tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49149810085080454932024-03-18T06:45:08.159-07:00Journey Into The WordThe Word of God is
our Focus, and everybody
is somebody.John 17:17.
Every missing lamb
matters. If you know
people who have wandered
off from God's truth,
don't write them off,
go after them, get
them back. Read Luke 15:4-10.God’s Word is
unlike any other book.
As believers, we are
instructed to study
the Bible and meditate
upon its meaning for our
lives.
journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.comBlogger603125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-46855645627309848552024-03-18T06:44:00.000-07:002024-03-18T06:44:34.444-07:00When You Take Over The Wheel, You Lose Your Way From His Will! If Only We’d Stop Inviting And Involving Jesus In The Wedding Only. And Start Inviting And Involving Jesus In The Marriage, We’d Be So Much Better! Why God Has A Word? The Love Triangle. <p><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">A love triangle is usually a prescription for broken hearts unless you have the kind of love triangle that keeps hearts from being broken. Why would God want us talking about this subject today</span></span></b></em><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #444444;">?</span></strong><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #444444;"> He wants to remind us of our covenant. God knows the enemy is having a field day trying to disrupt marriages and families. </span></strong><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #4d5156;">God reinforces the power of unity within marriage again and again throughout His Word.</span></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">So then, what does the Bible say about marriage? Why did God create this beautifully messy thing called holy matrimony?</span> Marriage is and always will be an earthly symbol of a heavenly truth. Marriage is a picture of Christ and His relationship with the church.</b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b>As the author in Song of Solomon expresses his love for his bride in Song of Solomon 8:7. He makes a bold statement, in essence, that love cannot be purchased. The love you choose to walk in, in your marriage, is meant to show the world this same truth—that God’s love is unearned and cannot be bought with anything you have to offer.</b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Our marriages are to be walking examples of God’s unending love, grace, and mercy. Whether we are being good examples, walking in the direction and command of the Lord, or we are being disobedient and rebellious to it, we are being a symbol to the world. What gospel is your marriage preaching to this lost and dying world? Is it proclaiming the never-ending and ever-patient love of God?</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Our marriages can and should bring glory to God and point outsiders, who are looking in, to a loving and redeeming God. Marriage was created by God, it is His, and He desires for it to be used His way and for His purposes. More to the point: Your marriage is God’s, and He desires for it to be done His way and for His purposes!</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Are you ready for that?</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If Only We’d Stop Inviting and Involving </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Jesus </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">in The </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Wedding </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Only…And Start Inviting and Involving </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Jesus </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">in The </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Marriage </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Also, We’d Be So Much Better! </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">However</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #444444;">, If Truth Be Told, We Have a Bad Tendency to Invite Everyone Else into Our Marriages, </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Except Jesus</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><strong><span style="color: #444444;">Oh, we’ll talk to family, friends, coworkers, and just people of interest that will lend an ear (</span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">some with pure motives and intentions, many without</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">). </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">But the One person we committed our vows before is the one person we overlook in marital trouble. We seek outside sources, when He’s waiting on the sidelines, ever so patient, for us to include Him back in the triangle. I mean, if it started with Him, shouldn’t we carry it all the way through with Him?</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">Now, there's a formula in </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ecclesiastes 4</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">. It's a formula for lasting bonds between people. You could very well call it the </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">arithmetic of love</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">. Here's what it says beginning at </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">verse 9</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">, </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">falls, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. If two lie down together they will keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">That passage is a powerful statement about </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">relationships</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">, especially if you apply it to the ultimate relationship of </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">marriage</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">. It says two </span></strong><strong><span style="color: #444444;">works</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> together better than one, two walk together better than one, two stand together better than one, </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">and then suddenly the number changes. Suddenly it's talking about three strands. Wait…I thought we were talking about two…</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">So enter the love triangle: </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">a husband, a wife, and God.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> That's the kind of love triangle that </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">avoids</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> broken hearts. </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ephesians 5:21</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> alludes to it when it </span></strong><strong><span style="color: #444444;">says,</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> speaking to husbands and wives, </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (NIV). </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">It's the Jesus factor in a marriage that always makes the difference. </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Now, the triangle is the strongest geometric figure there is, and a love triangle with Christ at the top is virtually indestructible! In other words, you've got the man and woman joined together by that line along the bottom, but they both have a line going up to Jesus at the top. That bond between the man and the woman will fray sometimes. There's interference, there's disappointment, there's disillusionment, there's hurt. But if both the man and woman are connected to Christ at the top of the triangle, that bond will hold them together when the bond of human compatibility is unraveling.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The problem with many of us as spouses is we don’t always keep Christ at the top of the triangle.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Often,</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> we fight to be in the top slot that we push Him </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">down or</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> take Him out of the equation altogether. But the only way for the love triangle with Jesus to work effectively, is to always be certain that He maintains His top priority position. While we’re fighting to be heard, fighting to be right, fighting to prove the other wrong, fighting to get the </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">upper hand</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">, we undermine His hand on our Covenant. Which makes you wonder: As soon as we think divorce is the answer, isn’t it amazing when you share that theory with others, most will always ask, “Have you prayed about it first?” Why do they ask that? Well, genius, you can’t call yourself a Christian then </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">decide</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> to Crucify your Covenant, and think people aren’t going to ask if you consulted Christ! Even other people are under the impression that you have Christ in your marriage! And </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">so,</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> they ask the obvious question of “have you prayed about it first?” And </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">often</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">, we haven’t, we just want a quick fix for what we’ve allowed to slowly break down over the years. We want Jesus, in the beginning, to bless our covenant, but as soon as conflict and crisis hits along the journey, we pull the marriage over, kick Jesus out from behind the wheel, and then drive our marriages right over the cliff! After all, how can you possibly think you can reach your marital destination without the only One who has the directions? And remember, we kicked Him out! But </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When You Take Over The </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Wheel</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">, You Lose Your </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Way </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">From </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">His Will!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">So, the question is, "</span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">How much is Jesus Christ a real Person and Presence in your marriage?</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">" Do you pray together about real life issues as if Jesus is right there with you? "</span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Lord, we've got to talk to You about this together.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">" In fact, when was the last time you prayed </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">with</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> your spouse? Not for houses, cars, land, business, ministry, money, promotion, elevation, or personal gain. But prayed </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">with</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> your spouse: </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Lord, teach us to be loving, faithful, supportive, encouraging, kind, generous, patient, forgiving. Teach us to acknowledge one another’s </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">strengths</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> and be patient and understanding in one another’s weaknesses. Teach us to be a better man and woman; better husband and wife; better father and mother; better son and daughter; better disciples; better believers, better friends, better spouses, better lovers, better teammates. Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight. Teach us to trust You when our finances or health is failing. Teach us to be Your mirror to the world of what unconditional love really looks like.”</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> When is the last time you prayed </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">with</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> your spouse, not for </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">personal gain</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">, but for </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">personal growth?</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">Do you often ask together, "</span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">What would Jesus do?</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">" Are you cultivating the habit of sharing what Christ has said to you from His Word that day with each other? Do you get on your knees together and fight for your family</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #444444;">, friends, and children?</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And though most ‘super-saved Christian’s’ may call it ‘carnal’, but do you also laugh together, watch television together, travel together, go to the movies, out to dinner, go shopping, do you still date and court your spouse? Do you call and text your spouse as much as you do everybody else? Are you in your spouses’ face more than you’re on Face book? Do you share as many pictures with your spouse as you do with Instagram? Do you text your spouse as much as you tweet? Do you send flowers? Do you enjoy engaging conversation from talking about Jesus, to the weather, to the government, to what you ate for lunch? Do you take walks? Do you still share dreams, or have you only become each other’s nightmares? Do you sit down to dinner, in your own home, at your own dinner table, without the intruding guest of your cell phone, internet or social media? Do you go for a long drive? Picnic in the park? Weekend get-a-way to no-where in particular? Have you planned your vacation? Have you passionately made love to your spouse,</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> or do you simply settle for watching such scenes on movies screens with actors portraying the roles of marital bliss? I know, sounds ‘carnal’ to some, but for those who know that it takes your body, </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">soul,</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> and spirit to make a marriage work, you get it! We don’t spend all of our time in church, in the Word or in prayer! Those things are wonderful, those things are needful, especially when they’re done as couples, however, going to the beach won’t send you to hell either! If you’re finding it difficult to laugh with your spouse over something silly, then something is wrong! Even Jesus, slept, ate, prayed, and wept…in other words Jesus expressed His natural as well as His spiritual. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with you doing the very same! As a couple you can preach the walls of Jericho down, but when you’re done, go to Olive Garden and eat some pasta! Are you getting </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">this? You cannot expect to have an Enjoyable marriage that has no Joy!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Maybe the marriage is rotting because you’ve both stopped eating the fruit of the Spirit! Imagine if you digested daily more love for your spouse, more joy and peace with your spouse, more forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness towards your spouse, and more self-control to keep yourself only for your spouse, you’d see a tremendous difference take place in your marriage. That’s the beauty of having Jesus not only in your marriage, or a part of your marriage, but having Him (His Spirit) as Head Over your marriage! Then, even on bad days, you could still be good to your spouse!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So, are you attempting to make marriage work with just the two of you, or have you considered a love triangle with Jesus? After all, who better to have during</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> your marriage, and even </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">during</span></span></b></em><em><b> </b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">its</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’ problems then Jesus? Jesus saves, heals, delivers, </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">forgives, and understands; He is patient, kind, loving, and generous. Who better to teach a couple such characteristics but the One who has exemplified such characteristics with the Godhead? Isn’t it amazing how they work together? And as a believer, you have the opportunity and privilege to invite Them into your marriage to show you how to work together just like Them.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">I’ve always said it, and always will; most often the issue in marriage isn’t </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">‘we’ve grown apart’</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">, the issue is </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">‘we haven’t grown up.’ Marriage takes Maturity. </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;">It takes two people that will stop screaming </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">‘mine’</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="color: #444444;"> and start screaming </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">‘ours’.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">It takes two people that will stop trying to have their own way, and instead go in the way of God. It takes two people who learn to talk to each other and with each other not against each other and at each other. It takes two people who learn to attentively listen, even when they have so </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">much,</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> they want to say. It takes sacrifice, and sacrifice is painful and bloody! No one has ever made a sacrifice and thought it was good or even felt good! It’s hard, it’s tough, it can be </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">grueling</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">, but when you remember the purpose and payoff of the </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">sacrifice,</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> you’ll know it was worth it! But you </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">must be an</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> ‘adult’ to get there! You can’t play the bully; you can’t be the whiner; you can’t pick the fight; you can’t run to your corner and call it quits; you can’t drag in reinforcements of the </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">flesh and think it will better anything! No! For this, you’ve got to grow up, mature, adult and fight to maintain the marriage you willfully made!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">But sadly, we as a church live in a day and age where anyone, anything, everyone, everything is easily discarded.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Can you imagine if we had to be perfect </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">for</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Jesus to come? He would never have come because none of us are perfect. Instead, He came because our imperfections needed Him. He didn’t throw our sins in our face; He didn’t get joy out of our sorrows, </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">pain,</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> or failures; He didn’t say that we weren’t good enough; He didn’t give us a laundry list of perfection to live up to before He came. And yet, we as believers look for others, especially our spouses, to live up to an ideal that’s not ideal. We want them to cross every ‘T’ and dot every ‘I’, even though we </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">don’t,</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> and we can’t. And </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">so when we don’t get what we expected, imagined or wanted, we discard. Aren’t you grateful Jesus doesn’t work like that? Not even Judas’ betrayal; Peter’s denial; or Thomas’ doubts could make Him replace them. He loved them, embraced them, and accepted them as the flawed individuals they were. However, as spouses, we don’t always treat one another with the same unconditional love. We don’t extend the same grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We aren’t as patient, dedicated, or determined. No, we simply and quickly discard.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Which makes me wonder about many of us and our employment? So many of us work in</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> jobs that we hate or with people we would much rather not even walk on the same sidewalk with. And yet, we never up and quit our jobs; we don’t leave; we don’t walk away; we don’t throw our hands up and throw the towel in. We can be frustrated, taken advantage of, misused, disrespected, treated unfairly and even poorly, and still, 30 years later, we’re </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">in</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> the same job.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If only we treated marriages with the same commitment.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">Oh, there will be days when you’ll want to file for divorce; days you’ll have no idea why you got married in the first place; days when you think </span></strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">‘who is this person?’</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">There will be conflict, arguments and even misunderstandings. There will be days that are hard and nights that are long. But if you wouldn’t throw in the towel on a job with people you hate; how can you throw in the towel with the person you said you love? Know this: Eventually that job will have no need of you and will discard you (retirement). But you’re married to a person who’s in it ‘till death do we part’, and yet that’s the person you choose to resign from? Listen, marriage is hard, it’s work and there will be days when you feel like it’s more work than going to work! But is it still worth it? Absolutely! God still hates divorce; adultery is still a sin; and a vow made, should still be a vow maintained.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Let today be the day you re-exam your own marriage. Is Jesus still a part of it, or have the two of you given Him the boot? Is He still the first Person you consult, or does He come in after you’ve called everyone else? The Man who has given sight to the blind; speech to the mute; walking to the lame; and life to the dead can surely help your marriage, don’t you think?</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Lastly, when God is Love, how do you think you can manage a marriage without Him who is Love? The Father so full of love sent His very own Son to die just for us; Jesus so full of love laid down His own life, voluntarily, just for us; the Holy Spirit so full of love, has moved in and made His home in us, His temple. Now, just imagine if you invited and involved the Godhead into your marriage the level of love you both would be filled with?</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Love triangles with people will destroy your marriage, but one with the Godhead ensures that it’s indestructible! Which will you choose today?</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Before you get married, wait for someone who is joined to Jesus as you are, because it is worth the wait. And after you marry, practice His presence daily in your home. A love triangle with Jesus as that real third person is the strongest bond on earth!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Dear Lord, We know You created marriage as a testimony of Your power and grace, and that our marriage is a vessel for Your good will. Our greatest desire is to be unified in marriage to faithfully live out our days to please You. We pray You would give us a clear understanding of our purpose together.</span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">As we pursue our purpose, we ask You to strengthen our hearts and give us confidence to accomplish all that You have for us. No matter what circumstances we face together, we pray that we would trust You to work all things together for good.</span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Thank You for the time we get to spend together: the conversations we have, the memories we make, and even the simplest moments of connection we share. Will You remind us to take advantage of the opportunities we have today to love each other in big and small ways? Please remind us that a significant part of our purpose in marriage is to encourage one another with the truth that You love us deeply. As we chase boldly after You together, may our love reflect Your love to a broken world. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.</span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><b>As you pray together, you will: Learn to trust God more as you see him move in mighty ways in every area of your life and marriage. Create a lifelong habit of deep, meaningful, and specific prayer for your marriage as you commit to praying bold, powerful prayers for one another this year.</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>J.P. Olson</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>www.journeyintotheword.com</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST on The NOW Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBKwN7FUANUF5P_CkJW7eXqfQ_-bLxSOFZY=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/dbNc-j6xtfKUlPMrADrSQw==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a> </b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ROKU, Cable & Online. https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</b></span></span></p>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-60581359347072618912024-03-11T05:38:00.000-07:002024-03-11T05:38:52.871-07:00When God Doesn't Come Through. What if You Risk Everything and God Doesn't Come Through? What Do We Do When God Fails Us, When Our Lives Fall Apart, When His Promises Seem To Fail?<p><b style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Father, we thank You for being active and working with us in every situation, every dark moment. Even when things seem at their bleakest, we trust in Your sovereignty and strength. In </span></span></b><b style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">John 16:33</span></span></b><b style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">, You said, "in this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." We embrace the fact that this world and the troubles we face have been overcome and rest in the knowledge that You have the power to move in any and every situation.</span></span></b></p><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">When God Doesn't Come Through. What if You Risk Everything and God Doesn't Come Through? </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">What Do We Do When God Fails Us, When Our Lives Fall Apart, When His Promises Seem To Fail? </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">God reminds us through His Word that He is trustworthy and good, no matter the outcome of our circumstances. </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">When you walk with God. The impossible becomes possible.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Sometimes our life circumstances don’t make sense. We wonder what God is up to, and more pressing, we may even doubt and wonder if God will come through at all. But doubt is not the same as unbelief — as we see most beautifully in the example of John the Baptist, who found himself suffering in prison because of his allegiance to God. In a moment of questioning and doubt, John wondered if God would come through for him.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’” (</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Matthew 11:2-3</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">)</span></span></b><b> </b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Like every faithful Jew, John knew that the coming of the Messiah meant good news for the poor, healing for the brokenhearted and “freedom for the captives” (</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Isaiah 61:1</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">, NIV). But would Jesus come through for him? Now?