x1pHP6I/AAAAAAAAKTs/5nLbEKr-W0AdeBqzaIl1wadw8vRMKa23gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Abigail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1200" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZBGAzjaOaE/XYg3x1pHP6I/AAAAAAAAKTs/5nLbEKr-W0AdeBqzaIl1wadw8vRMKa23gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Abigail.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<em><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; mso-themecolor: text1;">When I became a Christian at the age of 33 yrs. old, I
had already been married for seven years to my present husband. Neither of us went to church or were interested in the things of God.</span></b></em></div>
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As time went by, I began
to grow more and more unsettled. I was a <b><em>new creature in Christ</em>.</b>
I had new interests and desires. I was growing in the Lord and was still an immature Christian who had much to learn. I became irritated with my husband when he didn't want to attend church with me. I even began thinking about what it would be like to be married to a Christian. Maybe I needed a new husband.<br />
<br />
Living in an unequally-yoked marriage is difficult and lonely. You might not recognize the phrase "unequally-yoked". In marriage it refers to a husband and wife who are both non Christians. I have a <a href="https://godmissionpossible.com/faqs" target="_blank"><b>FAQ's </b></a> section on my website that addresses the issue.<br />
<br />
Thank God He soon convicted me and stopped my flawed thinking before it was too late. He was revealing to me an idea I hadn't thought of. God could do the impossible. He could reach my husband for Christ and change his heart. He alone could draw him into a relationship and regenerate his very soul. I would <strong><i>get
a new husband with the same man</i></strong>!<br />
<em style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></em>
<em style="text-align: center;"><em style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“For the unbelieving husband
is sanctified by the wife… </span></b></em><em style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">For how do you know, O wife, </span></b></em><em style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">whether you will save
your husband?” </span></b></em><em style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>(I Corinthians 7: 14, 16)</b></em></em></div>
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<b>Here is a little history lesson on
Abigail and David:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<em><br /></em></div>
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After King David had commanded
several successful military campaigns, he mercifully spared King Saul’s
life in a cave in the region of En Gedi. David then journeyed into
the wilderness of Paran following Samuel’s death and burial. Samuel had, under
God’s direction, chosen and anointed David as the future King of Israel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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By this time David had already
taken Saul’s daughter Michal as his wife; a gift from the King to David for a
crushing defeat of the Philistines in exchange for his bride’s dowry, as
vengeance on the King’s enemies. David and his men were in the wilderness when
he heard that a man in Carmel named Nabel, whose sheep were being sheared,
might have provisions for him and his young warriors (I Samuel 21-24).<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Below is
an excerpt from my book MISSION POSSIBLE </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chapter 4 </span></b><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The Abigail Syndrome”</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<em>Mission Possible is a
book for women who are unequally-yoked in marriage. </em></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<em>Using God's Word, it
offers the reader hope and encouragement, </em><br />
<em>while applying Biblical truths.</em><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<strong>The traditional story of
“Abigail”</strong> in I Samuel 25 is a familiar one. Abigail was married
to Nabal, a man of means who treated her and everyone else like dirt. Though
Nabal was descended from Caleb, he shared none of his virtues. When King
David heard that her husband Nabal reviled his men, he was ready to kill him
and his household. Abigail went out to meet David with humility and gifts.
David highly praised Abigail’s courage and advice. Nabal soon died upon hearing
what took place after his drunken binge. Abigail became David’s wife when he
proposed after learning of Nabal’s fate. Abigail would now reside with the King
in a <em><b>“fairy tale”</b></em> ending.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong>Not
so fast</strong>… Don’t be “caught up” in the <strong><i>Abigail syndrome</i></strong>.
I believe God has a New Testament application for those of us who stand in the
gap for our unbelieving husbands. Let’s look at what this passage <em>does
not represent</em>: </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We
don’t pray that our husbands will “drop dead” so we can marry a believer as
that would not be in God’s perfect will for us. Neither do we hope he’ll die
from a heart attack to “pay him back” for his evil ways. God has a better plan.
I believe this would be the <em>God honoring</em> scenario for
the wife who believes for her husband’s salvation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Abigail was a woman of
good understanding. (I Samuel 25:3). Godly wisdom and understanding promote
knowing <em>God’s will</em>. Isaiah 11:2 is a picture of the Holy
Spirit for us today: “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon [us], the
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit
of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” We must be in tune with what God would
have us do with regards to our mate. Daily prayer and being in God’sWord helps
us to know God’s will.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Interestingly, when
David sent his men to ask favor and provision from Nabal, he was indifferent
and inquired: “Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse?…Shall I then take my
bread and my water and my meat … and give it to men when I do not know where
they are from?” (I Samuel 25:10-11). Likewise, your husband, just as
Nabal, <i>doesn’t know the King yet.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Often times it is
difficult to tithe, attend every church service, or be at every Bible study or
function because your husband doesn’t <em>see a need</em> for
you to participate or share you with God. Be patient. He must see your commitment
and desire to be with God’s people and in God’s presence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Nabal was a self-made
man who was very prideful and greedy. Reading Jesus’ parable of the rich fool
in Luke 12:16-20, we see similarities. Nabal was not thankful for
anything, nor recognized God’s hand of provision at all. Your husband may
be <strong>“</strong>rich and full of worldly things.<strong>”</strong> His equating
“good things & provision” to GOD are foreign. Only GOD can
change his heart and priorities as you <em>pray</em> for his
spiritual enlightenment (Ephesians 1:18). <em>Pray<b> </b></em>for
God to woo him by His Spirit into a curiosity and awareness of the things of
God. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpBoLu3pc-I/XYg8hxXvKfI/AAAAAAAAKUM/2Zg1ndOVNh0GQd52i__2Kw3_-DemOvKPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/david-warrior-and-king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpBoLu3pc-I/XYg8hxXvKfI/AAAAAAAAKUM/2Zg1ndOVNh0GQd52i__2Kw3_-DemOvKPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/david-warrior-and-king.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Unlike King David who
planned to wipe out Nabal’s lineage, <em><b>God has compassion and mercy
on our spouses. </b></em>He is “not willing that any should perish, but
that all should come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9). God wills that your spouse
join you in “holy union.” The apostle Paul states in
I Corinthians 7:14, 16 “for the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife
…for how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband?” </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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When Abigail heard
what Nabal had done, she quickly prepared an offering for King David. Our
offering brought to our King is a <em><b>humble heart, a
willing & submissive spirit, and unwavering obedience. </b></em>We
intercede on our husband’s behalf by meeting the King
of Kings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
King David praised
Abigail for her good sense and devotion: “Blessed be the Lord God of
Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and