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">In Jesus’ response to John in </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Matthew 11:4-6</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">, Jesus quoted </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Isaiah 61:1</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">. But He omitted one very important phrase. He said nothing about the prisoners being set free.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">“Jesus replied, ‘Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.’” (</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Matthew 11:4-6</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">, NIV)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">From Jesus’ response, John understood that his </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">faith</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">, which got him imprisoned in the first place, would not set him free from the prison cell he found himself in. While Jesus’ ministry would certainly include setting captives free, what John was expecting would not be what he would experience. And Jesus didn’t come through in the way John had hoped.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">But John’s story does not end in despair. He did not fall into the trap of unbelief. Nor did he “stumble,” or fall away on account of Jesus. Scripture does not indicate that John’s life, unlike others’ (for example, Judas Iscariot’s), ended in betrayal or disbelief. On the contrary, Jesus alluded to John later in His ministry as an example of righteousness. (</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Matthew 21:32</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">What we can learn from John is that he moved not from uncertainty to certainty but from uncertainty to trust. He learned what we must all learn: In God’s hands, even what seems senseless is sacred and full of meaning and purpose.</span></span></b><b> </b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">God will show Himself faithful to you. He reminds us through His Word that He is trustworthy and good, no matter the outcome of our circumstances. He will invite you to lean on Him as your Rock, to seek comfort in Him as your heavenly Father and to trade your fears for His peace.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I’m not sure what you are facing in your life today. But if you are struggling to give your hopes and hurts to God, you are in good company. We’re all limping along, learning to trust Jesus in all the things.</span></span></b><b> </b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">The good news is that Jesus not only suffered for us, but He suffers with us. He enters our pain. And no matter the final outcome of any situation, Jesus gives us the grace to walk faithfully under the weight of our cross and into His glory.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?"</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Daniel 3:13-18</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"> NLT</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I love the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They had such amazing </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">faith</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">, faith that led them to stand in defiance of the king's order to bow down and worship an idol. They were committed to serving God, to bowing to him only. They knew the penalty for their disobedience to the king, and yet they walked in faith to God. They reverenced God more than they feared the blazing hot furnace.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">There they stood, watching the furnace being heated. The king gave them one last chance to change their minds, to bow down and worship the idols.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">And that’s when they made their bold declaration, “Our God is able to save us.”</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">As they stared at the fire, they proclaimed their faith once again—and their defiance against the king’s orders. They proclaimed that their God is able to save them! But they didn’t stop there. "But even if He doesn't…"</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Maybe it was a moment of weakness. Maybe it was a dose of reality, their true fear of the situation showing through. Maybe they were doubting just a bit as they felt the heat from the fire. Maybe it was just to save face in case God failed to show up.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I don’t know exactly what the men were thinking in that moment, but they expressed the possibility that</span></span></b><b> </b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">God might not save them. He was able; but was He willing?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever stepped out in faith, believing God was able? Have you ever put everything on the line for God, knowing without a doubt that He had called you?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">What if you risk everything and God doesn’t come through? What then?</span></span></b><b> </b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Wait. That’s not possible, you might be thinking. God is able. If He calls us, He always provides. He cannot lie. His promises are forever and always, yes and amen.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Or maybe, like me, you've been there. You've believed with all your heart that God has told you something. He’s confirmed His word to you repeatedly, through scripture and through others. You’ve staked your reputation on His word.</span></span></b><b> </b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">And He fails you.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">We don’t want to admit that sometimes we are disappointed by God. He doesn’t answer our prayers, at least not the way we expected Him to. Maybe it’s a prayer for healing for ourselves or someone we love. Maybe it’s prayers to save our </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">marriage</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">, to rescue our spouse from that adulterous relationship. Maybe it’s prayers to turn a wayward child back to God.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I don’t know what it is in your life. Have you’ve been in that place where you felt that God failed you, where you were disappointed by His actions—or lack of action? A place where you wondered why you should continue to follow Him if He wasn’t faithful to keep His promises. You’ve wondered if I should continue to serve Him if he is able, but not willing.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Many of us don’t want to admit that sometimes we feel like God has failed us, that He has failed to hold up His end of the bargain. We somehow feel that we are to blame—maybe our faith wasn’t strong enough or we didn’t pray hard enough or we misinterpreted His words. Somehow, it’s not allowed to admit that God didn’t come through for us.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">So, What Do We Do When God Fails Us, When Our Lives Fall Apart, When His Promises Seem To Fail?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Understand that His ways are higher than our ways. When your marriage fell apart, you begged God to put it back together, to heal us, to bring your husband or wife to repentance for their adultery. Day after day, you fall to your knees seeking His face, seeking His healing. And yet, your spouse chose to continue walking away from God and you, ultimately leading to divorce. You was diagnosed with Cancer, your child lost their life, you lost your home, your car, you went bankrupt as the list goes on. Why God, why did You fail me?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Have you had to grapple with the collision of God’s sovereignty with man’s free will. While God is always able, sometimes man is not willing to go along with His plan. Man’s hard-heart limits how God can work. But, in His sovereignty, God will not allow His plan for your life to be derailed because of something another has done to you. He will use all the heartache and the pain to make something beautiful in you…if you let Him.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">The more I get to know God, the more I come to realize that I am a finite human being with a finite understanding of the infinite Creator and Sustainer of the universe. I cannot grasp, cannot understand, His ways, His thoughts, His plans.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">And when I cannot understand, I must trust that He is still in control. Life often seems to be spiraling out of control. We find ourselves grasping for anything that will help us maintain some semblance of control, make some sense of the storm swirling all around us.</span></span></b><b> </b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Sometimes, we simply cannot understand. We are near-sighted, unable to see from God’s perspective. It’s in those times where we simply must let go, surrender, trust that He knows what He is doing. We must look to His past faithfulness, the promises in His word, and cling to the hope that He will never leave us nor forsake us.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">We must trust Him with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. We must acknowledge Him in all our ways so that He can direct our path (</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Proverbs 3:5-6</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">).</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">And when we trust that He is in control, we can know that He will use everything for His glory and our good. While the disappointments we experience are not necessarily God’s will for our lives, nothing can touch us without Him allowing it. If He allows it, then He must be using it for some greater purpose.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I have a friend who shared this with me: God’s will was not for my husband to have an affair, not for me to end up divorced. But it happened because of a hardened heart. And God allowed it. During my darkest days, I didn’t understand how or why. But today, I look back and see how He has used the trials to do an eternal work in my life, to grow my faith and conform me to his image. I see how He has used the most unwanted pain to open doors of ministry for me, to fulfill His purpose for me that He planned long ago (</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Ephesians 2:10</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">).</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Whatever disappointment you are facing, however you feel that God has failed you, know that He will turn it into something beautiful. He will resurrect your life from the dead and give you a testimony to point the world back to Him.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I don’t know what disappointments you are facing. I don’t know how you sense that God has failed you. I don’t know if you stood before the world and proclaimed, “My God is able…”</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">If you, like me, find yourself in the “even if He doesn’t…” category, don’t let go. Don’t let your finite understanding of the situation cause you to stumble, to fall away from God. Hold tight! Trust that His view of your circumstances is far beyond your understanding. Trust that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust that He will take the pain and disappointments and use them for good.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Dear Jesus, thank You for being beside me through every season of my life. Even when I don’t understand what You are doing, help me to trust that Your love for me is unending and Your plan for me is good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Aptos, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Lord Jesus, life is hard. Sometimes we don’t understand. We are disappointed and even feel forsaken by You. Give us a fresh vision of Your goodness, of Your grace. Give us confidence to cling to the hope that You are still working in the midst of the devastation, in the silence, to create a testimony of redemption. Give us confident assurance that You are still in control. Pour out Your peace on us as we trust You to do what we cannot. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST on The NOW Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBL0hbBUANUF5A7izKXuIClp39JqV2IMr3s=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/QryT6b3d0p6fTCX-8iuJXA==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a> </span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">ROKU, Cable & Online. https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></p><div><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div></div>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-24440654568694310402024-03-04T06:53:00.000-08:002024-03-04T06:53:56.156-08:00Warming Ourselves By The Enemy’s Fire. Peter Followed Him At A Distance And So Are Many Believers Today. If You Want To See Miracles Happen, Healing , And If You Want Direction In Your Lives, Whatever It Takes, STAY BY HIS SIDE, Not At A Distance.<p><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Warming Ourselves by the Enemy’s Fire</span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Do not become lost in the crowd; keep fixated on the Lord. Stay by His side. Peter’s mistake, I believe, was that he left the side of the Savior and warmed himself in the camp of the ones who were out to destroy Him and all those connected to Him. We warm ourselves by the fires of greed, fame, power, judgment, lust, gossip, worthlessness, anger, and envy and then cry out, “Where are You, Jesus? He never left our side; we left His side to warm ourselves with other things than His love. If you want to see miracles happen, healing take place, and if you want direction in your lives, whatever it takes, STAY BY HIS SIDE, not at a distance. I now try to be like the other disciples and to follow Him even unto the cross. I want to be the one who will go to the ends of the earth with Jesus.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So, the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself…. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So, they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed. John 18: 15 -18; 25 – 27</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">As a leader, minister, Rev, evangelist, and pastor I often hear different people ask, “Why does it seem that my life is going nowhere?” When I ask for clarity, they share that it seems like their spiritual lives are stagnate and stale. And as we dive deeper into the discussion, it often becomes revealed that they are not near the Lord. They share that they were following the Lord and somehow noticed one day He was not anywhere to be found.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">What a sad discovery to come upon; especially when it is YOU who realizes this. Do not lose heart, dear friends, you are not the only ones this happens to many people; even those who were walking closely with the Lord. In this passage, we see two disciples: Peter and the other disciple (many scholars believe this to be John the Beloved; the one whom Jesus gave charge over His mother to at the crucifixion.) coming to be with Jesus during His last night on earth before His resurrection. John follows Jesus into the courtyard and Peter decided to warm himself by the fires of those who have just turned their backs on Jesus. These people followed the ways of earthly rulers and leaders because they did not see Jesus for who He is. Both Peter and John did see this, and John never wanted to leave the side of Christ. Peter decided to warm himself at the enemy’s fire.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">While there, Peter is confronted by those around him that he (Peter) was with Jesus. It is not fair for me to say that Peter thought this or that at that time, so I will not pretend to know. However, what I do know is that just hours before, Peter pledged to not only live for Jesus but was willing to die for Him. Jesus, knowing all things, told Peter that he would deny even knowing Him. Peter, being the hard-headed person he was, argued with Jesus that it would never happen! As the story shares, it came to pass. In Luke’s passage (Luke 22:31 – 32), Jesus even shares how He prayed for Peter and testified that he (Peter) would be restored to fellowship with Him.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Mark 14:54: Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself by the fire. NIV</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Mark 14:66-68. While Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the servant girls of the high priest came down and saw him warming himself there. She looked at Peter and said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.” But he denied it. “I do not know or even understand what you are talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, and the rooster crowed.… Peter’s mistake, I believe, was that he left the side of the Savior and warmed himself in the camp of the ones who were out to destroy Him and all those connected to Him. That same experience is happening today. Some follow Jesus even into the courtyards and the possibility of facing the same fate as Him and there are those (even “Christians”) who will be content separating themselves from Him to be warmed by the worldly fires. And like Peter, will deny even knowing Jesus. We warm ourselves by the fires of greed, fame, power, judgment, lust, gossip, worthlessness, anger, and envy and then cry out, “Where are You, Jesus? Why did You leave me?” He never left our side; we left His side to warm ourselves with other things than His love.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Jesus, unlike ourselves, can be in the world and not of it (meaning that He can be around those people who influence us to stray from God’s side and stand firm.)</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We can spend time by the enemy’s fire; warming ourselves with its light only to find that we were colder and more bitter than when we were with Jesus. I now try to be like the other disciple and to follow Him even unto the cross.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">2 Corinthians 6:17-18, “Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light the best friend with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: “I’ll live in them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people. So, leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good,” says God. I want you all for myself. I’ll be a Father to you; you’ll be sons and daughters to me.” The Word of the Master, God.” (MSG)</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Do you find yourself suddenly apart from the Lord? Wonder where you lost sight of Him? Are you warming yourselves by the fires of your soul’s enemy? Do not become lost in the crowd; keep fixated on the Lord. Stay by His side. Grab hold of Him if you need to. Whatever it takes, STAY BY HIS SIDE if you want to see miracles happen, healing take place, and if you want direction in your lives.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We cannot blind ourselves though; you can easily still have moments of what I call “Peter Syndrome”, meaning that you might try to warm yourself with the enemy’s fire. Trying to rekindle an old flame while married, this will only keep your infidelity warm temporarily, traveling down shady lane, where drugs or alcohol are surely to be found, the casinos have gone from casual visiting to your living quarters, lying, stealing, gossiping, backbiting, things a person find themselves doing because they have distanced themselves from staying close to Jesus. I hope that whoever is reading this inspirational reading never develops a relapse of it; some of us already know what would happen.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">If you’re needing to know God’s direction right now, don’t focus so much on figuring out The Plan. Focus on staying close to the man, to Jesus, whose plan it is. Living in God’s Will isn’t supposed to be this stressful spiritual mystery game. Relax and do the things that get you really close to the person, or in the words of the Bible Stay close to the King … wherever He goes!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">There are eight words in 2 Chronicles 23:7 that I’ve typed out and posted on my computer desk. These eight words remind me of the secret of knowing and doing what God has planned in any given situation. In this chapter, a coalition of military and spiritual leaders is working to put the rightful king on the throne in Judah – even though he’s only a boy. The temple staff, the Levites, are given a straightforward assignment, and here are those eight words: Stay close to the king wherever He goes. That’s our assignment, too. And when we fulfill this assignment, we’ll be led naturally and supernaturally – into the next steps we’re supposed to take knowing God’s Will for our lives. It’s not your cleverness in figuring it out; It’s Your Closeness to the God Whose Will You’re Looking For! That’s the Focus of John 10, which describes us as sheep following our Shepherd. Jesus said, My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me; (John 10:27) NIV. See, it’s about being where you can hear His voice – not figuring out some spiritual jigsaw puzzle called The Will of God.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">You see the Bible list many scriptures about fire, but when you start keeping yourself warm by other fires, that’s not of God, we have a problem. From literal the fire of God’s wrath and destruction, to the symbolic imagery of vision, baptism, and judgment, fire is one of the most powerful themes in the Bible. These Bible Verses include the many ways fire was represented in the biblical text.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Exodus 19:18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">2 Thessalonians 1:7. And give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Revelation 1:14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Exodus 24:17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Luke 3:16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Numbers 11:1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them, his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Mark 14:54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Luke 22:56. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him. and said, “This man was with him.”</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Father, there is nothing more warming than to be by Your side. Please take our hand when we want to warm ourselves with anything else that is not Your Love. I want to follow You like John and when I stray from Your side, let me have the heart of Peter and weep bitterly for ever leaving your side. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST on The NOW Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBISJ7dUANUF5A2XTMRAEOlL4UjP2CLdJXo=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/XjPuEPfIPdh53lPXD2DfsA==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a> </span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">ROKU, Cable & Online. https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></p>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-50053642464104220282024-02-26T08:41:00.000-08:002024-02-26T08:41:04.172-08:00This Is What Causes Us To Become Discouraged So Quickly. Because As Soon As God Gives Us A Word, Satan Goes To War! God Speaks Healing, Here Comes Satan With Another Symptom; God Speaks Wealth:<p><em style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Have You Ever Found Yourself Asking God: Why Would You Allow This to Happen? I Certainly Have. So, What Is Your Seemingly Impossible Situation? Let This Be the Day That No Matter What You Face, You Will Face It with The Declaration That It Is Already Alright! Even When It Gets Worse, I Know God Will Eventually Make It Well</span>. </span></b></em></p><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The last year of life, many people have had to face one hardship after another. At many points, some wondered how I would make it through. It is hard to feel confident in the goodness of God when circumstances do not feel good at all.</span></span></b></em><em><b> </b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">We are often left thinking that if we could just figure out the why, then life would make more sense. Especially in the face of pain or suffering.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Today, let us be careful not to get stuck in our whys. Let us not allow them to leave us blind to His presence, blind to His goodness, blind to His power, blind to the hope we have in Him. I know this is not easy. Trust me. I have situations where I have begged God to give me answers. But I am realizing instead of answers, He's given me Himself. A way to come straight to Him, the One who already has it all figured out. The One who reminds me I do not have to have His answers to have His comfort.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I am going to share a story in the Bible about the Shunamite woman and Elisha. I am quite sure this Shunamite woman found herself asking God and Elisha why You allowed this to happen. Now we know who Elisha is, he was a student of the great prophet Elijah who went up in a chariot of fire and who dropped his mantle for Elisha to pick up for a double anointing.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">2 Kings 4:8-36, “One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a rich and influential woman lived, who insisted on his eating a meal. Afterward, whenever he passed by, he stopped there for a meal. And she said to her husband, behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God who passes by continually. Let us make a small chamber on the [housetop] and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then whenever he comes to us, he can go [up the outside stairs and rest] here. One day he came and turned into the chamber and lay there. And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. When he had called her, she stood before him. And he said to Gehazi, say now to her, you have been most painstakingly and reverently concerned for us; what is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for by the king or to the commander of the army? She answered, I dwell among my own people [they are sufficient]. Later Elisha said, what then is to be done for her? GEHAZI ANSWERED, SHE HAS NO CHILD AND HER HUSBAND IS OLD. He said, “Call her. [Gehazi] called her, and she stood in the doorway. Elisha said, at this season when the time comes round, YOU SHALL EMBRACE A SON. She said, no, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your handmaid. BUT THE WOMAN CONCEIVED AND BORE A SON AT THAT SEASON THE FOLLOWING YEAR, AS ELISHA HAD SAID TO HER. When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father with the reapers. BUT HE SAID TO HIS FATHER, MY HEAD, MY HEAD! THE MAN SAID TO HIS SERVANT, CARRY HIM TO HIS MOTHER. AND WHEN HE WAS BROUGHT TO HIS MOTHER, HE SAT ON HER KNEES TILL NOON, AND THEN DIED. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door upon him and went out. And she called to her husband and said, send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may go quickly to the man of God and come back again. And he said, why go to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath. AND SHE SAID, IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT. Then she saddled the donkey and said to her servant, ride fast; do not slacken your pace for me unless I tell you. So, she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her afar off, he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite. RUN TO MEET HER AND SAY, IS IT WELL WITH YOU? WELL WITH YOUR HUSBAND? WELL WITH THE CHILD? AND SHE ANSWERED, IT IS WELL. When she came to the mountain to the man of God, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came to thrust her away, but the man of God said, let her alone, FOR HER SOUL IS BITTER AND VEXED WITHIN HER, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me. THEN SHE SAID, DID I DESIRE A SON OF MY LORD? Did I not say, do not deceive me? Then he said to Gehazi, gird up your loins and take my staff in your hand and go lay my staff on the face of the child. If you meet any man, do not salute him. If he salutes you, do not answer him. The mother of the child said, “As the Lord lives and as my soul lives, I will not leave you. And he arose and followed her. Gehazi passed on before them and laid the staff on the child’s face, but the boy neither spoke nor heard. So, he went back to meet Elisha and said to him, the child had not awakened. WHEN ELISHA ARRIVED IN THE HOUSE, THE CHILD WAS DEAD AND LAID UPON HIS BED. So, he went in, shut the door on the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. He went up and lay on the child, put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself on him and embraced him, THE CHILD’S FLESH BECAME WARM. Then he returned and walked in the house to and for and went up again and stretched himself upon him. AND THE CHILD SNEEZED SEVEN TIMES, AND THEN OPENED HIS EYES. Then [Elisha] called Gehazi and said, Call this Shunammite. So, he called her. AND WHEN SHE CAME, HE SAID, TAKE UP YOUR SON.” (AMPC)</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Before we address the above story, listen to this.</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">And maybe you are in a similar situation. Be it </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">physical, emotional, mental, financial, spiritual, </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">you have many symptoms that you may have thought were small and unimportant and insignificant…at first. However, now a lot more time has passed, and things are not getting BETTER…but WORSE! Well, sometimes our symptoms must get so severe, so painful that we just must finally go to find out what is wrong, and to be healed by the only One who can heal us! For </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">you</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">maybe it was</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> the doctors. However, there are some things that only the </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Great Physician</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> can fix, heal, make whole and well! God’s Word never dies. It is active and alive today.</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">But, before we get to talking about our </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Great Physician</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, let us talk about our Scripture above.</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The Shunammite Woman did such a wonderful thing for Elisha the Prophet. In return, he asked his servant Gehazi what can be done for her for her kindness. Gehazi notes that she does not have a child. And then the prophecy goes forth that she would embrace a child. In time, she does, a son. I guess you would ask what is so bad about that? Well, nothing is…. until you keep reading. “…</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father with the reapers. BUT HE SAID TO HIS FATHER, MY HEAD, MY HEAD! THE MAN SAID TO HIS SERVANT, CARRY HIM TO HIS MOTHER. AND WHEN HE WAS BROUGHT TO HIS MOTHER, HE SAT ON HER KNEES TILL NOON, AND THEN DIED…” Can you imagine losing a blessing that you did not even ask for in the first place? She did not ask for a son, but she was given one. And in old age no less! She goes from having her LIVE son CARRIED to her to having her DEAD son LAID on her knees. From GOOD to BAD in one moment! How many of us can relate to that? One moment all is WELL and then in the blink of an eye, all is HELL! That’s like having a job today and standing on the unemployment line tomorrow; having a refrigerator full of food today to standing in line waiting to be next at the soup kitchen tomorrow; from having a clean bill of health to the doctor diagnosing a disease; from a happy marriage to a miserable divorce; from well-adjusted children to pregnant and drug addicted teens; from visiting your parents at home to visiting their graves in the cemetery; from having a best friend to having the </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">worst</span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> enemy; from purchasing a house to reading the eviction notice on the front door; from starting a ministry to watching it stop; from opening a business to watching it close; from attending school to dropping out; from expecting a baby to leaving the hospital empty-handed. Truth is, we have all been there, and to tell a harder truth, many of us are STILL there. So, clearly, we can all relate to this woman’s hurt, pain and frustration.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Then, the Bible goes on to say: “…THAT I MAY GO QUICKLY TO THE MAN OF GOD and come back again. And he said, why go to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath. AND SHE SAID, IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT…” For one, I love that as painful as the situation was for her, she immediately went into action. And that action was not to her family and friends, but she went straight to her husband and did not even ask questions or hold a full conversation about what happened. Nope, she went straight to the Man of God. And one of the things we must learn to do is to go straight to God. Not even to family, friends and certainly not to social media or to host a pity party for our feelings/emotions. No, head straight to God! And do so without delay! She not only wanted to get to the Man of God, but the Scripture says: “…THAT I MAY GO QUICKLY…” Enter into prayer with God as quickly as this woman went to enter the presence of the prophet! Do not try to figure anything out, do not listen to any second-hand advice, especially from people who have never walked in the shoes your feet are in. Go straight to God…QUICKLY!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Now another thing to acknowledge is her speech, she says, “…IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT…” Now, how can this woman make such a strong declaration that “…IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT…” and the son just died! I will be the first to tell you that words of faith are not the first words that precede out of my mouth when a life struggle hits. But I am encouraged by this woman to work on changing the declaration of my lips when life hits below the belt. She already spoke a word of faith before she even left the house! She did not even get to the prophet yet, and still she spoke “…IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT…” The term ‘All Right’ is defined as: ‘satisfactory; agreeable; safe; a term of approval; beyond doubt; certainly; fine; good; and WELL,’ She spoke an IT IS WELL, while she was still in the WORST of it! Let this be your encouragement today that you too can speak words of faith that “…IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT…” it is WELL already! Ask God to increase your faith; renew your hope and deepen your trust. Call out to God quickly with everything you have within you! And speak your words of faith BEFORE anything about your situation even changes!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The Bible continues: “…Then she saddled the donkey and said to her servant, RIDE FAST; DO NOT SLACKEN YOUR PACE FOR ME unless I tell you. So, she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel…” Another thing you need to beware of is distractions when you are trying to get to God! Let nothing and no one hinder you from reaching your help in God. And there is a statement that people make that is not necessarily a bad statement, but one you should pay attention to. People will say, ‘I know what that’s like, I’ve been there, I’ve experienced that too.’ They are not being mean at all, and many are really and honestly trying to be of assistance and comfort and encouragement. However, when you have a situation that nobody, but God can fix, do not waste your time listening to the stories about other folks’ tools in their toolbox that they used to fix their situation. No, ignore all distractions and get to God quickly!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And what blesses my soul is not even the son being revived, but listen to the Word of God: “…RUN TO MEET HER AND SAY, IS IT WELL WITH YOU? WELL WITH YOUR HUSBAND? WELL WITH THE CHILD? AND SHE ANSWERED, IT IS WELL…” For the life of me I could not figure out why this woman could respond to the prophet like this, because in my eyes, it was not well at all! No, it was not well with her, she just loss her son; and the husband likewise loss his son as well as his wife just took off to see the prophet and left him back at the house with the dead son; and clearly if the child is dead, there is no way it is well with him! And still she responds: “…IT IS WELL…” Could you respond “…IT IS WELL…” like this even BEFORE the situation changes? Let today be the day that we all increase our words of faith, no matter what we are facing!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">One of the things I think really messes us up is our lack of exposure to vulnerabilities. Listen to this: “…When she came to the mountain to the man of God, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came to thrust her away, but the man of God said, let her alone, FOR HER SOUL IS BITTER AND VEXED WITHIN HER, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me. THEN SHE SAID, DID I DESIRE A SON OF MY LORD? Did I not say, do not deceive me?” She stayed on her feet when it first happened, but when she gets to the prophet, her vulnerability and pain are revealed. She clings to his feet. And even the prophet declares that she is bitter and vexed. Yes, we need to speak words of faith, however, do not silence your vulnerable voice either. Yes, get to God, and when you do, do not attempt to put on any airs, be honest with God about everything you are experiencing. All of it! Because there is truthfully no point to coming to God and then not being honest about all you are coming to Him with.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“…The mother of the child said, As the Lord lives and as my soul lives, I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU.” The prophet gave his servant Gehazi an assignment concerning the son, and you would think that the woman would be so happy that the servant had a plan from the prophet to help the son, and so she would cling to servant and head out with him back to the house, but nope! She says, “…I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU.” Listen, you have gone through too much to leave the presence of God now with anyone BUT God! So, what is the prophet’s response? “…And he arose and followed her...”</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Now, listen to how all this ends: “…WHEN ELISHA ARRIVED IN THE HOUSE, THE CHILD WAS DEAD AND LAID UPON HIS BED. So, he went in, shut the door on the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. He went up and lay on the child, put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself on him and embraced him, THE CHILD’S FLESH BECAME WARM. Then he returned and walked in the house to and for and went up again and stretched himself upon him. AND THE CHILD SNEEZED SEVEN TIMES, AND THEN OPENED HIS EYES. Then [Elisha] called Gehazi and said, Call this Shunammite. So, he called her. AND WHEN SHE CAME, HE SAID, TAKE UP YOUR SON.” (AMPC)</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Embrace the hard times in life, no matter how bad they get. You still serve a particularly good God and there is nothing so bad that He cannot make better…including YOU!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Romans 8:28, “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (AMPC)</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">We all go through tough seasons in life, just remember WHO oversees the seasons and changing them!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Let This Be the Day That No Matter What You Face, You Will Face It with the Declaration That </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">it is Already Alright!</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> Even When it Gets </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Worse</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, I </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Know God </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Will Eventually Make It </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Well</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">...in His Time, in His Way!</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The spiritual direction of an entire nation was turned back to God all because ONE MAN was not afraid to confront the enemy and ask God for a miracle! Elijah lived in the Largeness of God, and miracles were the result! He prayed, “ANSWER ME!” AND GOD DID! He prayed “ANSWER ME!” AND MANY PEOPLE WERE STEERED BACK ON COURSE! He asked for a victory-producing miracle, and the enemy was crushed!</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Which should remind us of all of God’s promise: “And it shall be that BEFORE they call, I WILL ANSWER; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24 AMP) I read stories like this, and they remind me that God truly is Absolutely Amazing! He can perform miracles! He can do anything! Nothing is too big, too hard, or too complicated for Him! “But Jesus looked at them and said, with men this is impossible, BUT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD.” (Matthew 19:26 AMP). “I am the Lord! THERE IS NOTHING TOO DIFFICULT FOR ME…” (Genesis 18:14 CEV).</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In other words, HE IS THE GOD OF ALL! He Can Do Anything but Fail! He can send fire from heaven in answer to prayer. And just in case you were wondering, He can cure cancer, dry up tumors, make cysts disappear, regulate blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. He can reverse the damage of diabetes, He can heal heart disease, He can put a roof over your head, food on your table, clothes on your back and shoes on your feet. He can grant you employment and favor you with a bonus and promotion on top! He can remove the feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, low self-esteem, and depression. He can change your mind before the suicide attempt even takes place. He can mend your broken heart. He can rekindle and restore your marriage. He can take you back to school. He can carry you through the process of recovery from any addiction or habit. He can bring your wayward children back home. He can change the bloodwork and x-rays in your favor. He can undo what the disease did. He can heal your past, strengthen your present and enlarge your future. He can refresh your hope and rebuild your faith. He can protect you, provide for you and grant you joy and peace. He can restore your happiness. Trust God! How Big is He? Big Enough for Anything You are Facing!</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I could tell story after story of how God worked in amazing ways as the result of desperate prayer. But you do not need to hear someone else’s story. You Need Your Own! So, What Is Your Seemingly Impossible Situation? Where Do You Need A Miracle? Why Not Tell God? Ask Him to Answer So You Can Give Him the Glory! Let today be the day you walk confidently and consistently in your Answered Prayers! Declare Today: My Prayers Are Already Answered!</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST on The NOW Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBL3lbdUANUF5GTuE6CyJhyHRWzedIE7JwY=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/Ht5u-P5mX_M58kiJcoQp6Q==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a> </span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">ROKU, Cable & Online. https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></p></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"> </p></div></div>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-25419773635625348782024-02-19T05:59:00.000-08:002024-02-19T05:59:06.000-08:00Let’s Look At Some Of The Tests God Uses To Develop Us: The Test Of Small Things: The Wilderness Test: The Authority Test: The Offence Test: The Warfare Test: The Test Of Time: The Motive Test, And The Lordship Test: This Is An Important Test!<p><em style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“TEST ME, O Lord…Examine my heart and my mind.” (Psalm 26:2) Let’s look at some of the TESTS God Uses to DEVELOP Us:</span></span></b></em><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </strong><em style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So, remember the following in times of TESTING: </span></span></b></em></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">1…</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">YOU’LL EXPERIENCE TESTS AT EACH STAGE OF YOUR GROWTH: </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Just like children in school, they don’t get to take an </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ELEMENTARY EXAM</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, pass, go to</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> JUNIOR HIGH</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> and say, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I took a test in 6th grade, I don’t need to take this one!</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">” NO! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">AT EACH STAGE A TEST, THAT FITS THAT STAGE AND PREPARES YOU FOR THE NEXT, HAS TO BE TAKEN AND PASSED, IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE PROMOTED AND ELEVATED…DESERVINGLY</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In a Nutshell: You Can’t Prepare For College, Based Off a 6th Grade Exam, Even If You Passed it at the Top of Your Class! It Still Doesn’t Count!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><li class="va-top" style="margin-bottom: 4px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">2…YOUR GOAL SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO PASS THE TEST, OTHERWISE, YOU GET TO TAKE IT REPETITIVELY UNTIL YOU DO: You Do Not Get the Opportunity to Fail Your Test and Pass On to the Next Level Anyhow</span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">…</span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Despite What You See In Our Public School Systems and Church Leadership Today</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">)! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Now, if You Fail It’s Alright, because if the Truth Be Told, We Have ALL Failed on One Test or Another! HOWEVER, As Soon As You Fail, At Least Be Smart Enough to HIT THE BOOKS AGAIN (the Word of God), MEET WITH YOUR TUTOR (the Holy Spirit), STUDY (2 Timothy 2:15), </span></span></b></em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101518;">Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth </span></span></b><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">and then Reschedule to Take Your Test AGAIN</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You may Fall Down, but Each Time You Get Back Up, POINTS ARE ADDED TO YOUR GRADE!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">YES, YOU GET BONUS POINTS FOR GETTING BACK UP!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Extra Work Earns Extra Credit!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Bottom line, You Don’t Get to Go to the Next Level, Without Passing What You’ve Failed</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And if you are in the UNFORTUNATE position of being under a LEADER who will pass you anyway (based on how you treat them, your attendance, your gifts, charisma, tithes and offering etc.…), HAVE ENOUGH SENSE TO NOT ALLOW IT! IN THE END, YOU WILL ONLY SET YOURSELF UP FOR A FOOLISH AND FATAL HARD FALL! Think about it: Would you allow someone to pass you to Advanced Algebra WHILE YOU’RE STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE TIMETABLE CHART IN THE BACK OF YOUR COMPOSITION NOTEBOOK!? NO! WHY? BECAUSE YOU’LL ONLY FAIL AND LOOK FOOLISH WHILE DOING IT! LIKEWISE, MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT GRADE, TAKING AND PASSING THE RIGHT TESTS, AT THE RIGHT TIME! DON’T BE QUICK TO MOVE UNTIL YOU’RE QUALIFIED!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">3…TESTING ALWAYS PRECEDES PROMOTION: </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Actually, it PREPARES You for It and PROVES You’re Ready to Handle It!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If You Cheat, or Try to Copy Somebody Else’s Answers, You May Temporarily Seem to Succeed. But Eventually Time and Circumstances Will Reveal You For What You Are</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">—</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Which Is Someone Who Can’t Handle What They Manipulated Their Way Into Getting! Here’s Biblical Proof: “Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but Who Are You?” Then the man with the evil spirit Leaped On Them, Overpowered Them, and Attacked Them With Such Violence that They Fled From the House, Naked and Battered.” (Acts 19:14-16 NLT). People of God, Pass Your Test Before Attempting to Pass Out Ministry Cards! If Not, You’ll Quickly Find Yourself Being the “Eighth Son of Sceva!”</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">4…SELF-PROMOTION CAN NEVER REPLACE DIVINE PROMOTION: So, Don’t Attempt to Rush Ahead of God’s Plans; Wait and Allow Him to Open the Door In the Right Season! Look at it this way: Even after a child passes their exam, all their paperwork must be Looked Over, Graded and Accounted For</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">What They’ve Done Throughout the Year Has to Be Reviewed. What were All of Their Test Scores? How did they handle Their Projects? Were they Late? How many times were they Absent? How well did they work with their classmates? Likewise, God Will Examine and Evaluate Your FULL FILE, to Determine Whether or Not You’re Ready for the Next Level. And just because you passed ‘A’ Test, Don’t Mean You’re Ready to Pass the ‘GRADE’! “But God hasn’t moved to the mountains; </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">H</span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">is holy address hasn’t changed. He’s in charge, as always, his eyes taking everything in, his eyelids Unblinking, Examining Adam’s Unruly Brood Inside and Out, Not Missing a Thing. He Tests the Good and the Bad Alike; If Anyone Cheats, God’s Outraged. Fail the Test and You’re Out, Out in a Hail of Firestones, Drinking From a Canteen Filled With Hot Desert Wind.” (Psalm 11:4-6 MSG). Saints, God Will Exam You Inside and Out, Test You, Watch If You Cheat and Give You the Boot if You Fail! You May Impress People, But God On The Other Hand Is Not Impressed At All! Therefore, Don’t Get Caught Up In the “Laying On of MAN’S Hands”! It Means Nothing Compared to the Laying On of GOD’S HANDS AND HIS COMMISSIONING!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p class="chapter-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">5…A PRODUCT CANNOT BE SAFELY AND PROFITABLY USED, UNTIL IT’S BEEN THOROUGHLY TESTED, AND NEITHER CAN YOU</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">God’s Not a Hard-Hearted Parent Who Enjoys Seeing His Children Struggle Through Life’s Tests. </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">If He were to visit you in person, He’d probably say: “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I don’t enjoy making you go through this, but it’s the only way to prove you’re ready for what’s ahead. Before I can use you greatly—I must test you thoroughly!” </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Here’s a tip for your next test – </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Generally, God’s Tests for Elevation are Based On Your CHARACTER!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And like any Good Actor in a stage play, Your Job is to</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">STAY IN CHARACTER</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">!” Regardless of what anyone else does, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">FOLLOW GOD’S SCRIPT FOR YOUR LIFE! </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">…These were Asher’s sons, all of them Responsible, Excellent in CHARACTER, and Brave in Battle—Good Leaders…</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">1 Chronicles 7:33-40 MSG</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">); “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Be Wary of False Preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t Be Impressed With Charisma; Look For CHARACTER. Who Preachers Are Is The Main Thing, Not What They Say. A Genuine Leader Will Never Exploit Your Emotions or Your Pocketbook. These Diseased Trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Matthew 7:15-20 MSG</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">); “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">There was a Man by the Name of Joseph, a member of the Jewish High Council, a Man of Good Heart and Good CHARACTER…</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Luke 23:50 MSG</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">); “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with Good CHARACTER, Spiritual Understanding, Alert Discipline, Passionate Patience, Reverent Wonder, Warm Friendliness, and Generous Love, Each Dimension Fitting Into and Developing the Others. With these Qualities Active and Growing In Your Lives, No Grass Will Grow Under Your Feet, No Day Will Pass Without Its Reward As You Mature In Your Experience of Our Master Jesus.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You Will Never Be Used Greatly, Until You’ve Been Tested Thoroughly! And Your Testing Will Be Largely On the Maintenance of Your CHARACTER! Therefore,</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Possess Good Character, and You Won’t Have To Pray God Grades On A Curve!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If You’re On the Verge of Elevation, then You should be Real Uncomfortable Right About Now!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You should feel the Squeezing and the Pressures of Preparing for and Taking God’s Exam!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Truth Is: Growth and Maturity Means there’s some Stretching and Expanding!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In other words, things are Getting Bigger!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Just like in the natural world your feet and hands get larger, you get taller,</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">your body develops those things that were once hidden, and brings them to the surface</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Likewise, in the Spirit, when You’re Growing and Maturing, Your Faith is Stretched, Your Humility is Increased, Your Accountability is More Severe, Your Responsibility is Expanded, Your Prayers are More Fervent, Your Fasting Becomes More Frequent, Your Studies Become More In Depth. Growth, Maturity and Elevation Are Some Great, Big Blessings, However, They Do Not Come Easily or Comfortably! So, if You’re on the Verge of Elevation and the Weight is becoming Heavier, that’s a Pretty Good Sign that You’re on your way to an A+ On Your Test! On the Other Hand,</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">if You’re on the Verge of Elevation, and All is Smooth Sailing, I’m No Guidance Counselor, but I’d Advise You to Keep All Your Books From this Current Grade! Why?</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Because I Got a Feeling You’re Going to Need ’em…Again!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“TEST ME, O Lord…Examine my heart and my mind.” (Psalm 26:2) Let’s look at some of the TESTS God Uses to DEVELOP Us:</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">1…THE TEST OF SMALL THINGS: </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This TEST comes when we’re asked to do something We Consider to be BENEATH OUR ABILITY AND POTENTIAL</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">It Proves how Faithful we are to Our Commitments. It also Reveals whether we’re Ready for Greater Responsibilities.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> Jesus said, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Whoever can be Trusted with VERY LITTLE can also be Trusted with VERY MUCH”</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Luke 16:10</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You Don’t get to Oversee Much Until You’re Willing to Undertake Little! In other words, if you can be an Elder and still clean the church bathroom, you can be trusted with More! If you can be the Women’s Ministry Director, and serve food at a women’s shelter, you can be trusted with More! If you can be the Chairman Deacon and still mop up a spill in the vestibule, you can be trusted with More! If you can be the Minister of Music and play no differently in front of 2 people than you would 2,000, you can be trusted with More! If you can be the Dean of the Christian Education Ministry and not get an attitude when asked to teach 3 four-year-old’s a Sunday School lesson, you can be trusted with More! Are You Starting to Get the Picture? Can You See It Clearly? You Don’t Get Anything Big Until You Can Be Faithful Over the Small You’ve Already Been Given! If your Pastor was asked if you qualify for More, based off this little summary, would he/she give you a yes or a no? An A+ or an F-?</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">2…THE MOTIVE TEST: This TEST comes to us when we’re doing all the right things—</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">BUT NOT NECESSARILY FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS!</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> For example, it’s right to Pray. </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">YET Jesus Warned</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">: “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When you Pray, DO NOT BE LIKE THE HYPOCRITES, FOR THEY LOVE…TO BE SEEN BY MEN</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">” </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(Matthew 6:5</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">) </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">That’s why we need the mirror of God’s Word</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">: “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">For the Word of God is…able to JUDGE THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS OF THE HEART</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">.” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Hebrews 4:12</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">) When you stand before Christ to be evaluated and rewarded, the question will Not only be, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">‘WHAT did you do</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">,’ but also, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">‘WHY did you do it</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">?’ A good question that Pastors should ask of their leaders a little more often than most do.</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">3…THE STEWARDSHIP TEST: Jesus said, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Give</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, and it will be given to you.” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Luke 6:38</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Only when your Empty Hand is Open, can you Receive More From God</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The Practice of Giving on a Regular Basis Prevents You from Being Owned By What You Own!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Money is called Currency because it’s supposed to Flow Through You Into the Lives of Others!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Abraham Was Blessed For the Sole Purpose To Be a Blessing! So Are You! When you Withhold out of Fear or Greed, you Limit what God Wants to Give You.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So become a River (one that flows), Not a Reservoir (one that withholds)!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">4…THE WILDERNESS TEST: </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This test comes when we feel Spiritually Dry and our joy level is Low.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">It Reveals Our Ability to Adapt to Adversity and Change, and as a Result, Enter a New level of Growth! It Proves We’re Able to Perform Even When Life and Ministry Aren’t Fun</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. “He led you through the vast and dreadful desert…</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">To…TEST You So…In the End it Might Go Well With You</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">.” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Deuteronomy 8:15-16</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). Remember: </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Short-term pain, Long-term gain! You Don’t Get to Inherit the Wealthy Place Until You Can Endure the Wilderness!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">5…THE CREDIBILITY TEST: </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Nothing matters more than your Confidence Before God—and Your Credibility Before People!</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> When Lot tried to rescue his sons-in-law from the destruction of Sodom: The Bible says, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">He seemed as one that mocked</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">.” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Genesis 19:14</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">) </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">As a result he Lost Credibility When it Mattered Most!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Make Sure You Don’t!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The Last thing You want is to tell people in a Burning Building where the Exit is, But They Don’t Believe You, So They Don’t Listen to You or Follow You! When You Lose Credibility, You Lose Lives!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">6…THE AUTHORITY TEST: Before Paul took the Gospel to the Gentiles he First went to Jerusalem </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">and Submitted His Plan to the Apostles, Asking For Their Blessing</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. There wasn’t a “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Nobody is going to tell me what to do</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">” </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Attitude! When You Fail to Submit, You Forfeit Your Opportunity to Pass On to the Next Level!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Look at it this way: God placed David under a Flawed Leader named Saul that wanted to Kill Him!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Proving you can Learn As Much From the Mistakes of a Failure As You Can From the Achievement of a Success!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Because David Submitted, He Qualified to Sit on Saul’s Throne! An Effective Follower Becomes an Effective Leader!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">7…THE OFFENCE TEST: Jesus said, “Offences </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Will </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Come.” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Luke 17:1</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">) </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So Be Ready</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Those who Lead Always Take the Brunt of It!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The Front Line is No Place for the Weak-Willed or Weak-Kneed! </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Offences come are you going to: Get Mad and Get Nowhere; Get Even and Get in Trouble; </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Or Get Over It By Forgiving?</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> “If you hold anything against anyone, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Forgive Him, So…Your Father In Heaven May Forgive…Your Sins</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">.” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Mark 11:25</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If You Can’t Handle Offence, You Can’t Handle the Opportunity of More!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">8…THE WARFARE TEST: </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This test is for those who Claim to be Strong in Faith but Prove to be Weak in Fight!</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Though that was Shorter</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. For God said, ‘</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If They Face War, They Might Change Their Minds and Return to Egypt</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">.’” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Exodus 13:17</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). Now, you </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Haven’t</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> been called to be Insensitive and Abrasive, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">But if Your Destiny Is Worth Pursuing—It’s Worth Fighting For!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So, Toughen Up</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">It’s a Battlefield, Not a Bed of Roses</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You must Engage the Enemy Daily Using Every Spiritual Weapon at Your Disposal! If Not, He’ll Steal, Kill and Destroy You! This test Demonstrates Your Ability to Continue in Your Vision, Even While Experiencing Disappointment and Opposition! </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So,</span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> remember, the Level of Attack is the Best Indicator as to the Level of Blessing that Awaits You, Beyond It! Your Wealthy Place Is Just On The Other Side Of Your Warfare! Don’t Fail This Test! It Will Cost You Too Much!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">9…THE TEST OF TIME: This test has Two Dimensions. </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">One Reveals the Strength of Your Life’s Impact, the other Reveals the Length of It!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Each Calls For Your Signature of Excellence On All that You Do</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Listen: The electric light still burns even though Edison has left the building! The needy are still being cared for even though General Booth is in Heaven. </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Now, even if your Legacy Doesn’t Reach Those Heights, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Your Influence Can Still Outlive You</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! The test of Time has a second dimension—</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">An Eternal One</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">How You Live Your Life Today, Determines Your Rewards In Heaven</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Eventually there is going to be an Inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you’ll be found out.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">1 Corinthians 3:12-13</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">).</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Therefore, Live a Life and Lifestyle that Others Will Deem Worthy of Continuing as a Legacy, Far After Your Earthly Life Is Over!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">10…THE LORDSHIP TEST: </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Simon Peter passed this test by Obeying a Command that Seemed to Make No Sense At All: </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Jesus said to him, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Pull out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But Because You Say So, I Will Let Down the Nets.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">’ </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Luke 5:4-6</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">First, Peter tried fishing Alone and Failed.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Next, He Tried it With Jesus and Succeeded</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Same Fisherman. Same Fish. Same Boat. Same Nets.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">What changed? He Was Willing to Do it God’s Way</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If You want to Succeed, Talk to God, Listen to God—and Do What God Says</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">! </span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">With 10 points per test, what does your grade look like so far? Note: If you’re going to Be Helped, you must First Be Honest</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So,</span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> if you haven’t made 100% yet, you still have the Opportunity to do so. </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Just hit the books (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Your Bible</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">), meet daily with your tutor (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The Holy Spirit</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">), study diligently (</span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">2 Timothy 2:15</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">), </span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101518;">Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. </span></span></span></b><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">and retake the test! </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">There’s a 100% Within Your Reach…. Grasp It!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Don’t just walk around with Titles that have never been Tested! Make sure you’re proven and qualified. Leadership is not an Entitlement, nor is it a Competition. Respect God’s Process of Testing, </span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Time,</span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> and Choice. It’s not about your Platform, but His Plan. Follow it to the letter, do not deviate!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p class="wikiparagraph" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">God tests people to approve them, i.e. 1) to qualify them to receive His promises, 2) to work along with Him in the establishing of His kingdom, and 3) to ultimately reign with Him.</span></strong><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> Therefore, God’s tests are <strong>not</strong> to be feared, but <strong>understood</strong> and <strong>embraced</strong>! <strong>Anytime we receive a test from God, we should look for the way that God wants us to partner with Him in the establishing and extending of His kingdom. Start praying,</strong></span></b><strong> </strong><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“Father, how do you want me to partner with you?”</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST on The NOW Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBIFG7ZUANUF5BbAjB_fASyEHBbiqtPglxE=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/7HPh1TxrbzOdP_udw8oWcQ==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a> </span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">ROKU, Cable & Online. https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></p>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-46990396136748843262024-02-12T05:58:00.000-08:002024-02-12T05:58:04.583-08:00Jesus' Name Is So Powerful That The Devil Has Managed To Put Fear In The Hearts Of Believers. He Doesn't Want You To Say In Jesus Name. People Curse & Swear Using The Name Of The Lord. You Never Hear People Cuss Using The Name Of Buddha Or Allah. <p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Jesus' Name Is So Powerful That The Devil Doesn’t Want You To End Your Prayer In Jesus Name. The Devil Hates That Name. People Curse & Swear Using The Name Of The Lord. You Never Hear People Cuss Using The Name Of Buddha Or Allah. The devil wants you to compromise. He managed many years ago to keep prayer out of schools. Non-Christians get offended when we pray in Jesus name, so, we are asked to silence our prayers so that others are not offended and the news media is sure to beep out any mention of Jesus name if mentioned on the news or talk shows. Listen To This:</span></span></span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Matthew 12:17-18a, 21 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: [18] “Here is my servant whom I have chosen ... [21] In his name the nations will put their hope.”</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"> Including </span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Islamic<b> nations! and </b>Hindu<b> nations! </b>All<b> nations. Christ's Name is the </b>HOPE<b> of the nations! Including the </b>USA!<b> Jesus' Name is a strong tower in our midst.</b> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Acts 4:17-18 “But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name. “Then they called them in again, commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Jesus' Name Is So Powerful That The Devil And His People Will Try To Stop You From Using It.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">People Curse And Swear Using The Name Of The Lord. The Devil Hates That Name. You Never Hear People Cuss Using The Name Of Buddha Or Allah. Listen To This: The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, powerfully providing safety for you. It’s the Name above all other names. Call on that name — the Lord Jesus Christ — for salvation. Call on His Name to see signs, wonders, gifts of the Spirit, healings, and demons flee. Call on God the Father in prayer in Jesus’ Name. “Ask and you will receive.” Speak Christ's Name to the nations; it is their great hope. The devil will try to stop you from calling on His Name. Don’t let him! Let that "strong tower," the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, be often on your lips.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #101518;">The Name of the Lord is where strength lies. His Name has all the power to combat anything the enemy tries to raise against us. The name of the Lord is the name above every name. It is a refuge for us to run into and be safe from all the attacks that come against us. The Name of the Lord is our divine protection, and we always need Him. </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;"> The Name of the Lord contains what we need in times of stress and anxiety if we will be quick to run to Him.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">“The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe” Proverbs 18:10</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The Name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe.” When we read this verse, we seem to focus on the big strong tower that is a fortified place to hide from danger, but it is the Name of the Lord that our focus is to be centered on. The Name of the Lord is where strength lies. His Name has all the power to combat anything the enemy tries to raise against us.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">If we were caught out in a storm and only had a flimsy umbrella, the wind, and force of the storm would rip it right out of our hands, but if we see a tower in the distance, we could run into it and be safe from the wind and rain or whatever might come crashing down on us. The Name of the Lord is strong against storms that would try to uproot us. The Name of the Lord is secure. We are protected from harm and harassment by the enemy.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">In the early church, believers had victory in the Name of the Lord. They understood the power in His name that broke the chains of captives and set them free. Philippians 2:9-11 says everything in heaven and on earth must bow to the name of Jesus—every knee shall bow. Today we can speak His Name over the circumstances that cause us to panic. Jesus is Lord over all sickness and disease. Name the disease and say, “Jesus is Lord over all of it.” Once you have called on His Name there may be a time lapse before the victory comes and we can see it with our eyes. Are you afraid He has not heard you? That is where our confidence in the Name of Jesus must take place right when we pray.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">If we believe He is Lord and every knee shall bow to His name, then that’s the way it is. Run into the strong tower. His Name.” “Let your requests be made known to God with thanksgiving and then experience His peace that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:6, 7).</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Why continue to be fearful if we have a strong refuge in His Name? You will notice that it says the righteous run into it and are safe. Getting to His protection should be primary on our mind that we would run to the Lord rather than walk as if we had all day. Jump in the strong tower of His Name and lock the doors where nothing can get to you. Stand by the promises He gives and don’t hesitate to believe it. Focus on His Name and the meaning behind that Name so powerful that every knee shall bow, and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">In Proverbs 18:10, Solomon wrote that “the name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” What exactly does that mean? How is the name of the Lord a strong tower? What is a strong tower?</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">To understand how the name of the Lord is a strong tower for us today, we’ll break the verse into four parts and go deeper into each.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li style="margin-right: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The name of the LORD</span></b></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-right: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">A strong tower</span></b></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-right: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The righteous </span></b></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-right: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Safety </span></b></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 20.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">What Is the Name of the Lord?</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">A name is a powerful thing. This was more widely understood in ancient times than it is now, but it is still true, nonetheless. A name carries the identity of the person named. It is who they are.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">In Proverbs 18:10, the word used for LORD is Yahweh so it can be read “the name of Yahweh is a strong tower…” This is speaking of God’s character, the entirety of who he is. Throughout the Bible, it refers to God himself as our strength, our rock, our fortress, etc. God and His name are the same.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">When you hear the name of someone you know, you have an inner vision of them because the name carries all that you know about them. This means that a name carries a person’s reputation.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">We can see how God’s name, or reputation, preceded him in the Book of Joshua. When God was leading Israel into the Promised Land, Joshua sent men into Jericho to spy out the land. They were discovered, and protected, by a woman named Rahab who made this declaration to them:</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below Joshua 2:-10-11.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">By faith, Rahab tapped into the name of the LORD, and she and all her family were kept safe when the city of Jericho was destroyed.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 20.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">How Is the Name of the Lord a Strong Tower?</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The name of the LORD is a strong tower. Some translations use terms such as fortified tower, strong fortress, mighty tower, and tower of strength, and in one translation it simply says, “great strength.”</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">A tower is something tall, or high. The name of the LORD is high.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Let them praise the name of the LORD because his name is high above all others. His glory is above heaven and earth Psalm 148:13.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The tower is strong. Strength is manifested in numerous ways. Words the dictionary uses to convey how strength is conveyed are: physical, mental, competence, influence, moral power, effectiveness, healthy, means to resist attack, uncompromising, well-supplied, clear, firm, and thriving.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The name of the LORD, which is a strong tower is high above your problem, providing all you need.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 20.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Who Is Righteous?</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">There are two things here. The righteous refers to the person, and the action “run.”</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Who is the righteous this verse is talking about? Righteousness according to the Bible is being in the right standing with God. This is something no one can achieve on their own. For anyone to attain righteousness they must receive it from God.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast Ephesians 2:8-9.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Romans 5:17.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">What is the significance of the action run? Running is simply faster than walking. However, the word used in the original text implies urgency. It is more accurately translated rush, or hurry how it’s written in this translation:</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The name of the LORD is a strong tower; a righteous person rushes to it and is lifted above the danger (ISV).</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 20.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Can We Feel Safe in the Strong Tower?</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">What does it mean to be safe? The verse above says, “Lifted above the danger.” Jesus is our safe place our safety net. What happens when we are told that our church is our safe place, but yet this is the place where a member trusted someone too much and was molested when we are told that this family relative and home is a safe place, but this is where someone was raped by a family member when you are admitted to a drug rehab facility and yet you still have access to get drugs, what about an alcoholic rehabilitation center and yet you are not protected, someone breaks the rule, you are admitted to the hospital, you are told this is the safest place for you and you die from misdiagnosis and the list goes on and on. Jesus is our safe place, call on His name which gives us strength. Run to Him in the time of trouble, pray to Him at all times.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The dictionary defines being safe as protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; not likely to be harmed or lost.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Other translations of the verse use words like set on high, set safely on high, be safe, is safe, shall be exalted, be strengthened, and are protected.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Looking at the word in the original language we get these phrases: inaccessibly high, too high for capture, and set on high far above evil.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">In the verse that follows, Solomon identifies an “imagined” place of safety.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it as a wall too high to scale (Proverbs 18:11).</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Imagined safety isn’t true safety. The name of the Lord is where true safety and protection are found.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The name of the LORD is a strong tower when we are scared when we are ill when we are lost, when we are confused, when we are sad when we are threatened, when we are weak, when we are overwhelmed, and even when we are struggling financially. Always.