blessed are you , because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed…
unless you had hastened and come to meet me, surely by morning light no males
would have been left to Nabal” (I Samuel 25:32-34). David would have wiped out
Nabal’s name but it was God’s desire to <em>“promote
a Godly lineage.”</em> Abigail’s actions and attitude spared Nabal but
Nabal didn’t recognize her sacrifice. Our sacrifice on our spouse’s behalf
is unwavering faith and persistent prayers<strong> </strong>offered
up to the Throne of Grace. <em><b>GOD always takes notice of devotion!</b></em><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God <i>cherishes</i><em> the
soul</em> we carry to Him in love when it’s “one flesh”
we seek.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: #6aa84f;">
</span></o:p></div>
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You can visit my website <b><a href="https://godmissionpossible.com/book" target="_blank">HERE</a> </b>for information on<br />
ordering a copy of <b><i>MISSION POSSIBLE</i></b>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>
</div>
God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-26707833411551418862019-08-21T23:10:00.000-04:002019-08-21T23:16:00.286-04:00Supernatural Friendship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWcpP3RbcJs/XUjmpRUEwSI/AAAAAAAAKSU/vmp1qFycizkTcfzIiyHya9QhPJ4j5okJQCLcBGAs/s1600/best%2Bfriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="383" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWcpP3RbcJs/XUjmpRUEwSI/AAAAAAAAKSU/vmp1qFycizkTcfzIiyHya9QhPJ4j5okJQCLcBGAs/s320/best%2Bfriends.jpg" width="240" /></a><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Webster’s defines a friend as,</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">“one attached to another by affection or esteem.”</span></i></span></b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span></i>There is a particular passage of scripture that is a wonderful example of Godly friendship, and that is in I Samuel chapters 18-23.<br />
<br />
David had already been anointed as the future king of Israel, but he would not ascend to his throne for approximately twenty-two more years. During that time he defeated the Philistine warrior Goliath, served in King Saul’s court as his armor-bearer, and played the harp to calm the King’s restless spirit.<br />
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It was during the early years, while David served at the King’s pleasure, that he met Saul’s eldest son Jonathan. It is my guess that Jonathan observed David during the time he was ministering to his father in the palace, as well as hearing about David’s conquest of Goliath in the King’s court. Saul decided that David would not return to his father’s house, but henceforth reside in Jerusalem with him.<br />
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I Samuel chapter 18 tells us in verse 1 that <b><i>“the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David.”</i></b> A supernatural friendship had been forged. Verse 3 says, “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.”<br />
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Jonathan and David’s friendship was unique and God ordained. Theirs was a deep spiritual connection – soul to soul – that was sealed with a covenant to honor and respect each other’s office. Jonathan was next in line for the throne by virtue of his birthright. However, he relinquished his power and position by offering to David his royal robe and armaments. God had no doubt prepared Jonathan’s heart in advance of David’s arriving in Jerusalem. Jonathan exemplified all that is noblest in friendship – true affection, unselfishness, helpfulness, and loyalty. His steadfast belief in David’s divine ascension to the throne, and rule of all Israel enabled him to intervene when his father, the King, attempted to kill David on more than one occasion.<br />
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After one such attempt on David’s life, Jonathan went out into the field where David was hiding, and after dismissing his servant, reunited with his friend. After an emotional exchange, he said to David, “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘May the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’” During David’s season of flight, while he was in the wilderness of Ziph, Jonathan met David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. He assured David that his father, King Saul would not find him or prevent him from becoming the future King of Israel.<br />
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Sometime later King Saul, Jonathan, and his two brothers would be defeated and slain in a battle on Mount Gilboa. When word got back to David, he lamented Saul and Jonathan’s deaths, tore his clothes, and wept and fasted until evening for them. His sadness was amplified in his eulogy in song to honor their lives. He especially missed the close friendship he shared with a man of unquestionable integrity and honesty. The love he had for his friend surpassed even the romantic love he had experienced with the women he had known up to that time. That would even include his marriage to Jonathan’s sister, Michal. In the Near Eastern culture, the exchange of kisses by men upon greeting was simply an expression of deep affection between friends and family. David’s loss of his friend evoked strong, reflective emotions, matched only by the mourning for his beloved house of Israel upon losing their King at the hands of the Philistines.<br />
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Proverbs 17:17 says, <b><i>“A friend loves at all times…”</i></b> And in Proverbs 18:24, <b><i>“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>To have a great friend, is to be a great friend... (Anonymous)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Do you have a special God-given friend? I do and it is hard to put into words the love you feel for that dear friend. It truly is a spiritual friendship as well as a practical one. The bond is strong and eternal. Tell me about your soul-sister and what makes your friendship God centered.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">This is one of my all time favorites from Michael W. Smith - <b>"Friends"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-63072403347329395942019-06-15T22:39:00.001-04:002019-06-16T12:17:57.603-04:00Is Exercise Really Good For Us?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black;">As I begin to approach my mid-sixties</span>, I am amazed at how quickly the last thirty years have flown <span id="goog_946025368"></span>by! I am the mother of an adult married son who is now a father to two darling children (my sweet grand kids), and I’m sharing our empty-nest full-time with a retired husband.<br />
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I was listening to a pastor’s message on the Christian radio station in my area, and heard a familiar verse that some have used in a humorous way: "<b>e<i>xercise profits little".</i></b> But as I listened to his sermon, I began to hear and understand it in a whole new light.<br />
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<strong>I Timothy 4:8</strong> says, <em><span style="color: blue;">“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”</span></em><br />
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Another translation puts it this way: <em><span style="color: blue;">"...physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things ..."</span></em><br />
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A brisk walk lowers blood pressure, lowers your cholesterol, and reduces stress on the body. Engaging in some form of regular physical exercise will generally add years to your lifespan. Exercise helps to reduce harmful chemicals in our bodies, and provides a form of abreaction (letting off steam), builds up stamina, counteracts the biochemical effects of stress, and reduces the risk of psychological illness.<br />
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I attend a local gym and wear a workout monitor belt using <i>My Zone</i> to track my physical exertion. It tracks your heart rate & is nearly equivalent to an EKG. It shows and rewards your effort (as a percentile) when you work out, as well as your calories burned. The intensity is displayed using color-coded zones. Time spent in each zone is converted into MyZone Effort Points (MEP's) which rewards you based on effort and not your fitness level.<br />
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As women of faith, our temples need to be strong and fit, for that is where the Holy Spirit resides. We might not accumulate MEP's, but we will certainly notice when our efforts are making a difference in our personal lives. Spiritual wellness is more important than the latest fad diet or workout routine.<br />
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Health and fitness are godly goals when they are balanced with common sense and right priority. In biblical times, physical exercise was not touted as necessary because people living in that time period generally walked everywhere and performed manual labor on a daily basis.<br />
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As Christians, sometimes we focus too much on programs, bible studies and the latest book craze for your prayer life or child rearing. All those things in and of themselves are a good thing, but they shouldn't be the main thing. Our spiritual exercise should consist of reading the Holy scriptures, spending time thanking God and conversing with Him on a regular basis, and practicing our godliness in our everyday lives. Our family, friends and co-workers should see the fruit of our spiritual workouts.<br />
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<strong>Verse 7</strong> prefaces the previous passage with the following, <em><span style="color: blue;">“…and exercise yourself rather to godliness.”</span></em><br />
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Spiritually speaking, when we exercise godliness through prayer, Bible study, and self-control, we keep our spiritual man [woman] healthy. But what good is it if we take care of the physical body, but neglect our spiritual woman and coddle our sinful nature?<br />
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The <i>eternal value</i> is mentioned in verse 8. Paul makes it clear that whatever we are doing for the here and now is indeed profitable – even commendable, but that which is to come is of more value and lasting. Taking care of the spirit woman, which is incorruptible and lives forever, is far more important than maintaining a corruptible body that will slowly decay in this world.<br />
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Exercise is not my god, nor do I place my fate in its hands. <strong>Jesus</strong> is my God! Sure, I walk my dog every morning and I still go to the gym a few times a week to a Team workout class. I make it a point to stay active, eat right, and get a good night’s sleep. But for me, keeping my spirit woman healthy and fit is a higher, God-ordained priority.<br />
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<strong>Let God speak to <em>you</em> about your “spiritual workout". What type of changes could you make to minister to your spirit woman as you aim to better your physical woman?</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i><span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-40921710504702713882019-05-03T23:46:00.002-04:002019-05-03T23:46:53.924-04:00Motherhood - How Relevant Are We?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take. </span></i></b><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">~ Cardinal Mermillod</span></i></b></b><br />
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<i>Do you feel as though you have no influence in your home? Do you look around at your children and wonder if anything you’ve taught them actually permeated their minds and spirits? </i>The world would have you think so...</div>
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<i>Are you even <b>relevant</b> to their success in a society that devalues Godly parenthood?</i><i> </i>Well, in God’s Eyes you certainly are!</div>
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There are moments I wish I could go <i>“back in time”</i> and change what I did or didn’t do. There are things I should have done with my son, or times I should have taken ownership of a volatile situation or conversation. I remember opportunities missed and instances where I just should have stood firm and said, “No!” </div>
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We are not perfect Moms, though we strive to be. We often wish our kids came with Owners Manuals. I would have enjoyed a “free online Chat support” when I had a question, or perhaps a “pro-rated warranty” as they got older. But wait - we have something even better – God’s Word and prayer! How many Moms have worn out knees and prayer journals full of petitions on behalf of their kids? How many of us have purchased books like <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Strong-Willed-Child-James-Dobson/dp/1414313632/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304300525&sr=1-1"><i>The New Strong Willed Child</i></a> </span>by James Dobson, or <i style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Praying%C2%AE-Parent-Prayers-Praying/dp/0736919821/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304300632&sr=1-2">The Power of a Praying Parent</a></i> by Stormie Omartin? Let’s face it – we all need help; one way or another! So - how do our parenting skills compare to those in the Bible?</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Here are two examples of motherhood in Scripture to contemplate: </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Eve and Jochebed</b><b> </b></i></span></div>
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They are both mothers of significance. They had children that shaped the future of mankind. Both women faced loss and eventual blessing. Here are their stories…<br />
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<b><i>First -</i></b> Genesis chapters 3 and 4 introduce us to <i><b>Eve</b></i>, the first mother. Adam called her name <i><b>Eve</b></i>, because she was the mother of all living humans. She conceived and bore Cain, and said, <i>“I have gotten a man from the Lord.”</i> Cain worked in the fields and tilled the earth which yielded crops, of which he presented his sacrifice to the Lord. She then bore Abel, the son who was loving and responsible, tending the flocks in the meadows. Able and Cain each offered sacrifices to the Lord God. However, Able’s sacrifice was accepted, and Cain’s was not. Cain killed Abel in a jealous rage over what appeared to be God’s favoritism. Cain was subsequently banished by God for shedding his brother’s blood. </div>
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What loss and devastation <i><b>Eve</b></i> must have suffered! Do you think she blamed herself for the tragedy they were now facing? How could she go on after losing both sons? We can only imagine how <b><i>Eve</i></b> must have felt when she heard God’s words ringing in her ears, <i>“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children.”</i> She and Adam had been cursed by God after their disobedience. Now that sorrow and pain were evidenced in the heartbreak <b><i>Eve</i></b> experienced. The first mother on earth mourned one son who was now dead and the other who was never to be seen again. </div>
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Eventually Adam and <i><b>Eve</b></i> conceived Seth, whose lineage began to <i>“call on the name of the Lord”</i> (Gen. 5). Do you think <i><b>Eve</b></i> did things a bit differently in regards to child rearing the second time around? I imagine she spent more time pouring herself into his little life – teaching him about God’s Goodness and about Godly character. She and Adam most likely recanted how his two older siblings had lived, and what happened when God’s laws weren’t adhered to. In God’s great mercy, their third son, Seth, would provide the pathway to mankind’s salvation over many generations, which eventually culminated in the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Luke 3).</div>
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<b><i>Second - </i></b>In Exodus 2 we are introduced to <i><b>Jochebed</b></i>, the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt. She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses. Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child. She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.</div>
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As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently. Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child. Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?</div>
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I believe <i><b>Jochebed </b></i>was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood. She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel. She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel. Were her children perfect? No way. They all displayed major character flaws. All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience. However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies.<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>The whole of the matter is this: Mothers have </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>great influence over their children.</i></b></span></div>