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The safety that the name of the LORD provides is multi-faceted and trustworthy. No wonder the righteous rush toward it. By faith, we can rush to the name of the LORD and find safety at any time.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 20.25pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">We Can Call on His Name</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The name of the LORD represents all that He is and has for us — love, mercy, grace, power, righteousness, and more. David called on the name of the LORD throughout his life and tasted the deliverance of God. Here are a few examples:</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me Psalm 61:2-3.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint to protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers Psalm 64:1-2.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood Psalm 59:1-2.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">The LORD is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe Psalm 18:2.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock Psalm 27:5.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Call on the name of the Lord. Three times it is written that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST on The NOW Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBJNvLVUANUF5NzoVlMzOxXOGrx_bpmR3ZA=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/8hqb5gLHEdo360_Uz87ejQ==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a> </span></b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", sans-serif;">ROKU, Cable & Online. https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></p></div>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-61348305020357062222024-02-05T05:36:00.000-08:002024-02-05T05:36:44.313-08:00David Learned Something That We All Need To Learn. He Learned To Trust God Even When He Couldn’t Trace Him. Why? Because God Is A Covenant Keeper Of His Word, And His Word Has Made You Promises That Will Not Fail! BUT THAT’S NOT EVEN THE BEST PART...<p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Whatever you are going through today I encourage you to stand on the promises of God. You may not see the victory, but we must grab hold onto the fact that the victory is already won. We are in a move of God. Whatever you are walking through, a valley, a battle, a struggle you must grab hold and say God I believe in Your promises. God does not often use arrogant and unbroken people as His instruments; He uses people who depend on Him. God specializes in using our brokenness. When you learn the lesson of your brokenness, you will experience greater heights than you ever thought possible. God uses rescued people to rescue people. He recruits from the pit not the pedestal. </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">God is going to deal with some stuff today, He's bringing you out of the valley so you can get some rest. </span></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">God is always at work in our lives, even during our most stress-filled moments. No matter how deep the valley, we can count on God for direction. No matter where you are today, your Father is there.</span></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">God will work through your broken heart and life.</span></span></b><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> In other words, you will experience </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Tribulation, Trials, Distress and Frustration,</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> but it will NOT Overcome you no matter how Overwhelmed you may feel! </span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;">Every Valley Has A Shepherd. God Of The Mountain & The Valley. It Is An Impossibility Of Geography To Have A Valley Without A Mountain. When The Valley Is Better Than The Mountain. You Can Say Like David: “God, My Shepherd! I Don’t Need A Thing. </span></span></b><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #444444;">The Wilderness Is Not Punishment, It's God's Preparation For His Promise. </span></span></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #444444;">Every one of us gets to spend some time in the desert, or the wilderness, as it's often called in the Bible. It's not our permanent home, but it is a temporary part of the journey. Maybe you're in one of those difficult dry spells right now. If so, then it's time to remember that while the desert is hard, it does have a beauty all its own. There are things you see there that you can't see when you're in the green and blooming times.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">The valley is the place of vision. It is the place of repose and reflection. The mountain is the place of discovery and a place to become strong. Have you ever gone through a spiritual valley in your life? Perhaps it was a time when unexpected circumstances suddenly came crashing down on you. Yet the Lord is saying, “You see that mountain top in the distance? The way to that mountaintop is through this valley. You come with Me now through the valley.” </span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">BLESSINGS, PROVISION, FRUITFULNESS, VICTORY, RECOVERY AND RESTORATION ARE ALL FOUND IN THE VALLEY!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">2 Chronicles 20:25-26, “When Jehoshaphat and his people came to carry off the plunder, they found more loot than they could carry off—equipment, clothing, valuables. It took three days to cart it away! On the fourth day they came together at the VALLEY OF BLESSING (Beracah) and blessed God (that’s how it got the name, VALLEY OF BLESSING).” (MSG)</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4 NKJV)</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Have you ever gone through a spiritual valley in your life? Perhaps it was a time when unexpected circumstances suddenly came crashing down on you. Perhaps it was a time when it seemed as though even God himself had abandoned you. In Psalm 23, David speaks of how God is with us, even when we go through valleys in our lives: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (verse 4 NKJV).</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">David was no stranger to calamity and hardship. This was a man who knew what it was like to suffer. He knew what it was like to face difficulties. He had been hunted like a wild animal by the paranoid King Saul, even after being anointed as the next king of Israel by the prophet Samuel.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">When David brings us this and other psalms, which he penned under the direction of the Holy Spirit, he candidly speaks of his own shortcomings, weaknesses, and questions he faced in life. Psalm 23 came from the school of hard knocks, from a man who knew what it was like to need God’s help.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">B</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">ut we might say, “A valley? I don’t like valleys, Lord. I prefer mountaintops, okay? I like the sun to be shining and the birds singing. I like good times. I don’t want friction. I don’t want hardship.”</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">The Lord is saying, “You see that mountaintop in the distance? The way to that mountaintop is through this valley. You come with Me now through the valley.” We all go through those valleys in life, those hard times. Whatever valley it is, remember this: You are not alone. That is God’s great promise to the believer.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">, </span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Did you know that it is an impossibility of geography to have a valley without a mountain? They are beautiful complements in God’s grand creation. The valley is the place of vision. It is the place of repose and reflection. The mountain is the place of discovery and a place to become strong. If you find yourself in a valley, it is because you have come down from a mountain. If you’re on a mountain, you came to that place by way of the valley.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Are you in the valley or on the mountaintop? Read Psalm 46 about the strength of the Lord. Rest and rejoice in His strength, wherever God has you right now.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">The Christian life is never a steady, even walk. There are hills and ruts, mountaintop experiences and dark valleys. I think it’s safe to say we all prefer the mountaintops to the valleys—that’s just human nature—but it is often in the valleys that we grow the most.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Moses had been on the mountaintop. As a member of Egypt’s royal household, he was highly educated. He had fame, wealth, and, according to the Jewish historian Josephus, military success. But when he tried to be a hero to his own people, he found himself on the run from Pharaoh. Suddenly, he was stripped of everything familiar and comfortable. He found himself in a dark valley.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">The mighty Moses, a prince of Egypt, was suddenly a lowly shepherd, dependent on the kindness of a priest of Midian. Instead of commanding armies, his job was to corral sheep. Instead of a chariot, he had a shepherd’s staff. “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land,” he admitted (Exodus 2:22). But that was where God wanted Moses.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">God does not often use arrogant and unbroken people as His instruments; He uses people who depend on Him. So, to use Moses, God first broke him down to build him up into a great champion for righteousness. God specializes in using our brokenness. So, take heart if you are in a dark valley, for when you learn the lesson of your brokenness, you will experience greater heights than you ever thought possible.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">So often we talk about the great “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">mountain-top experiences</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” of life. And they are indeed wonderful! After all, with all the </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">work, sweat, time and energy</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> it takes to get to the top of the mountain, who wouldn’t want to celebrate the accomplishment and relish their time at the top? It’s a beautiful view from the top, </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">so much to see, to embrace, to celebrate and enjoy.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">However, I’ve found myself having that same experience in some of my valleys as well. Unfortunately, we often view the valley as the dark, depressing, miserable, defeated place, but I’ve come today to tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">God is always at work in our lives, even during our most stress-filled moments. When we entrust everything, we are and everything we have to Him, when we depend upon His truth instead of our own understanding and choose to walk in obedience, He promises to “make our paths straight.” No matter how deep the valley, we can count on God for direction.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">In Proverbs 3:6, “make straight” means “to do right, to make smooth or to be evenly hammered.” I love that truth! I can almost see my Father going before me, the hammer of truth in His hand, flattening every fear-filled obstacle, hammering down every mountain of doubt before me so that, when He has made a way, I can cross over. He straightens out crooked paths, improving my behavior and causing me to do the “right” things.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Valleys are best faced with total abandonment to the Shepherd of the valley. How many times have we danced with joy on the mountaintop and then moaned and complained in the valley?</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">God Is Lord Of The Mountain <em><span style="font-style: normal;">And </span></em>The Valley.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">I suspect that the most powerful life is living in the valley - not on the mountaintop. Every valley is surrounded by mountains. Every valley has a Shepherd, a Shepherd who will walk with us through the valley, and a Shepherd who will go before us, leading us out of the valley. When the psalmist wrote these words, he wrote my life message: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:1-2).</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">No matter where you are today, your Father is there.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">No matter how deep or long the valley, He is with you, waiting for you to surrender all.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Give Him your valley, knowing that He will surely lead you out. God has ordained that valley as an altar of sacrifice, an opportunity for Him to work through your broken heart and life.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Keep your glance on the valley and your gaze on the Shepherd. Begin praising Him for your deliverance. It will surely come. </span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I believe God intends for us all to live in a valley just like that!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You were promised the </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Peace of God,</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> but not smooth sailing, immunity, or exemption from life’s problems! Which is why Jesus Himself admonishes you with these words: “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have TRIBULATION and TRIALS and DISTRESS and FRUSTRATION; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">John 16:33 AMP</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">). In other words, you will experience </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Tribulation, Trials, Distress and Frustration,</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> but it will NOT Overcome you no matter how Overwhelmed you may feel!</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">However, you WILL experience it nonetheless!</span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <strong>I’m certain that is the testimony of many of you, “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">…fearing the Lord…YET…walking in darkness and deep trouble…</span></em><strong>” However, I encourage you to rest assured that you are NOT the only one who shares this testimony!</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let’s see some examples:</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">1…JOB—lived an exemplary life yet he lost everything! Troubled and perplexed, he cried, “God has</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <em><span style="font-style: normal;">blocked my way so I cannot move. He has plunged my path </span></em>into<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> darkness.” (19:8 NLT).</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">2…JEREMIAH – after preaching to a rebellious people who beat and imprisoned him, said, “I wish that</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <em><span style="font-style: normal;">my eyes were fountains of tears, so I could cry day and night for my people…” (9:1 CEV).</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">3…JOHN THE BAPTIST—was puzzled about why Jesus, who could raise the dead, had left him to languish</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <strong>in prison. So he sent Him a message asking, “…are you the one who was to come, or</strong> <em><span style="font-style: normal;">should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:19 NIV).</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">4…PAUL—suffered so much he “…despaired even of life.” (2 Corinthians 1:8). Or better stated by The Message</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Bible, “We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on</span></em> <em><span style="font-style: normal;">us…It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death</span></em> <em><span style="font-style: normal;">row, that it was all over for us…” (vss. 8-11).</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">5…</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">NAOMI</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> – was so bitter in soul, that she renamed herself bitter. </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“But she said, “Don’t call me Naomi; call me Bitter. The Strong One has dealt me a bitter blow. I left here full of life, and God has brought me back with nothing but the clothes on my back. Why would you call me Naomi? God certainly doesn’t. The Strong One ruined me.”</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ruth 1:20-21 MSG</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">)</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">6…</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">DAVID</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> – did not bite his tongue at all when </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">addressing</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> God about how he felt. </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Long enough, God – you’ve ignored me long enough. I’ve looked at the back of your head long enough. Long enough I’ve carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain. Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me.”</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Psalm 13:1-2 MSG</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">)</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">7…</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ELIJAH</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> – simply wanted to die! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“When Elijah saw how things were, he ran for dear life to Beersheba, far in the south of Judah. He left his young servant there and then went on </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">into<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> the desert another day’s </span></em>journey<em><span style="font-style: normal;">. He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I’m ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush…”</span></em><strong> (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">1 Kings 19:3-5 MSG</span></em><strong>)</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">8…</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">MOSES</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> – was under such distress, He even asked God to erase him out of His book! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Moses went back to God and said, “This is terrible. These people have sinned – it’s an enormous sin! They made gods of gold for themselves. And now, if you will only forgive their sin…But if not, erase me out of the book you’ve written.”</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Exodus 32:32 MSG</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">)</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">9…</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">JESUS</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> – even asked a question many of us ask of our Father. </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“From noon to three, the whole earth was dark. Around mid-afternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">“Eli, Eli lema</span></span></i></b><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> <i>sabachthani?”</i></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Matthew 27:45-46 MSG</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">)</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">In a nutshell: Faith is like a film; it’s developed in the DARK! Yet you can take heart because you share the ‘DARK ROOM’ the Valley Experience with some great men and women who experienced the same struggles and yet still overcame them and succeeded! Job, Jeremiah, John, Paul, Naomi, David, Elijah, Moses and even Jesus all spent time in the Dark Room developing </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">into<strong> images of strength and endurance for us to admire and become!</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You see, dark days are purposed to make</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <strong>you lean on God in ways you normally wouldn’t! The truth is, if your faith was never tested you wouldn’t be</strong> <strong>motivated to pursue God and draw closer to Him!</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">First, you’ve got to look back at the amazing works God has already done, and </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">specifically</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> thank Him for them. Your confidence grows as you </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">remember</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> all He’s already done. Can you imagine if we did this every time a </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">crisis</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> in our lives appears? </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Think about it, He’s provided before; He’s healed before; He’s delivered before; He’s made ways out of no way before. And according to the Word of God, He has not changed!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Jesus Christ is [ETERNALLY CHANGELESS, ALWAYS] THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER.” (Hebrews 13:8 AMP). So, if He did it then, what makes you doubt Him now?</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When you were unemployed, He was there; when you were lonely, He was there; when you were discouraged, He was there; when you were hurting, He was there. What makes you think anything has changed, since the Bible declares</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“JESUS CHRIST IS [ETERNALLY CHANGELESS…”</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">? </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The rent, mortgage, car note, car insurance, tuition, utilities were all a struggle before, and still He came through, so why is your faith shaken now? Why are you wavering now? Why are you doubting it now? Why are you second guessing now? You’ve needed food, shelter, and transportation, before, and He came through, why are you fearful now?</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This is not your first time in the valley! Never forget His power neither ascends or descends because of the height of the mountain or the depth of the valley you experience. “JESUS CHRIST IS [ETERNALLY CHANGELESS] …”</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">No matter your location, He knows where to find you, after all, there’s no where you can go and be without Him!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">David discovered that it’s better to walk through the </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">valley<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> with God than stand on the </span></em><strong>mountaintop without Him! If you haven’t reached this level of faith and trust in God, keep stretching! It’s mandatory that you reach it! Practice talking like David!</strong></span></span></span></b> <em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Psalm 23 – “God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, You find me quiet pools to drink from. True to Your </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">word<em><span style="font-style: normal;">, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.<sup> </sup>Even when the way goes through Death </span></em>Valley<em><span style="font-style: normal;">, I’m not afraid when You walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.<sup> </sup>You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head, my cup brims with blessing.<sup> </sup>Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.” (MSG)</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">David learned something that we all need to learn, especially when traveling through the dark and even death </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">valley<em><span style="font-style: normal;">s of life. He learned to trust God even when he couldn’t trace Him. Why? Because God is a covenant keeper of His </span></em>Word<em><span style="font-style: normal;">, and His </span></em>Word<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> has made you promises that will not fail! And those promises hold true even when</span></em><strong> God doesn’t immediately light the path for your way out of darkness. </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Does that sound like you’re walking in the dark alone? I think not! That’s the kind of faith that keeps your focus on point!</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">But there is something else you should know about darkness and that is: Contrary to what you may think, DARKNESS</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <strong>isn’t always the work of the enemy! It’s often</strong> <strong>God’s best teaching tool! Listen to the Bible: </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">“LATE AT NIGHT, the boat was far out at sea; Jesus was still by himself on land. He could see his men struggling with the oars, the wind having come up against them. At about four o’clock in the morning, </span></em><strong>Jesus came toward them walking on the sea. He intended to go right by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and screamed, scared out of their wits. Jesus was quick to comfort them: “Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” As soon as he climbed </strong>into<strong> the boat, the wind died down. They were stunned, shaking their heads, wondering what was going on. They didn’t understand what he had done at the supper. None of this had yet penetrated their hearts.” (Mark 6:48-52 MSG).</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Truth is, you get to know the Lord</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <strong>by going through storms WITH Him! </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Yes, it was "LATE AT NIGHT", but aren’t you glad your GOD still works the NIGHT SHIFT? Remember, just because your situation is too dark for you, doesn’t mean it will EVER be too dark for God!</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If God doesn’t lose sight of you in heaven, hell, or the earth, what makes you think He will not be able to see you in the valley? </span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">See, </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">the battle is the Lord’s.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Those five words say it all about this day and about each tomorrow in your life. It’s another day to trust Him. That’s what the valley does, it tests, exposes, and builds your faith! </span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When looked at from the proper advantage point, the valley is a blessing, not a curse! The enemy wants you to believe that the valley is the place of discouragement, depression, and despair. A place of loneliness, dread, fear, and worry. A place of doubt and guessing. A place void of God. And my friend, that couldn’t be further from the truth!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You see, in the valley you’re positioned between two mountains. You get to see where God has brought you and where He’s taking you at the same time. So, when doubt and distress rear their ugly head, all you must do is take a glance over your shoulder. Remember when God healed you, delivered you, protected you, provided for you, strengthened you. Remember when He restored your peace, joy, sanity, and life. Remember when you thought that last trial would take you out for good. When you thought that was it. That was the last straw. There’s no recovery from this…AND THEN…GOD!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The valley tells your fears they have no power over you. The valley reminds you that you’ve conquered that, you got over that, you got past them. The rumors, lies, gossip, and backbiting that was designed to destroy you, fell apart at the seams! The valley is the place where you remind the devil that your God is walking with you while you walk your way through. The valley reminds you that what was supposed to kill you, ended up breathing new life into you!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The greater blessing is that God can bless you while you’re still IN the valley! God doesn’t need you to come OUT of anything to bless you! He can bless you while you’re still IN it!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Nay, IN ALL THESE THINGS we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37).</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Did you catch that? </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“…IN ALL THESE THINGS…”</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">God doesn’t need to bring you OUT, He can bless you, protect you, provide for you, go to battle on your behalf, and strengthen you, even while you’re still IN it! He proves His might and power by making us more than conquerors even while we’re still,</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“…IN ALL THESE THINGS…”</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Take heart, take courage! God will show OUT, while you’re still IN!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">That’s the beauty of the valley. You get to look over your shoulder and remember what the Lord has done…and what should be your response?</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Then Jehoshaphat knelt, bowing with his face to the ground. All Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping God. The Levites (both Kohathites and Korahites) stood to their feet to praise God, the God of Israel; they praised at the top of their lungs!” (vss. 18-19 MSG). Praise and Worship was the response to what we’ve already made it over!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">BUT THAT’S NOT EVEN THE BEST PART!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Now you get to turn your head around, look forward and smile!</span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <strong>Why? Because God gives you a view/vision of what He’s about to do </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">NEXT</span></em><strong>!</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“They were up early in the morning, ready to march into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were leaving, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Listen Judah and Jerusalem! Listen to what I have to say! Believe firmly in God, your God, and your lives will be firm! Believe in your prophets and you’ll come out on top!” (vs. 20 MSG) We’ve made it over the last mountain-top, and now we’re about to conquer the next one! We’re about to “…COME OUT ON TOP!”</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The valley now provides you with security that what God did before He’s able to do again! He defeated our enemies before; He’ll defeat them again. He healed, delivered, answered prayer, made provision, and provided protection before, and He will do it again! And all we must do is trust Him in the Valley for the next Mountain! TODAY, THANK GOD FOR YOUR VALLEY OF BLESSING!</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“As you walk through the Valley of the unknown, you will find the footprints of Jesus both in front of you and beside you.”</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J.P. Olson</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST on The NOW Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBK9PrtUANUF5Ds8HuBnVH_iccYfWeNmAm8=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/0kjS2qa9eSdfBKlFPgGxdg==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</span></a> </span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ROKU, Cable & Online. </span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></span></p>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-4017043019755989512024-01-29T10:22:00.000-08:002024-01-29T10:22:11.020-08:00There Are Five Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – And The Christian. Most People Never Read The First Four. I, And You, Are Living Epistles, We’re Human Bibles That Unbelievers Are Reading Daily, People Are Reading Us As The Word And Work Of God.<p><strong style="background-color: white; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Out of nowhere, suddenly, we heard a loud ‘</span></strong><em style="background-color: white; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Boom’</span></span></b></em><strong style="background-color: white; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">! Suddenly all the lights went out in the conference center where we were staying, just as we were all making our way out of our rooms and down this long hallway to breakfast. No windows. The hallway was longer than usual that morning because it was totally dark. Turns out the entire region experienced a power failure that morning. And guess what caused it? </span></strong><em style="background-color: white; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A squirrel got into a relay station and gnawed through a cable. In one split second, there was fried squirrel and lights out!</span></span></b></em></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But the problem that day really wasn’t the darkness.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Truth is, darkness is always dark, right?</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> No shock and no surprise there. </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But the actual problem was the failure of the light.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> And a lot of us Christians have been lamenting what we perceive as the growing spiritual darkness around us: Fewer people identifying themselves as Christians, more people identifying themselves as nonbelievers, long-time moral boundaries that are eroding or collapsing. Marriages are failing, children are straying, there’s so many robberies, fires, slashings, murders, and the like. Let Christians tell it, this is the worst the world has ever been, the darkest it has ever been!</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But might I throw a monkey wrench into the equation? Because when it’s dark, the problem isn’t the darkness. It’s the failure of the light to shine. </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And Jesus Himself said to His followers, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">YOU are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Matthew 5:14 NKJV</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It appears something’s wrong then with the light, not the dark. The dark is fulfilling its purpose, but the light, however, is not!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I can think of two ways that we’re failing our </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">world</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> and our </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">. One has to do with a flawed message that obscures the true Message. But we’ll talk about that in a minute. In the meantime, here are three reasons why I think the light is so often obscured.</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">First, FLAWED MESSENGERS: Over and over, a watching world sees well-known Christians suddenly disgraced by a dark secret. You can probably think of some pastors, mega church “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">stars</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">,” TV personalities, athletes, politicians. And folks who don’t like the message can now find another “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">hypocrite</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” to hide behind.</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The sad fall of a prominent Christian is a teachable moment, underscoring three critical realities</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">:</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">First, each Jesus-follower’s life is either a reason for someone to check out Jesus or check out on Jesus.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You see, if I drift away from Him, I take watching unbelievers with me.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> That’s why Paul said in </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Corinthians 9:12</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“…We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.” (NLT)</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> And Peter said, </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world.” (1 Peter 2:12 NLT).</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So, my little “sin fling” or “spiritual detour” will cost me God’s blessing. However, what’s even more important is that it could also cost those watching me their eternity!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Believers, we play a huge part in the eternity of others. People listen to what we say about our Savior, but more importantly, they watch to see if we’re living what we say.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Which reminds me of something I once read that said: </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“There Are Five Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – And The Christian. Most People Never Read The First Four.”</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">That Observation, Made A Long Time Ago, Could Not Be Truer Today. I, And You, Are Living Epistles, We’re Human Bibles That Unbelievers Are Reading Daily, Whether We’re At Work, In Church, In The Laundromat, In Traffic, Or At A Restaurant On A Friday Or Saturday Night. People Are Reading Us As The Word And Work Of God.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So, when you think it’s just “your business” when you fail and fall, you couldn’t be more wrong. Unbelievers are watching whether you are aware or not. We must learn to pay greater attention to what we do, say and how we behave. Others are watching, others are imitating. And we don’t want to be found guilty of causing hurt to someone we were supposed to be helping.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then secondly, every time a public Christian is discredited, the importance of the everyday Christian is elevated.</span></span></b></em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>The Christian who is in a seeker’s life every day has far more impact than any Christian in the spotlight. I am the face, the voice, the proof of Jesus to the unbelievers in my personal world for better or for worse. </strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Therefore, it’s always important that I walk the talk.</span></em><strong> It’s exponentially important that I’m consistent especially when there’s been a public Christian disgrace. When they see me, they’ve got to be able to see Jesus all day every day. Like it or not, truth is, when people see that ONE preacher has failed, we’re ALL GROUPED TOGETHER as “</strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">see, that’s what I mean about THEM preachers</span></em><strong>”. </strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Many have been assassinated by the association.</span></em><strong> So, when one falls, it’s vital that we that are standing, remain standing as we help our brother/sister back on their feet. </strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Galatians 6:1-3, “Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might need forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.” (MSG)</span></em></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>I reiterate, others are watching, others are imitating.</strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Here’s one other very vital reality. </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The failure of the messenger does not change the truth of the message. </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus said, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Follow Me.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not follow My followers.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> He said, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I am the Way</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">John 14:6</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). Not, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I will show you the way.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” He told us, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I am the resurrection and the life…he who believes in Me will live, even though he dies</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">John 11:25</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not, believe in someone who practices the Christian religion.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> No, He said, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Believe in Me. Follow Me.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” Therefore, I don’t want you to think I’m letting folks off the hook. </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Even when the messenger is flawed, the Message is still flawless!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus made it all about Jesus.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> So, while a hypocrite might provide an excuse for not believing, </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">they don’t provide a valid reason.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Because it’s what we do (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">personally</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">) with Jesus that determines our eternity. In fact, that’s the question you will face when you see God. “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What did you do with My Son who died on a cross for you?</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” So, this does not take away people (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">or unbelievers</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">) personal accountability to receive, follow and obey Christ. </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But we are His messengers with His message of salvation, healing, deliverance, and change, and when we handle the message haphazardly, it causes harm to them that have yet to believe.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If our world’s getting darker, then something must be wrong with what folks are “reading,” in the Christians – the messengers – the light of the world – they know. And the truth is, the problem isn’t the message, and it’s not about the messenger, but with the way the messenger represents the message.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">That message is, as the Bible says, is the “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">good news about Jesus</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” – the love that died for us, the power that crushed death. So, the problem sure isn’t the message. But the Good News doesn’t sound as good when it’s obscured by three mistakes that we the messengers make.</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Number one, our TONE.</span></span></b></em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>So many unbelievers I know use some unwelcome words to describe Christians. You may have heard them: </strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“angry,” “judgmental,” “condemning.”</span></em><strong> </strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Did you know up to 80% of communication is tone? Not what we say, but how we say it. So, is our tone drowning out our message?</span></em></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus’ main man, Simon Peter, seemed to learn that over time. Earlier, he was brash, he was explosive. But later, he said we should </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. “</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Peter 3:15</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). Is that how people feel when they’re with us – “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">gentled</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” and “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">respected</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">?” Listen to the Message Bible translation: </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath. It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That’s what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others’ sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.” (3:13-18 MSG) We are as believers to make sure that our tone is always, “…WITH THE UTMOST COURTESY…” Which should make you ask? </span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is it our message folks are rejecting </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">or our tone as we deliver it?</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> People of God, this isn’t about winning an argument. </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s about winning a heart.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Think about it: No one reads a love letter the same as they do a letter of condemnation.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One makes them feel special, loved, important, valued, it makes them smile. The other makes them feel condemned, judged, criticized, unloved, irrelevant, it makes them frown.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> And the same goes for us and our tone in delivering the Good News. </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You Can’t Deliver Good News With a Bad Tone!</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Even if they’re in the wrong, it doesn’t make it right for us to scream at the top of our lungs, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you’re going to hell!</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Because, if God drew us with loving-kindness, who are we to lash out at others with anything less?</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then secondly, </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">our message gets obscured when it becomes OUR message.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> We Jesus-followers have one authority for the message that changes eternities. </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s God’s Word.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">All Scripture</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” the Bible calls it. And it says it is “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God-breathed</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Timothy 3:16</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s not OUR personal message, it’s His. His Word, His Message, His Gospel, His Breath! 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is GOD-BREATHED [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (AMP) You see, when it becomes our personal message, it becomes about us, and we didn’t bare the cross, the nails, the spear, the wounds, the agony, the blood, the pain, the death or the resurrection for anyone, Jesus alone did that. Therefore, the message of Hope is about Him…not us! Many are being turned away and turned off because we’ve spent so much time talking about the wonderful clay and all the great things it’s been shaped to become, but not sharing that it is the Potter that makes it all possible.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 Corinthians 4:7, “Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure BELONGS TO GOD AND DOESN’T COME FROM US.” (GWT)</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Jeremiah 18:1-6, “The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will make you hear My words.” Then I went down to the potter’s house and saw that he was working at the wheel. But the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand; so, he made it over, reworking it and making it into another pot that seemed good to him.” Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” says the Lord. “Look carefully, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.” (AMP)</strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>It’s never about the messenger, only the message. It’s never about the clay, only the treasure within. It’s never about the vessel, only the hand that molds it.</strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>I reiterate, sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is About HIM, NOT US!</strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Another danger is that as our culture moves, and Christians tend to move with it.</span></span></b></em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>Always keeping an apparently “</strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">righteous distance</span></em><strong>” but quickly ending up where non-believers were as little as ten years ago. Reinterpreting, rationalizing, diluting their source (</strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the Bible</span></em><strong>) to justify their “</strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">flexible truth</span></em><strong>.” </strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But when we adjust our beliefs to placate our culture, we are no longer the choice Jesus called us to be. We’re just an echo of our culture; losing the power of God’s voice for some wimpy blend of Christianity and cultural appeasement. We stop speaking about sin, holiness, righteousness, repentance, because we need to say things in a way that brings them to the church</span></em><strong> (</strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">not changes them or even brings them to Christ</span></em><strong>) just brings them to the church. However, that’s not the goal. </strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The goal is to save souls.</span></em><strong> And we can’t accomplish that calling Sin: “</strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">affairs, struggles, issues, strongholds</span></em><strong>” NO, Sin is just that, Sin. And sin leads to death. </strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">James 1:13-15, “Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood and becomes a real killer.” (MSG)</span></em></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">BUT there is an alternative, and His name is Jesus! </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Church, we must get back to a clear, concise message about Jesus.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And the only way to do that is to preach, teach, and share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Not the latest cliché, not the latest movie title or dance, not the latest slang. But the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Completely Undiluted, Uncontaminated, Unaltered, Unadulterated!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Martin Luther</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> essentially stood against the whole world in his day, here was his anchor verse: </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89).</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If it stands firm in the heavens, we can’t change it here on earth! That word “eternal” is defined as, “lasting or existing forever.” Meaning the Word should remain the Word always (not depending on where we are, who we’re around or what we’re assigned to do). You can’t alter the Word of God. You can’t add to it or take away from it. It needs to remain in its most effective state and that is pure and unaltered! Whether you share the Good News in church, at work, in your home, at the shelter, at the gas station, to 500 people or to 5, to the CEO or the garbage man, the Word is to remain Unchanged! We don’t compromise the integrity of the Word of God to fit and suit our culture (or conference, convocation, morning sermon etc.). So, when people read your life, make sure they’re reading a clear, concise, unchanged Word about Jesus!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Thirdly, </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I think our message can be obscured by our BAGGAGE.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> The Gospel is compelling when it’s </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">just the Gospel.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> But some people never get to the Gospel because of the baggage we encumber it with </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">church, denomination, culture wars, rules, condemning people’s lifestyles</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">. However, the fact remains, it’s all about Jesus! </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not our personal opinions; our ideologies; our experiences; our imaginations; our feelings. No, none of those matters. The message is about Jesus!</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It needs no fluff, no rhymes, no jingles, no eloquence of speech.</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Just the unadulterated Word of God about Jesus…about Salvation.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Even Jesus made it all about Jesus with His simple invitation, “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Follow Me</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mark 1:17</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Come to Me</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Matthew 11:28</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). “</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Believe in Me</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">” (</span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">John 14:1</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus never said follow Me and the Pastor, NO!</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> The message we are to share is that people are to follow, come to and believe in JESUS! </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not us, not our church, not our ministry, not our pastor, not our gifts, not our anointing, not our choir, not our praise breaks! But JESUS!</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> That’s why Paul, Jesus’ greatest ambassador said in </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 Corinthians 2:2,</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“for I made the decision to know nothing [that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential things and opinions while] among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified [and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection].” (AMP)</span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In other words, I don’t want nor need to hear anything else but JESUS!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Charles Spurgeon</span></span></b></em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>said the Cross is “</strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that magnificent magnet.</span></em><strong>” Because “</strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">if they perceive,</span></em><strong>” Spurgeon said, “</strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that He loved them and gave Himself for them, their hearts are stolen away.</span></em><strong>” And all that happens simply by the Cross. </strong><em><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not our name, anointing, gifts, preaching, teaching, power, etc…but the CROSS!</span></em></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Can you imagine what would happen if we went back to preaching the Word, preaching Jesus, preaching the Cross, preaching holiness, preaching the Blood?!</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">That message, uncompromised, unencumbered, delivered with love, is what it has always been. </span></strong><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Romans 1:16, “The power of God at work, saving everyone who believes”.</span></span></b></em><strong><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> It’s all about Jesus and His Cross and His Word. Stick to that!</span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Messengers who act like Jesus, is a message that’s all about Jesus. That is a bright light on an otherwise dark and dangerous stretch of road.