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God’s Word is very clear on what we can do. The book of Proverbs is rich in advice and practical wisdom. Proverbs 22:6 says, <i>“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”</i> We must teach by example and pray for their spiritual growth. We are to <i>“watch over the ways of our household, and not remain idle”</i> – but stay balanced as we lead our children into adulthood one step at a time. May we look to our Heavenly Father for His guidance and strength.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-15537274627049776272019-04-13T21:58:00.000-04:002019-04-15T08:39:06.306-04:00Empty Grave - Open Heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBpOvy3bEbM/XLR7XAoIz7I/AAAAAAAAJ9M/jFqfFioALr4uCf1un0VVMmTHGG-zsTT4ACLcBGAs/s1600/Graveyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBpOvy3bEbM/XLR7XAoIz7I/AAAAAAAAJ9M/jFqfFioALr4uCf1un0VVMmTHGG-zsTT4ACLcBGAs/s320/Graveyard.jpg" width="320" /></a><em><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Imagine visiting your local cemetery and suddenly you discover the grave you’re approaching is not only unearthed – but the coffin is wide open and empty!</span></strong></em><br />
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What would you think? I imagine the first thing you would do is call security – and start the search for a missing body!<br />
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Something strange and wonderful happened outside Jerusalem at a small burial site in the Judean countryside over 2000 years ago. A tomb which was sealed the previous night was now wide open, with no one taking credit for the monumental task. Let me explain…<br />
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By definition, a grave is a place for the interment of the dead; a tomb, a sepulcher. In Jesus’ day, it was often merely a natural cave or grotto, or an artificial tomb hewn out of rock. Many times graves were flagged with flat stones as markers to warn passers-by that they should not come in contact with the dead, thereby defiling themselves ceremonially, even if it was unwittingly done. Once the body was laid inside, the tomb was sealed with a large stone – most likely weighing hundreds of pounds, and taking at least two strong men to place it at the mouth of the cave. This was done to prevent animals from desecrating the body or thieves from removing sacred items. Unsealing the tomb without being noticed would be difficult at best. One person alone could not move the stone without help from some other source.<br />
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Resurrection morning occurred on the first day of the week and Luke 24:1-12 tells us it was <em>“very early”.</em> The women who had been with Joseph, a council member who had secretly become a disciple of Jesus, entered the tomb with the prepared spices for the body of Jesus. They discovered that the Lord’s body was not there – and as they stood perplexed – two men in shining garments appeared before them. The women, fearful and bowing down in reverence were told, <em>“He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘<span style="color: #cc0000;">The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”</span> </em>Verse 8 then says,<em> “And they remembered His words.”</em><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjJaocFbnkQ/XKVqGJIOCVI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/25edrOgzcSwEiYOPmwx6JDnlJ1nRhsdjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Empty%2BTomb%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjJaocFbnkQ/XKVqGJIOCVI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/25edrOgzcSwEiYOPmwx6JDnlJ1nRhsdjQCLcBGAs/s320/Empty%2BTomb%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a>These women had witnessed Jesus’ body being placed inside the grave by Joseph and Nicodemus, who also came with the burial preparations, including a large amount of myrrh, aloes, spices and linen to wrap and prepare the Lord’s body, as was the custom of the Jews (John 19:38-42). We know that when Joseph of Arimathea offered to lay the body of Jesus in his own tomb carved out of the rocky hillside, he most likely considered that he would need another tomb for his own interment. Little did he know that he would again be using that very tomb for himself! Jesus would merely be borrowing the sepulcher for three days – never again to be laid to rest, but to arise victorious and defeat death once and for all. What was so special about this grave?<br />
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When the women approached the tomb, they had but one concern: how would they roll away the large stone that blocked the entrance into the cave? But as they looked up – the stone had already been moved, and upon entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side. And he said to them, <em>“Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.”</em><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was no need for the stone – </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christ simply stepped into heaven and left earth’s grip…</span></em></strong></div>
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Charles Wesley penned this stirring hymn which is sung in many churches on Easter morning:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where, O death is now thy sting? Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once He died, our souls to save, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fought the fight, the battle won. Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><i style="font-family: inherit;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-81259984862445956342019-03-18T13:24:00.001-04:002019-03-18T21:37:52.123-04:00MISSION POSSIBLE - Resource for those in a Spiritually Uneven Marriage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i style="color: #741b47; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>“For the unbelieving
husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by
the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are
holy…For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do
you know, O husband whether you will save your wife?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Living in an unequally-yoked marriage is a challenge at best... It is a real-life dilemma that requires great patience, understanding, and perseverance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>MISSION POSSIBLE</i></b> was written to encourage and enlighten women (and men) who are living in a spiritually uneven marriage. The book is in an easy-to-read format with Bible study questions at the end of each chapter for enrichment and personal reflection.</span><br />
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I wanted to re-introduce this valuable resource to those who might not have heard about it before. I am determined to continue to spread the word to women who need help and hope in this vital area of ministry. Below is an intro to my book <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Possible-Spiritual-Covering-McCarragher/dp/0615303579/ref=la_B002NVODWK_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366592515&sr=1-1" target="_blank">MISSION POSSIBLE</a>.</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Women, are you in an
unequally-yoked marriage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you tired
of attending church alone? Do you yearn for a relationship with your husband
that’s spiritually satisfying? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
influence your home for Christ even within a spiritually mismatched marriage.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Your mission, if you
choose to accept it, is to stand in the gap for your mate’s soul. This small
book is a powerful tool for any woman who is married to a man who does not
share her passion for Jesus. It will encourage and challenge the reader to
embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Everyone has at least ONE
friend who needs this book! In Mission Possible you will:<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>-- Discover how to believe
with radical faith for your spouse’s salvation.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>-- Learn the secret to
“staying the course” while you wait for your promise.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>-- Find out why many women
don’t like to share their “secret sorrow”. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>-- Overcome your own fears
and doubts about your husband’s future with God.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>-- Join other women in the
knowledge that God has a perfect plan of unity for you <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and your spouse. <o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