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em><b><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We, my friends, are Human Bibles that unbelievers are reading daily. Make sure that the Message they read in our lives is that of the Unadulterated Word of God, the Name of Jesus and the Power of His Blood, Cross, Salvation, Healing, Deliverance, and Redemptive Life-Changing Power.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">J.P. Olson</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="3" href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.journeyintotheword.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C4162ce84e145414b5d1508dc20edcbe8%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638421452928806137%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2F52e00vWJcLRThMj9EvG87o0isY%2FilM4xIjblg70P2E%3D&reserved=0" originalsrc="http://www.journeyintotheword.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" shash="xw9Yrzl5LG1OZb9HRuYZK74kxuniCD8LqXFAbK8SFibA+jYaQChoyrCdnWbwruoalBPL9rfPmwVAgB9qbB7c7bK0LWFmAK1659A1+rdYgzVgUHYvOQMKNQ2ur7SKfDeHoIiwINnmm4rROQRZI9g6bO2Sn1jTDGKVksJHk4opeIQ=" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Protected by Outlook: http://www.journeyintotheword.com/. 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Jesus Dealt With Difficult People, It Wasn’t Always Nice As People Ask (What Would Jesus Do?) Jesus Is Never Cornered, He Did Not Allow People To Corner Him, Jesus Knows When To Ignore. Jesus Is Flexible.<p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Ways to Deal with the Difficult People in Your Church, Christian Circles, Family, and Friends</span></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: rgb(247, 247, 247);"><span style="color: #001f4d;">. </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How should we deal with difficult people? How to deal with “toxic” people, charitably and successfully. Some people in our lives may be difficult <strong>simply because they challenge us</strong>. Or they may be difficult <strong>because they are different.</strong> </b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">I Will Share Ways Jesus Dealt With Difficult People and it wasn’t always nice as people often ask (“What Would Jesus Do?) <strong>Jesus Is Never Cornered, He did not allow people to corner Him, Jesus Knows When to Ignore. He knew when to ignore people if they liked it or not. Jesus Is not Defensive, Jesus Is Flexible and </strong>Jesus asks questions. </span></b><b>It is funny, but <strong>we humans tend not to ask a lot of questions. We assume, we pontificate, we lecture, we observe, we interrupt, and we judge.</strong> But we rarely make it a point to ask other people questions.</b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #363636;">Have you ever had someone in your life that…</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>That seemed to DIMINISH YOU</b></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>That caused you to OPERATE AS HALF OF YOURSELF</b></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>That squashed a PIECE OF YOUR HEART AND SOUL</b></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>MADE YOU UNSETTLED just by the way they projected themselves?</b></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #363636;">Maybe it is someone who is an over-the-top NARCISSIST.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Or the distrust feelings while being with a GOSSIPER.</b></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Or the anxious feelings of being a future the topic of your CRITICAL “friend”.</b></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Or the subservience feelings while standing down to a BULLY.</b></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Or the insecure feelings as you hope things are still good with a PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE</b></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Or maybe even the emotional drain of an ever-complaining NEGATIVE person.</b></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #363636;">How do you DEAL WITH such people? How do you STAY HEALTHY and RETAIN ENERGY for life? How do you REGULATE and live as your WHOLE SELF, rather than a DIMINISHED VERSION of you?</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #363636;">These people can be your parents, your friends, your siblings, your church family.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #363636;">This about dealing with Difficult People. David Had to Deal With These People. But he goes on to recite the 23<sup>rd</sup> Psalms. He begins with God, He leads me, He restores my soul.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">PSALM 23:1-6 NKJV</span></span></i></strong><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"> [David said] <em>The LORD [is] my shepherd; </em><strong>I SHALL NOT WANT</strong><em>. 2 He makes me </em></span></span></i></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"><span style="font-style: normal;">lie</span></span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"> down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">HE RESTORES MY SOUL</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">SLIDE 05 </span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, </span></span></b></em><b><span style="color: #363636;">Now, he is ready to face the conflicts from dealing with difficult people. Difficult people tend to trigger our deepest fears. When he is talking about walking through the valley of the shadow of death, he is not talking about a literal valley but a relational valley. </span></b><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">I WILL FEAR NO EVIL</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">; For </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">YOU [ARE] WITH ME</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">; </span></span></b></em><b><span style="color: #363636;">He is saying I do not have to fear evil; I do not have to fear what men’s choices are, what some lady said, what some cousin said, what my spouse said or what some friend said, I do not have to fear my security in that, I have already established that the Lord is my source and He is the one who gives me therapy besides the still waters.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">Your rod and Your staff, they </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">COMFORT ME</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">. God, you are big enough, You comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">; Say difficult people. Table represents nourishment, He feeds me, I have a seat at this table in the presence of my enemies. The gossipers, the bully’s the narcissist, now I am sitting across from my enemies, and You anoint my head with oil. You </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">ANOINT MY HEAD</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;"> with oil; </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">MY CUP RUNS OVER</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">. You anoint my head with oil when I am around difficult people. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #363636;">.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">1 SAMUEL 16:11 NIV </span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">YOUNGEST</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">," Jesse answered. "He is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." David had to deal with a toxic father who thought nothing less of him but that he is a nobody but a lad out herding the sheep.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">1 SAMUEL 17:28 NLT</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;"> But when David's oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. "What are you doing around here anyway?" he demanded. "What about those few sheep you're supposed to be taking care of? </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">" His brother demeaned him. Now Saul is trying to kill David every day. Toxic, and difficult people. David dealt with this his entire life, and it got him into a lot of trouble until he began to learn how to process the difficulties, the enemies of his life.</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">PSALM 69:4 NLT</span></span></i></strong><em><b> </b></em><b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">[David said] </span></span></i></b><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">Those who </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">HATE ME</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;"> without cause </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">OUTNUMBER THE HAIRS</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;"> on my head. Many </span></span></b></em><strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;">ENEMIES TRY TO DESTROY ME</span></span></i></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #363636;"> with lies…</span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Using Christian values to deal with challenging people.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Does it sometimes feel like all the challenging people in the world are getting more and more, well – unpleasant? Perhaps some days feel like one never-ending prayer for patience, tolerance, and forgiveness.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">As Christians, we are not exempt from difficult relationships and challenging people, but we have plentiful resources and abundant tools to call upon. Next time you’re faced with the temptation to lose it with someone who is tap dancing on your last nerve, try one of our five favorite methods of bringing Christian values into unpleasant interpersonal dynamics.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">How should we deal with difficult people? Some people in our lives may be difficult <strong>simply because they challenge us</strong>. Or they may be difficult <strong>because they are different.</strong> Or they may be difficult <strong>because we live with them</strong> (and proximity amplifies foibles). Or they may be difficult <strong>because </strong></span></b><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">we</span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> are difficult and something about us just rubs them the wrong way.</span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Or they may just be difficult.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Regardless, we can learn to accept the inconvenient, the incongruent and the bothersome (people and events) in our life<strong> not just as necessary nuisances but as gifts.</strong></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">First, expect it. </span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">As I mentioned above, the church is full of real people with real problems; conflict is inevitable. With that in mind, the first step in dealing with difficult people is to expect it. Knowing that it can and will happen should often remove the surprise factor so that you can properly prepare for those situations as they arise.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">1. Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Unconditional love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is an admirable goal to hold, but very few humans can consistently pull this off without divine assistance. If you know you're about to enter a difficult interaction with a person or group, petition the Holy Spirit to light the path before you and touch the hearts of all involved with the spirit of receptivity and reconciliation.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">2. Don’t lose your cool.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">It’s easy to get defensive when feeling attacked or misunderstood. But it’s incredibly important to keep your cool in a difficult situation. Chances are, you're a Christian if reading this article. As a result, you are setting an example to others that could either hurt or help your testimony.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">If this is a challenge for you, see step number 8. That I will share.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">2. Pray for self-control and discernment</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">If you have</span></b><b> strong communication skills</b><b><span style="color: #222222;"> and are a fast thinker, it's easy to lash out in hurtful anger before you even realize you're speaking aloud. You cause a rip in the fabric of your relationship with the other that is often very hard to mend, and chances are, you feel badly about yourself for losing control.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Even if it’s in the heat of the moment, try to pause and pray for perspective and poise. If you can keep your composure, you’ll feel more dignified and better able to hear guidance about what to do and say next.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">3. Diffuse the situation by depersonalizing it</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Ask yourself: “Is this conflict really about me?” It could be that the other person has just experienced a horrible loss or is enduring a painful physical challenge. Try to become spacious and generous with your attention instead of contracted and self-focused. Put yourself in the other person’s situation, and open to the idea that this may have nothing at all to do with you. If you can bring some humor and levity into the situation, all the better!</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> Don’t fuel the fire.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Another big don’t “don’t add fuel to the fire”. This goes back to defensiveness and wanting to protect yourself. It easily happens that a situation can escalate quickly with one wrong word.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Hold Proverbs 15:1 with some weight: <i>“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger.” </i>Remember that a gentle answer can diffuse the problem almost instantly!</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">4. Swallow your pride.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Sometimes all we can do when the confrontation filter takes over is to protect ourselves--to, in all honesty, put ourselves first. Nobody likes being wrong, misunderstood, or accused of fault. But this is pride and pride only hurt situations and destroys relationships.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">When you’re dealing with a difficult person, be willing to play your part and to be the first to offer a gentle word. Our pride makes it so hard but it’s very necessary when working with people.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">In addition, be willing to say “sorry.” If you’re at fault, say you dropped the ball. Apologize. Offer the proverbial olive branch and allow for reconciliation to take place.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">5. Turn the pointing finger around</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Examine your own reactions, judgments, and projections. As distasteful as it can be, we are called to look inward with as much fearless self-scrutiny as we can muster to find where we’re at fault. Often, the other person is mirroring something about us that we do not care to claim ownership for. We keep the focus on their transgressions to avoid coping to our own.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Prayerfully search inside and ask yourself:</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>How am I contributing to the discord here?</b></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Is this person reminding me of myself when I’ve done the same thing?</b></span></span></span></span></span></li><li style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>What are my true motives for my words and actions?</b></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Performed with a genuine intent to grow and heal, this exercise in self-discovery can lead straight into self-forgiveness. Remember that God loves to forgive us when we humbly confess our faults. And once forgiven, we have a lot more spaciousness in our hearts to extend mercy and acceptance to others.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Remember their brokenness.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">6.A huge help when working with difficult people is to remember that they are likely broken and hurt. That they are probably struggling with something that overflows into their life.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Truth is, hurt people hurt people. If you can remember their hurt, you’re more likely to respond from a place of grace. Try to reconcile and make the situation better, lifting further burden off of them and setting an example of peace.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">7. Pray for them. </span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Pray for the person.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Prayer has this incredible ability of softening our hearts towards others. If you’re at odds with someone, one of the best ways of responding in a healthy and godly way is by praying for them. It’s hard to be mad at someone you are praying for.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Even if sometimes you pray through gritted teeth with clenched fists, try to call upon Matthew 5:44:</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Be aware that the grace with which you handle challenging interpersonal interactions might be the very catalyst that causes a troubled person to notice something “different” about you and ask, “Are you a person of faith? Tell me more about that!”</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">8. Play the “happy ignorance” card.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">If someone says something that might seem a bit critical or inconsiderate, there are times it might be best to pay this card. It means responding in a way that shrugs off the critique rather than making a big deal out of it.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">One person I know who uses this technique shared the example:</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">If someone says to you, “<i>Umm. you’re painting your kitchen yellow</i>?” Instead of Yes, it’s my kitchen and I paint it the color I want to. You say, “<i>Yea! isn’t it great?</i>” Brush off a passing criticism and diffuse the situation.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">9. Shower them with kindness.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Few things diffuse a difficult situation like kindness. It’s hard to remain mad at someone who is being incredibly nice despite a bad attitude on the other person’s part.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Take the high road and be a fountain of kindness that saturates the moment with the positive rather than the negative. Hopefully, the other person will soften and respond the same way.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">10. Take a break.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Advice often given in healthy conflict resolution is the principle of walking away to get some space and perspective. Doing this allows a person to cool down and gather their thoughts and feelings, in the hope of dealing with the conflict in a healthy way.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">I’m one of those people who is better fit for conflict with a small break. If you’re the type of person who needs to gather thoughts or cool down before speaking, don’t be afraid to briefly walk away from the situation and come back collected.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Matthew 18 a conflict.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">One of the quickest ways of causing division in the body of Christ is by circumventing healthy conflict. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched someone go to people and slander somebody instead of talking to the person directly.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">If you have a problem with someone, don’t go tell other people. You may feel you have the purest motives in telling an outside party, but that’s not biblical and it’s wrong. Matthew 18 tells you to go to that person if there is a fault; not a boss, not a pastor, and not anyone period. Bringing another into the situation only takes place when you’ve approached the difficult person without resolution, and you feel bringing another they trust into the situation might help them turn from sin.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Would you want someone to go to others and say negative things about you? Probably not. So don’t do it to someone else. ALWAYS</span></b> <strong>Matthew 18</strong><b><span style="color: #333333;"> a conflict.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Ways Jesus Dealt With Difficult People. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Seeing difficult people in such a positive light seems like a tall order. <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">But we can start by learning to deal with other people in a Christ-like way. </span></strong></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Scripture teaches us some ways that Jesus dealt with difficult people:</span></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">1.- Jesus asks questions. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In Chapter 12 of Luke, Jesus is asked to settle a family dispute and basically responds, </span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">“</span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Who do you think I am, Judge Judy?” (right, this is a loose translation, but you get the idea)</span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It is interesting to note that <strong>Jesus asks </strong></span></span><em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">a lot</span></span></span></em><strong><i> </i></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">of questions in Scripture</span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> Jesus’ questions were sometimes rhetorical</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">or challenging, and at other times he was also seeking feedback.<strong> By using questions, Jesus emphasizes his openness to the other person.</strong></span></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It is funny, but <strong>we humans tend not to ask a lot of questions. We assume, we pontificate, we lecture, we observe, we interrupt, and we judge</strong></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> But we rarely make it a point to ask other people questions. In using questions frequently, I think Jesus is modeling the behavior of a good communicator, one who cares about the other person enough to engage with them and challenge them. Even, and perhaps especially when they are difficult.</span></span></span></span></h2><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 28px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f3763;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">2.-Jesus Is Never Cornered.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In Chapter 6 of Luke, Jesus is taking a Sabbath stroll with his disciples and the Pharisees pop up out of nowhere and accuse them of breaking the Sabbath by picking grain. <strong>Jesus is unflustered. He is never scared of the people who try to slip him up or think the worst of him, because what other people think is not his focus.</strong></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Sometimes people corner us with their assumptions and judgments, and we can begin to wonder if the way they see us is more objective than how we see ourselves. It is hard when we feel like others misunderstand us or do not take the time to get to know us before judging. <strong>But, like Jesus, we do not have to feel defined by the projections of other people. Our identity resides and is found in God, not in what other people try to push on us.</strong></span></b></span></span></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 28px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f3763;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">3.- Jesus Knows When to Ignore.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Remember that time when Jesus ticks off all his former neighbors and friends in his hometown of Nazareth? They are so worked up that they decide to throw him off a cliff. <strong>Jesus, seeing that there is no reasoning with these people, walks through the crowd, ignores their rage, and “went on his way” (Luke 4).</strong></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Sometimes difficult people throw tantrums, speak harshly, or treat us in an abusive way (this happens online all the time). This is the cue to disengage and walk away. <strong>Jesus knew how to keep his blood pressure in check and his eyes on the prize. Of course, if we must deal assertively with someone who does this in person, a face-to-face discussion might help. Later.</strong></span></b></span></span></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 28px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f3763;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">4.- Jesus Is Not Defensive.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In Chapter 10 of Mark, James and John basically say to Jesus: “We want you to do for us whatever we ask.” Wow. Talk about overstepping boundaries! But Jesus is not codependent, so neediness and boundary crossing is not threatening to him. <strong>He knows when to say no and when to say yes and does not beat himself up when he doesn’t make other people happy.</strong></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Sometimes people can demand more from us than what we can give them. <strong>They may try to sway us with guilt trips.</strong> Before we know it, we find ourselves bending over backward trying to satisfy a needy or aggressive person (who is rarely satisfied!). But Jesus does not try to people please. Jesus does not need to protect himself from other people; God’s will is enough security. This is where his non-defensiveness comes from.</span></b></span></span></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 28px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f3763;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">5.- Jesus Is Flexible.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In Matthew 15, a Canaanite woman demands that Jesus heal her daughter <strong>and Jesus says no</strong>. <strong>But then he is moved by the woman’s response of faith and heals her daughter.</strong> Jesus approaches others with an open mind. Even when he had preconceived notions, he allowed the Spirit to move him.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">When a difficult person approaches us, we may think, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">oh great, here we go again,</span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> or </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I know how this will go,</span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> but Jesus kept an open mind when he was approached by others. You never know.</span></strong><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> The Spirit may move you, or the person who is normally difficult, to act in a different, unexpected way. Being close to others closes us to the Holy Spirit who is working in us and in the other person.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 21pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Jesus, help us see You in everyone, even the people who challenge us. Light us up with Your radiant love so that we may see You even in the most difficult of people. Every human being is made in Your image. Help us to recognize You and love You in them.</b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J.P. Olson</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST on The NOW Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBIyfLlUANUF5IFN_9ZMkO9OwFocRYCW_Tg=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/rj0G2-pqn-QFqXvrNoUJoQ==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</span></a></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ROKU, Cable & Online</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></span></p><div><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></div>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-22498105344123721352024-01-15T05:36:00.000-08:002024-01-15T05:36:13.098-08:00What Makes You Different. 