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<b style="font-size: 16px;"><i><a href="http://godmissionpossible.com/book" target="_blank">MISSION POSSIBLE</a></i></b><span style="font-size: 16px;"> was awarded the 2010 Gold Seal Best Book in the Christian Non-Fiction category on Readers Favorite.</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">You can purchase <b><i>MISSION POSSIBLE</i></b> on <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Possible-Spiritual-Covering-McCarragher/dp/0615303579/ref=la_B002NVODWK_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366592515&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></i></b> (paperback and Kindle) or on <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/19642" target="_blank"><b><i>Smashwords</i></b></a> as an e-book in a variety of formats for popular e-Readers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">I have also had my <b><i>Website</i></b> completely revamped and redesigned for optimal viewing on all devices including desktops, tablets and mobile devices. Please check it out and share with others who need hope and help in their spiritually mismatched marriage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Visit <b><i> <a href="http://godmissionpossible.com/" target="_blank">Godmissionpossible</a></i></b> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> or <b><i><a href="http://spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/" target="_blank">Spirituallyunevenmarriage</a></i></b> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> to view the website. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">I especially love the <b><i>Social Media Wall</i></b>. Let me know what you think!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-32764992955897393162019-03-01T22:58:00.001-05:002019-03-01T22:58:38.898-05:00Triple Threat - Trials, Troubles and Tribulation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbAIJb6WvDyEs4CzTzKiEIIwi3eIjTx7fCo0Hjv0RyjlI-HhyphenhyphensQcVtP6o4C7n2JW4FEZ31DAb9Vrn7Z5Hs_0sZZq2m1pdAYvki9QrDq3LoYq3ykxeQTZVHLZn8uGrwoV6XAUML_D2L5j3/s1600/crushed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbAIJb6WvDyEs4CzTzKiEIIwi3eIjTx7fCo0Hjv0RyjlI-HhyphenhyphensQcVtP6o4C7n2JW4FEZ31DAb9Vrn7Z5Hs_0sZZq2m1pdAYvki9QrDq3LoYq3ykxeQTZVHLZn8uGrwoV6XAUML_D2L5j3/s320/crushed.jpg" width="281" /></a><u style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/James%201.2-4" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">James 1:2-4</span></a></span></u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: black;">is familiar to most of us as the passage on “</span></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">testing our faith</i><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">". </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>This is what James had to say: <i>“My brethren, count [consider] it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect [mature] and complete, lacking nothing.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">In order for us to become <b><i>mature</i> <i>in our faith</i></b>, we must <i><b><span style="color: black;">remain under</span></b></i> the testing. It is in this position that we come forth [as gold] as described by Job in chapter 23. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Many times we question God’s sovereignty as we verbalize the familiar: </span> </span><i style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">“Why is this happening to me?” “I don’t need this!” “Not now, God!” or “I just can’t take anymore!”</i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But isn’t that just human nature? Who hasn’t cried out to God in pain and utter disbelief?</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: inherit;" /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Webster’s Dictionary defines the three “T’s” this way:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Trial</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">–</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">a test of faith, patience, or stamina by suffering or tribulation; a source of vexation (irritation) or annoyance.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><i><br /><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Trouble </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">–</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">to agitate mentally or spiritually; to disturb.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><i><br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Tribulation</span></b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">– </span></i><i style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">distress or suffering as a result of oppression or persecution.</i><br /><br /><u style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/I%20Peter%201.7-9" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">I Peter 1:7-9</span></a></u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> says, </span><i style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">“…Though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ… receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.” </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Two brief character studies in God’s Word gives us a glimpse of suffering while under <i><b>trials, troubles and tribulation:</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFrdJsctNIv6ZjevOVlt3y7KyKpzLUb7uApY9tpJnR5BveWyvrYjCHuKdGkwuEDAp06TTyohHsJj2Wu_-a0ULldRjreLBUsaZtIvz7kVzwBIcQqBkOvzkA3PPYU5gY_kwYUfvEBva8LxR/s1600/sadness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFrdJsctNIv6ZjevOVlt3y7KyKpzLUb7uApY9tpJnR5BveWyvrYjCHuKdGkwuEDAp06TTyohHsJj2Wu_-a0ULldRjreLBUsaZtIvz7kVzwBIcQqBkOvzkA3PPYU5gY_kwYUfvEBva8LxR/s200/sadness.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;">Job</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> ~ Everyone has heard of Job. Even non-believers know that to go through a “Job experience” is to endure an awful trial or trouble. We often hear the expression: “He has the patience of Job!” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Remember the passage in James 1 (above)? There is a process we must go through as we are tested. Sometimes we hear comments like, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Job%201.1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Job 1:1</span></a> tells us, <i>“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.”</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Job exemplifies the enormity of undeserved calamity in his testimony. Not only did Job loose his children, servants, livestock, and livelihood, but he was struck with painful boils and suffered the shame associated with his <i><b>trials & tribulations</b></i>. However, he never let Satan provoke him to curse God, although he cursed the day he was born. He conducted himself like a man under affliction, yet maintained his dignity in his grief. Job questioned God and received a private lesson in humility and in God's sovereignty. Eventually, God restored all that Job had lost, increasing his earthly holdings – including his lineage. For Job, the latter was greater than the former.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: blue;">Paul</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span></b>~ Saul (Paul) was dramatically converted by the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus as he was carrying letters of destruction for those who were of the Way [followers of Jesus] to put them to death in Jerusalem. When <b><i><span style="color: black;">Jesus</span></i></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>selected Ananias to minister to Paul after his vision, He said to him, <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” </span></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">After that time many attempts were made to kill Paul by the Jews (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Acts%2010.23" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Acts 10:23</span></a>), the Hellenists (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Acts%2010.29" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Acts 10:29</span></a>), and with Barnabas in Antioch where they were threatened, persecuted and expelled. II Corinthians 11 enumerates for us Paul’s many <i><b>trials and troubles</b></i> including being stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, lashed, and left for dead. There was sharp contention between him and Barnabas while on their missionary journeys that split up the pair, resulting in Paul and Silas teaming up to minister to the Gentiles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">At the end of his life, while in prison, Paul addresses Timothy in his two epistles. As he encouraged the young pastor, Paul remained steadfast in his faith and mission, while acknowledging that all forsook him, save the Lord Jesus. Paul endured the constant pressure of a lifetime of <i><b>trials, troubles, & tribulations</b></i>, and yet he saw God’s purpose and sovereignty in all of it. Paul’s victory was this: “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear” (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/II%20Timothy%204.17" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">II Timothy 4:17</span></a>).</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the end, we come forth: </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span><i style="color: blue;"><b>precious, valuable and exquisite</b> </i>– </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a true treasure of God, for His Glory!</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A <i><b>diamond</b></i> must fall under the chisel in order to become a precious stone, and <i><b>gold</b></i> is never refined unless it remains in the fire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">God never leaves the metal in the crucible longer than what is <u>necessary</u> for the burning away of the dross. <i>He will do the same on our behalf.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!”</span> (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Psalm%2027.13-14" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Psalm 27:13-14</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-2165965586904634062019-01-01T21:43:00.000-05:002019-01-01T21:43:07.009-05:00New Year Resolution - Leave the Past Where It Is<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">The Apostle Paul states in Philippians verse 13-14, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 12pt;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In order to move forward - we must remain unencumbered. No baggage allowed! </span></b></i> </span></div>
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There’s a familiar saying we’ll hear over and over again in the next week: <i><b>“I’m making a New Year’s resolution to …” </b></i>Well, I’ve decided to say, <i><b>“I’m making a New Life resolution.”</b></i><br />
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The world view of resolutions run the gamut from diets and exercise, to spending and vices, manners and tempers, to everything in-between. As a Christian, I’m going to focus on “life style” resolutions that revolve around Christ and His example. Sure, we all have plenty of other things to work on, including those mentioned above. However, Jesus wants us to exhibit His qualities and attributes as we walk in this world. Our light needs to shine a bit brighter, and our salt needs to retain more saltiness as the days grow dimmer and more sinful (Matthew 5:13-16).<br />
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King David expressed his sentiments regarding the Lord’s leading. (Psalm 141:3-4) <i>“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing…”</i> (Psalm 143:8) <i>“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.”</i><br />
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I want to resolve to walk in the path God has for me, and to guard my mouth and heart. I need God’s eye upon me, and His gentle hand of correction as I journey through this life. I rely more upon Him now than I did as a new believer. Year by year, I recognize His new mercies and faithfulness towards me. I am amazed at His forbearance with me as I fall short of His standard. Praise God there is no condemnation, but only love and encouragement through His Word.<br />
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The Apostle Paul instructs us to know Christ in an intimate way. That intimacy caused him to <i>“press on and lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”</i> (Philippians 3:10-12) We have a revelation from Christ that brings a fresh, spiritual comprehension, which in turn gives us apprehension to live out our Christianity with boldness. Our confidence cannot be in our flesh, but in the power of God. Look to Him with the expectation of what He can do in us and through us.<br />
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Isaiah called Israel to not dwell on the past - but to move forward towards God's promises of deliverance and a future of hope: <i>"Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."</i><br />
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What a great lesson for the New Year and our <i>“New Life”</i> resolution. Look forward, not backwards. Keep your eye on Jesus and the heavenly goal. Pattern your new ideas and habits on what the Word teaches. Model yourself after your Maker and Master. Fix your gaze upon Jesus…He’s all you need to walk in the newness of life.<br />
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<i>Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </i><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>
</div>
God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-1290940529753817812018-12-14T22:18:00.002-05:002018-12-24T11:25:15.086-05:00Prince of Peace (that surpasses understanding)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His shoulder.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)</span></i></b></div>
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This Christmas will be a little different than most. My mother just passed away days ago from liver cancer. It took all of us by surprise. There were few warning signs and the PET scan revealed devastating results. In less than a month she had two hospital stays and she was in Hospice for only a few days.<br />
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My sister, husband, and I decorated her accommodations for Christmas. We had just surprised her at home with the same decorations two weeks earlier. Now we were trying to provide her with some comfort and memories in her Hospice room. We played Christmas music and held her hand. We told her how much we loved her. She had brief visits from her great-grand children.<br />
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Now I'm making funeral arrangements and planning a memorial service to celebrate her life. She was a Christian, and that has made all the difference for me these past few days...<br />
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I don’t know about you, but I desperately need an extra measure of peace, not only in our present day and time, but especially during the holiday season. The biblical key to <em><strong>peace</strong></em> is Christ’s Authority!<br />
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Webster defines “<em><b>peace</b></em>” in this way: a state of tranquility or quiet; a state of security or order within a community; a state or period of mutual concord; without strife or disorder… When the Lord Jesus becomes your Lord and Savior, you gain access to His <em>peace</em>.<br />
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The Book of Isaiah uses the word <em><b>peace</b></em> 26 times. God promised the nation of Israel <em>peace</em> when they returned wholeheartedly to the Lord. Isaiah 26:3 says, <i>“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”</i> In 32:17 Isaiah tells us, <i>“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.”</i> Again in Isaiah 48:17-18, 22, <i>“Thus says the Lord, you Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea’…’There is no peace,’ says the Lord, ‘for the wicked.’”</i><br />
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The apostle Paul concluded the book of II Thessalonians with this benediction, <i>“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.”</i> Ephesians 2:14 states, <i>“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us.”</i> Paul also says in Philippians 4:7,<i> “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”</i><br />
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More importantly, Jesus Himself says in John 14:27,<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”</span></i></span><br />
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When you have Jesus as the center of your life, He is the “still water” and tranquility you need to sustain you in a world of turmoil and chaos. He is our example of <em>peace</em> and our inspiration for <em>peace</em>. When we make <em>peace</em> with Jesus, we are no longer at enmity with God. Our salvation guarantees us <em>peace</em> forever with our Creator.<br />
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Jesus becomes our <em>peace</em> as we bend our knee to His Authority. Because He is the Vine and we are the branches (John 15), we are to receive that <em>peace</em> from His reservoir. <em>Peace</em> comes to those who gladly receive downstream that which Jesus begins upstream. We find our security in Who He is. Colossians 3:15 says, <i>“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”</i> He is the source of a<b> <em>peace</em> </b>that surpasses all understanding…<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </i></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>
</div>
God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-66121655343826692452018-11-18T23:42:00.001-05:002018-11-20T22:52:11.644-05:00Thanksgiving Should Be Celebrated Every Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sR9n59FBbs/W_I4neqcfII/AAAAAAAAJ14/43Ypd-s-8xoXkkc_teejGqslA9QG-NurQCLcBGAs/s1600/priscilla-du-preez-1089408-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_sR9n59FBbs/W_I4neqcfII/AAAAAAAAJ14/43Ypd-s-8xoXkkc_teejGqslA9QG-NurQCLcBGAs/s320/priscilla-du-preez-1089408-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="color: #e69138;"><b>Thanksgiving Day</b></i> is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. Its origin is a matter of debate, but most likely it is based on the traditional “first <i><b>Thanksgiving</b></i>” harvest meal shared in 1621 at the Plymouth Colony Plantation by the Pilgrims and a group of native Americans. <i><b>Thanksgiving</b></i> is generally observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. It is often a day for watching football games, parades, and TV specials. It usually begins the Christmas shopping season (known as Black Friday) and ushers in the start of Christmas cards, tree trimming, gift wrapping, and family gatherings. This holiday provides a valuable opportunity for the strengthening of family bonds, expressions of gratitude, and a reminder of God’s rich blessings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wikipedia states, “The first <i><b>Thanksgiving</b></i> feast lasted three days providing enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. The feast consisted of fowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. <i style="color: #e69138;">William Bradford</i> noted that, "besides waterfowl, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many”, probably gave rise to the American tradition of eating turkey at <i><b>Thanksgiving</b></i>.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is also a tradition for US Presidents to issue a pardon to the White House </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thanksgiving</b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Turkeys. Since about 1947 the National Turkey Federation has presented the President of the United States with one (and in recent years - two) live turkey(s) in a ceremony known as the National </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thanksgiving</b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Turkey Presentation. The live turkeys are pardoned and live out the rest of their days on a farm or, since 2005, sent to either Disneyland in California or Walt Disney World in Florida, where they serve as the honorary grand marshals of Disney's </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thanksgiving</b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Day Parade.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As Christians, we acknowledge God’s goodness and provision in our expression of <i><b>Thanksgiving</b></i>. God’s Word implores us to give <span style="color: #e69138;">thanks</span> to Him. Both Old and New Testament books of the Bible encourage us to have an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 50:14 tells us to, <i>“Offer to God <span style="color: #e69138;">thanksgiving</span>.” </i>Psalm 95:2 says, <i>“Let us come before His presence with <span style="color: #e69138;">thanksgiving</span>…” </i>The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:6 declares, <i>“…in everything by prayer and supplication, with <span style="color: #e69138;">thanksgiving</span>, let your requests be made known to God.”</i> We are to develop and display a grateful heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favorite psalms is 136. It begins with verses 1-3 - <span style="color: #e69138;">thanking</span> God for His Goodness. <i>"Oh, give <span style="color: #e69138;">thanks</span> to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give <span style="color: #e69138;">thanks </span>to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give <span style="color: #e69138;">thanks</span> to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever." </i> So much we have to be<span style="color: #e69138;"> thankful</span> for! Our families, our health, our jobs, our homes, and our ability to worship unhindered.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Thank</span> Jesus for your salvation. If we had nothing else to be <span style="color: #e69138;">thankful</span> for, that would be sufficient. Oh, how we thank Him for rescuing us from certain destruction and eternal doom. In II Corinthians 9:15 Paul says this, <i>“<span style="color: #e69138;">Thanks</span> be to God for His indescribable gift!” </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thanksgiving</b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">, make it a priority to focus on faith, family, and giving. The blessing we receive from meeting the needs of someone else is huge. Give to your local shelter, or volunteer your time. Do something different as a family, and make a memory by serving others in your community. Help distribute gift baskets at church to the needy, or invite a co-worker who doesn't have immediate family nearby for a home-cooked meal and fellowship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s fun to start your own family traditions for the</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thanksgiving</b></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">holiday. Kids can make homemade decorations, and you can bake special pies and loaf cakes from the abundance of the fall fruits and vegetables. Watch the annual Macy’s Day Parade together. Head outside and take a nature walk, collecting leaves, pine cones, and other trinkets to display as a centerpiece on your table. Involve kids in the dinner menu selection and preparations. Say a family blessing and let each member shares what they are</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: inherit;">thankful</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">for. There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate this special day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What are some of your <i><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Thanksgiving Day</span></b></i> traditions at your house?</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>
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God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-55339400971022548532018-09-17T22:34:00.002-04:002018-09-17T22:34:54.508-04:00Three Signs That Point To A Need For Rest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mY5RC3kTT1U/W5sidpZ8NQI/AAAAAAAAJ1I/D4lECFYhAs4xjKohzejfvKBwILb2tHsfACLcBGAs/s1600/woman%2Bdisraught.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mY5RC3kTT1U/W5sidpZ8NQI/AAAAAAAAJ1I/D4lECFYhAs4xjKohzejfvKBwILb2tHsfACLcBGAs/s320/woman%2Bdisraught.jpg" width="213" /></a>The holidays are quickly approaching. Are you dreading another family gathering? Do you get exhausted just thinking about all the planning, preparation, and energy it will take to keep it all from unraveling?</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>God has a way of "pulling us away" to
a place of rest and restoration. </i></b></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes it is by invitation, or by His divine appointment. Other times
it is through His grace and coercion. When the weight of the world is
pressing down and a sense of heaviness invades your soul, steal away time
to refresh yourself. </span><br />
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Oftentimes the outdoors will rejuvenate you. Go for a walk, take in nature's wonders, and reflect
on your heavenly Father's love and care for you. Steal a few moments to
separate yourself from others. Take a short nap, or put on your favorite praise & worship music. Read His Word, delving into the Psalms or the gospel of John which is His love letter to us. Discover God's powerful
presence and attributes as you meditate on His Goodness.</div>
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<b style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Here are three things that can indicate a real need for rest:</i></b></div>
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1. <i>Lack of focus </i></div>
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~ You are increasingly unable to think clearly due to fatigue, distraction, or over commitment. You have a difficult time staying on task and often drift away mentally. You can barely put one foot in front of the other to finish a task.</div>
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2. <i>Lack of purpose</i></div>
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~ Go back in time and reflect on the early days of your spiritual conversion. Recall that God-given mandate you received from the Lord. Re-evaluate your spiritual gifts and remember the contentment and fulfillment you once enjoyed.</div>
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3. <i>Lack of passion</i></div>
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~ Identify what drives you to do what you do. God gives you a divine zeal. He loves to reveal His purpose for your life. Let His Word and Spirit direct your heart and pathway ahead. Remember, His way is easier and less burdensome. </div>
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<b style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Scripture is full of examples for the need to rest and be refreshed...</i></b></div>
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King David often petitioned God in the Psalms to give him
courage, strength and <i>rest</i>. In Psalm 37:7 he tells us <i>"Rest in
the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...". </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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The prophet Jeremiah quoted the LORD Himself: <i>"Stand in
the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in
it; then you will find rest for your souls." </i>(Jeremiah
6:16)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus spoke to the crowds that were pressing in
all around Him and comforted them with these words, <i>"Come to Me, all you
who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
</i>(Matthew 11:28)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The apostle Paul tells his Hebrew audience, <i>"For we who
have believed do enter that rest... There remains therefore a rest for
the people of God."</i> (Hebrews 4:3, 9)<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the book of Revelation, John writes down what the voice
from heaven spoke to him: <i>"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from
now on...that they may rest from their labors, and their works
follow them."</i> (Revelation 14:13)<o:p></o:p><br />
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<i>Below is a poem I wrote in the spring of 2003. </i><br />
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<b> </b><i>Enter My Rest...</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Family and workloads, deadlines and tests,<o:p></o:p></div>
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weary and tired, surely hard pressed;<o:p></o:p></div>
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other's demands and schedules left<o:p></o:p></div>
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weighing on shoulders meant for much less.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Daughter of Mine...enter My Rest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Steep is the path of life's daily trek -<o:p></o:p></div>
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hard is the road that leads to His best.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Often no thanks or kindness is shown,<o:p></o:p></div>
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only a sharp reply they confess.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Daughter of Mine...enter My Rest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lay aside weights and all heaviness,<o:p></o:p></div>
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leaving behind the hurt and the pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let me restore what value is left.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Come...pull away - be free and be blessed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Daughter of Mine...enter My Rest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">DL McCarragher - April 2003</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i>"Oh, that I had wings like a dove! For then
I would</i> <i>fly away and be at rest." (Psalm 55:6)</i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Life comes at us hard and fast... be sure to slow down and
refresh your soul. </i></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A moment of </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">rest </i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">can make all the
difference to you and those around you. </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rest</i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> in the Lord
today!</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCAjhcUtPSw/W58SazaCyOI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/QBJT61-3eicM0aydn6RM7C6xPAJDFgAnACLcBGAs/s1600/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="88" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCAjhcUtPSw/W58SazaCyOI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/QBJT61-3eicM0aydn6RM7C6xPAJDFgAnACLcBGAs/s1600/MP%2Bfront%2Bcover%2Bxtra%2Bsm.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "times" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.</span></i></div>
</div>
God Mission Possiblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816994830182436771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268610125875012990.post-15732112830944355412018-08-22T10:44:00.002-04:002018-08-22T11:07:55.411-04:00What Does Exercise Have To Do With It?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRu8TqTWQD8/W3uAclocs8I/AAAAAAAAJzk/ebMhZ4u2IfsV3N1hQqOAiyWbbfBIXMWOQCLcBGAs/s1600/toe%2Btouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRu8TqTWQD8/W3uAclocs8I/AAAAAAAAJzk/ebMhZ4u2IfsV3N1hQqOAiyWbbfBIXMWOQCLcBGAs/s200/toe%2Btouch.jpg" width="170" /></a>Have you taken a fitness test lately? Can you touch your toes, do a push-up and deep squat? Are you within standard guidelines when it comes to weight and body fat? Are you eating heart healthy, fat conscious, and generally clean and lean? Keeping in shape is a priority for many - but what about a spiritual checkup?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Consistent results take discipline - both in the physical and spiritual realm.</i></b></span><br />
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I was listening to a pastor’s message on the Christian radio station in my area and heard a familiar verse that some have used in a mocking - humorous way. But as I listened to his sermon, I began to hear and understand it in a whole new light.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>I Timothy 4:8</i> says, <em>“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”</em></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another translation puts it this way: <em><b>"physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things..."</b></em></span><br />
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A brisk walk lowers blood pressure, your cholesterol, and reduces stress on the body. Engaging in some form of regular physical exercise will generally add years to your lifespan. Exercise helps to reduce harmful chemicals in our bodies, and provides a form of abreaction (letting off steam), builds up stamina, counteracts the biochemical effects of stress, and reduces the risk of psychological illness.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>As Christians, we house the Holy Spirit, and our temple needs to be strong and fit. Our foundation must be built on God's Word and Godly precepts. </i></b></span><br />
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Health and fitness are worthy goals when they are balanced with common sense and right priority. In biblical times physical exercise was not touted as necessary because people generally walked everywhere and performed manual labor on a regular basis. Daily exercise was a lifestyle incorporated into their very existence.<br />
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Verse 7 prefaces the previous quoted passage with the following, <i><b>"... and exercise yourself rather to godliness." </b></i>Spiritually speaking, when we exercise godliness through prayer, Bible study, and self-control, we keep our spiritual man [woman] healthy. But what good is it if we take care of the physical body, but neglect our spiritual man and coddle our sinful nature?<br />
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The <i><b>eternal value</b></i> mentioned is found in verse 8. Paul makes it clear that whatever we are doing for the here and now is indeed profitable – even commendable, but that which is to come, is of more value and lasting.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Taking care of the spirit man, which is incorruptible and lives forever, is far more important than maintaining a corruptible body that will slowly decay in this world.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--APBclMewo8/W317Rqk9ZcI/AAAAAAAAJ0E/9WMKPZ8ZcukXDLJ2eINX02CIv5lK-xsTwCLcBGAs/s1600/Weight%2Blifting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--APBclMewo8/W317Rqk9ZcI/AAAAAAAAJ0E/9WMKPZ8ZcukXDLJ2eINX02CIv5lK-xsTwCLcBGAs/s1600/Weight%2Blifting.jpg" /></a>Exercise is not my god, nor do I place my fate in its hands. <i>Jesus</i> is my God! Sure, I still go to the gym and workout regularly. I faithfully walk our dog every morning. I make it a point to stay active, eat right, and get a good night’s sleep. But for me, keeping my spirit woman healthy and fit is a higher, God-ordained priority.<br />
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How do you maintain a consistency in your biblical training? What can you do to facilitate a good diet and exercise program in the spiritual realm? When do your godly workouts produce more noticeable results?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com/">http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com</a></span></i></span><br />
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