2024 Is The Year Where GOD Will Put You Where People Do Not Think You Belong. PREPARE FOR AN UPGRADE! Prequalified For Double. My Message Is Amazingly Simple: Quit Letting Other People Get You Upset And Steal Your Joy. <div style="background-color: white; border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; padding: 0in;"><div style="border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); padding: 0in;"><p><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">My Prayer for Today</span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">Father, thank You for setting us apart with Your distinctive favor and for shining Your face upon us. Thank You for guiding us, protecting us, favoring us, and giving us an advantage. I believe that we are blessed to be one of Your own special people. Father, we are so thankful that Your steadfast love endures forever. That means it does not change with life’s circumstances. We can count on You in our times of distress to love us as Your precious children without fail. </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #050505;">May God shower you today with an abundance of peace, love, and joy. May God strengthen you in your weakness today. May God make a way for you where there seems to be no way. “Father, thank You that before we even call, you answer us; before we even pray, you already have the answer lined up. Thank You that You go before us and work in ways that we cannot even imagine. I believe we will come into our land of unprecedented favor. Father, thank You for giving us gifts and talents to fulfill our destiny, and they are different from what others have been given. Thank You for the blessing of being different and the privilege of making the most of what You have given us. I will be content. Father, thank You that You have already lined up favor connections for us. Thank You for the people who are ordained to help us go further. Help us to disconnect from people who are hindering our growth and connect with people who are favored. God bless you and keep you today, in Jesus’ Name, Amen. Together in His Grip.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">I have a very timely message this morning and I believe God has given me this good message for today! I have been having some great times of refreshing in God's presence this past week! </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0f1419;"> Philippians 4:19 says, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God is our all-powerful, all-compassionate, all-wise and all-loving heavenly Father. NASB</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">What Makes You Different</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">When God sent plague after plague on Pharaoh and his people to free the Israelites from slavery, what is interesting is that the Israelites lived right next door, but the plagues never touched them. Whether it was swarms of flies, hordes of frogs, or their livestock, the Israeli side was untouched. God put a distinction of favor and blessing upon His people. God has also put a distinct favor on you that causes you to be different from those who do not honor God. The Scripture talks about how you have been called out, set apart as God’s people. It says that His face shines down on you and causes you to stand out. There is a marked difference. You have an advantage. You are not doing life by yourself. It is not up to just your skill, your talent, your connections. There is a force behind you breathing in your direction, protecting you, guiding you, favoring you. The Highest God has set you apart. Take advantage of every opportunity that God has placed before you. This will be a year of opportunity. Jesus took advantage of every opportunity presented to Him.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">GOD is not just a way maker. He is THE WAY. He can create what you need. That is why HE’s called the great "I AM."</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><img height="16" src="https://vr2-assets.verticalresponse.com/vr_img/84add5b/8/839d2/839d2e1b3c/0c6a5f1b57/image-20240115004329-1.png" width="16" /><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">I AM whatever you need.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><img height="16" src="https://vr2-assets.verticalresponse.com/vr_img/84add5b/8/839d2/839d2e1b3c/0c6a5f1b57/image-20240115004329-2.png" width="16" /><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">I AM favor.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><img height="16" src="https://vr2-assets.verticalresponse.com/vr_img/84add5b/8/839d2/839d2e1b3c/0c6a5f1b57/image-20240115004329-3.png" width="16" /><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">I AM breakthroughs.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><img height="16" src="https://vr2-assets.verticalresponse.com/vr_img/84add5b/8/839d2/839d2e1b3c/0c6a5f1b57/image-20240115004329-4.png" width="16" /><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">I AM healing.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><img height="16" src="https://vr2-assets.verticalresponse.com/vr_img/84add5b/8/839d2/839d2e1b3c/0c6a5f1b57/image-20240115004329-5.png" width="16" /><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">I AM victory.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><h4 style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #050505;">We are in position for a move of God. What do you think? Ps 85:12 Yes, the Lord will give that which is good! Psalm 85:6. Will thou revive us again oh Lord that thy people may rejoice in Thee? Vs 12 THE ANSWER!! YES! Ingredients for a move of God. KJV </span></span></span><sup><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">12 </span></sup><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.</span></span></span></span></span></h4><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Just like cold weather has knocked out power in recent weeks, so has coldness knocked out power in the church! Time to get the power of God back into His Church!! </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">The greatest gift given to us! It is access to the throne of God given to us from the Son of God. God and Jesus gave us this wonderful privilege and we must use it! The Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Let us come boldly to His throne of Grace! If you are going to look back at your past, make sure it is to Thank the Lord! When life does not turn out the way you thought, you must learn to kiss negative things goodbye. People may walk away. It is tempting to get bitter, hold a grudge, lose your passion. You must kiss the bitterness goodbye, kiss the person that left you goodbye, kiss the dream that did not work out goodbye. You cannot embrace the new things God has in store if you are holding on to the old.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Our Position is "In Christ" God knows where you fit best on His Team. Most people do not know where they fit!!!</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Your Father's World</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">I knew a phenomenally successful widowed man who remarried, and at the age of sixty-five found out they were going to have his first child. When his wife gave birth and he held his baby boy, he was overwhelmed and began to weep for joy. He looked his son in the eyes and said, “I cannot wait to give you, my world. That is the way our heavenly Father feels about you. He has been thinking about you for a long time. He did not create you to be ordinary, to just make it through life. He is lined up with amazing opportunities, good breaks, and the right people. He is saying to you, I cannot wait to give you, My world. His world is big, filled with joy, filled with favor, filled with blessings, and filled with love. In His world, you are His prized possession. What He has in store for you is going to boggle your mind. My question is, are you expecting your Father to give you the kingdom?</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Remember you have a history with God. When Abraham was old and close to death, he told his assistant to travel back to his hometown to find his son, Isaac, a wife. The assistant asked him how he would know if it was the right girl, and Abraham was saying, do not worry because I have a history with God. I have seen His faithfulness over and over down through the years. I am confident it will happen. I have walked with God and seen His goodness. Instead of wondering if something is going to work out, worrying about your health, or stressing out over your finances, remember your history with God. Look back at what He's done. As Abraham did, you will see times when God brought a promise to pass that looked impossible, He provided when you did not see a way, He showed you mercy and turned a situation around. Whatever you face, keep walking in faithfulness and be confident that He will do it again and make your journey a success.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Sometimes we act as though God has a limited supply of favor, but He has unlimited resources. When God laid out the plan for your life, He put in it everything you need to fulfill your destiny. He is already lined up the right people, the right breaks, favor, and increase. If you keep honoring God, you will come into a stored-up blessing at the right time. You will not have to go after it; it will find you. What God has destined for you cannot go to anyone else. When you understand this, it takes the pressure off. You do not live frustrated, wondering when a dream is going to come to pass, worried that a problem is not going to work out, or jealous because a friend got a promotion. You stay in peace knowing that what has your name on it is not going to go to anyone else. You know your time is coming. You know that God will get you to where you are supposed to be.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">He Is Your Source</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">It is easy to look on people or to our job as our source. Yes, God uses people, jobs, and contracts, but they are not the Source. They are simply resources that the Source uses. If you are seeing anything or anyone other than God as your source, when something happens to that something or someone, you will think, “What am I going to do? My source has been cut off.” No, the Source is simply fine. God is still on the throne. That good gift may come through people, but it came from your heavenly Father. Your salary or contract may come through a connection, but it came from God.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">That is why you do not have to play up to people at work or compromise to get a good break. You are not at the mercy of the economy, or who likes you, or what your boss does. People are not your provider; God is your provider. God has all kinds of resources He can use.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Increase in Favor.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Did you know that one way our faith is released is through our words? There is a connection between speaking God's favor and receiving His favor. You can increase in favor. It is not enough to just believe you have favor or expect favor; you must take it one step further and declare favor. Every day you should declare, I have the favor of God. I have favor on my business, my finances, my family, and my health. When you speak something out, you are giving it the right to come to pass. When you are in a difficult situation, instead of complaining about it, you need to declare, the favor of God is turning this around. His favor is bringing healing, freedom, vindication, and victory into my life. It is one thing to think about it, but when you declare it, things begin to happen in the unseen realm. You have hoped, you have prayed, you have believed that is good, but it is time to start speaking favor.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Many people get frustrated and soured on life because of their unanswered whys. Not everything along your life’s way is going to make sense. You may never understand why something happened the way it did, but God knows what He is doing. He would not allow it if it were not going to somehow work for your good. This is where faith comes in. Nothing that has happened to you can keep you from your destiny. The only thing that can stop you is you. If you get negative and bitter and lose your passion, that is going to keep you from God’s best. You may have had unfair things happen to you, but I have learned that the depth of our pain is an indication of the height of our future. The taller the building, the deeper the foundation. When you go through difficulties and unfair situations, God is getting you prepared to be taken higher than you ever imagined.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Be thankful for all the struggles you go through. They make you stronger, wiser, and humble. Do not let it break you. Let it make you.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">I am fully persuaded God allows a lot of the stuff we endure to come our way, because it sends us running right back to the prayer room! At least in trouble God gets to hear our voice! But should this really be the only time God hears from us? When we are in trouble? And He's the last lifeline left?</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">What Makes You Different.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">God has seen every unfair thing you have gone through, every person who did you wrong, every tear, every lonely night. He is your heavenly Father, and He knows how to pay you back for what is unfair. You do not have to live worried because God is going to make up for the wrongs that were done.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">The prophet Isaiah says that when God pays you back, “He will give you a twofold recompense.” That means God will pay you back double. In the Scripture, it was not a coincidence that after all the heartache and pain that Job went through, he came out with double what he had before the testing of his faith. When you are in an unfair situation, instead of getting sour, have a new perspective—that just qualified you for double. They meant it to harm you, but God is going to use it to promote you. When He pays you back, you are going to come out loaded down with blessings.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">Meek Is not Weak.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">Meek does not mean weak. Meekness is strength under control. When you ignore someone's negative comments, when you do not pay attention to other people's insults and criticisms, you are not being weak; you are being meek. You have the power to fight, you have the strength to straighten them out and let them know how you feel, but your strength is under control. You are not wasting your time and energy on things that are not between you and your destiny. If you stay on the high road, God will take care of your enemies. He can defend you better than you can defend yourself.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">Religious people always get upset when God uses the people they deem as unqualified.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">My message is amazingly simple: Quit letting other people get you upset and steal your joy. You cannot control what people do; you cannot control what they say, but you can control how you respond. Quit letting their negative comments upset you. You are not defined by what they say. Do not give it the time of day. If you maintain your meekness, God will fight your battles.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #050505;">Be careful who you vent to, not everyone is for you. Not everyone wants to see you overcome your struggle. Pay attention to your mood. Stop running your mouth in the heated moment. Emotions go away but your words live on forever. Do not take it to the phone, take it to the throne. As you waste your breath complaining about what somebody said or what somebody posted or what somebody did and that somebody has no clue that you have an attitude with them, that somebody is moving on with their life and their day. Some of y’all need to take those boxing gloves off & give them to God, he will throw them away for you. Stand outside the ring of life & watch Him fight your battle(s).</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Every Need Supplied Abundantly</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Sometimes religion can make you feel like it is wrong to be blessed and have resources, but David says, “God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">Let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” Psalm 35:27. </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">It brings a smile to God’s face to make things happen that amaze you, to increase you in ways that you have never imagined. It gives our heavenly Father pleasure to see you blessed. You may not see how it can happen, but that is not your job. Your job is to believe.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">You were created to live an abundant life. Today’s Scripture says that God will supply all our needs according to His riches. It does not say according to your talent or your education, or if your boss likes you, or if the economy is good, or if you have the right friends. It is not according to what you have; it is according to what He has. The good news is, God owns it all. If He does not have what you need, He can create it. You will have some storms but know this </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Peace does not come from finding a lake with no storms. It comes from having Jesus in the boat."</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #0f1419;">High Time</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #0f1419;">When God first put that dream or promise in your heart, you were excited; you told people what you were going to do. But now it has been months, maybe years, and things have not turned out like you planned. Today’s Scripture says you are closer now to seeing it come to pass than you have ever been. You are coming into a high time. High time is when things suddenly change in your favor when blessings chase you down. High time is when your healing shows up, you break the addiction, you meet the right person. God makes things happen that you could never make happen. Let us look at the Samaritan woman. John 4: 28-29. Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">The Samaritan woman grasped what Jesus said with fervor that came from an awareness of her real need. The transaction was fascinating. She came with a bucket. He sent her back with a spring of living water. She had come as a reject. He sent her back being accepted by God Himself. She came wounded. He sent her back whole. She came laden with questions. He sent her back as a source for answers. She came living a life of quiet desperation. She ran back overflowing with hope. The disciples missed it all. It was lunchtime for them.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #0f1419;">If you are going to see this high time, you must wake up out of your sleep. That means to get your passion back. Start believing again, start expecting things to change, start talking like it is going to happen. You cannot be complacent and step into the fullness of what God has in store. My question is, are you awake? High Time. </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #050505;">Are you going to choose to stay comfortable, or are you going to step out on FAITH and take a risk? If you will leave the comfort and come into your calling, GOD will make things happen that you could not make happen. Doors will open that you could not open.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #0f1419;">When God first put that dream or promise in your heart, you were excited; you told people what you were going to do. But now it has been months, maybe years, and things have not turned out like you planned. Today’s Scripture says you are closer now to seeing it come to pass than you have ever been. You are coming into a high time. High time is when things suddenly change in your favor when blessings chase you down. High time is when your healing shows up, you break the addiction, you meet the right person. God makes things happen that you could never make happen.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0f1419;">Beware of the Dream Killer. Do not let people kill your dream. Watch Out for Ones When You Say That God Has Called You to Something and They Say How You Are Going to Do That. Watch out for the dream killer. Watch out for the one that you share your ambitions with. And they laugh in your face. Watch out for dream killers. Watch out for the ones that cannot see your vision. Watch out for the ones that do not support you. Watch out for the one, when you say you are going back to get that degree. They say you are too old. Or you are just not smart enough. Watch out for dream killer. People that you think you can trust with your visions; people you think you can trust with your dreams will often try to kill your dream and vandalize your visions. Joseph had a dream and he said that dream to his brothers. That is when the enemy stepped in. You cannot tell everyone your dreams, even the ones that you think are the closest to you because everyone will not be excited about your dream. Genesis 37:5-11. </span></span></b><b><sup><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">5 </span></sup></b><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him more.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> <sup>6 </sup>He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: <sup>7 </sup>We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.”<sup>8 </sup>His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him more because of his dream and what he had said.<sup>9 </sup>Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”<sup>10 </sup>When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers come and bow down to the ground before you?” <sup>11 </sup>His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #0f1419;">If you are going to see this high time, you must wake up out of your sleep. That means to get your passion back. Start believing again, start expecting things to change, start talking like it is going to happen. You cannot be complacent and step into the fullness of what God has in store. You Will Either Stretch or Shrink Depending on What You're In. Move from Where You Are and Move Towards Where You Need to Be. My question is, are you awake.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J.P. Olson</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM EST on The NOW Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBKUQ7hUANUF5KVKx0AaagQ9QVKGesRAYm8=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/VFG9b-I5Q0Z5nhNsdBLigw==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</span></a></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ROKU, Cable & Online</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></span></p>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-11182532105573529182024-01-08T05:09:00.000-08:002024-01-08T05:09:21.049-08:00Satan Can Touch Your POSSESSIONS, But He Can't Take Your PROMISE! Desperate People Are Determined People! And When You Have Nothing Else To Lose, You Go All The Way In! Genuine Faith In Action Needs No Explanation To Act!<p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">We are often perplexed when we don't understand what God is doing and why His ways can seem confusing to us. The times when ungodly people seem to triumph over the righteous make us scratch our heads and wonder why the Lord doesn't intervene. But the truth is, He often uses the wicked to accomplish His purpose. The wicked may triumph for a season, but the final, eternal victory belongs to Christ and His righteous followers.</b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>God will never leave us wanting; He will fulfill every need. Satan can touch your POSSESSIONS, but he can't take your PROMISE! There is NOTHING Satan can do for us. So, remember; You've got to do what David did "I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill" (Psalm 3:4 NKJV). Desperate People Are Determined People! And When You Have Nothing Else To Lose, You Go All The Way In!</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>In our circumstances, we can see God's actions only from the limited vantage point of our humanness. We experience the events He has allowed or caused but can't discern what He is thinking. So often, the Lord's goals and purposes are hidden from us until His plans come to fruition.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Joseph faced one hard-hearted individual after another during his years in exile. His brothers shipped him off to Egypt. His boss's wife accused him of an unspeakable crime. And even those he helped, like Pharaoh's cupbearer, forgot about him (Gen. 40:23). God's actions (or seeming inactions) make little sense at this point.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Once the story of Joseph's life was written in completion, it was clear that everyone who harmed or neglected the young man contributed to God's plan. The Lord used numerous people over several years to bring a humbled young Hebrew unexpectedly to power at the right moment to spare his family--who was the Messiah's ancestors--from the effects of famine. We see Joseph prosper from the pit to the prison to the palace. No one could take the favor of God on Joseph's life away from him.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>We become so engrossed in what we see, feel, and hear that we operate within our natural senses rather than our spiritual ones! However, the Bible instructs us: "THROUGH YOUR FAITH, God is protecting you by His power" (1 Peter 1:5 NLT). Therefore, you need to keep in mind that your "FAITH" is what activates the Power of God!</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Look at it this way: Before a stone becomes a diamond, it's just carbon put under tons of pressure! This helps us understand better what the Bible means when it says, "These TRIALS will show that your FAITH is genuine" (vs. 7 NLT).</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>You don't know much about your faith when your bills are paid, your body is healthy, your children are acting right, and your marriage is intact! But, WHEN ALL HELL IS BREAKING LOOSE, AND YOU TRUST GOD TO BRING YOU THROUGH IT, YOU KNOW YOU'VE GOT GENUINE FAITH!</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>I've learned from personal experience that when you get DESPERATE enough, you won't care who God uses to fuel your faith; you'll be willing to receive any help He sends your way! Just ask Naaman! Naaman the leper, a five-star general in the Syrian army, humbled himself and eventually became willing to listen to a girl who washed dishes and made beds in his house! Naaman was even ready to dip seven times in the dirtiest river around, to come up clean (2 Kings 5:1-19). So, WHY LIVE WITH A DISEASE WHEN YOU CAN BELIEVE GOD, TRUST WHAT HE SAYS, AND PUT YOUR FAITH TO WORK?!</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Luke records: "As He passed through Samaria there met Him ten lepers, who lifted their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" So, when He saw them, He said…' Go show yourselves to the priests.' And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed" (vs. 11-14 NKJV). Lepers were social outcasts, So They Lived Together In A Colony! But The Problem Is, You Can't Get Well Hanging Around People Who Are Just As Messed Up As You Are! That's why you need to bring the problem to JESUS! Notice the words, "He Passed Through"…Jesus didn't go to the leper colony. He was passing through. What do you do when you're losing your life, family, joy, finances, etc., and Jesus doesn't even seem to be looking in your direction? You can get frustrated when it feels like He's blessing everybody but you and wonder, "Lord, when is my turn coming? I've served You faithfully, yet it seems like everybody else is the object of Your attention."</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Right There, It's Time To Cry Out, "Jesus, Have Mercy On Me!" Desperate People Pray Desperate Prayers, And God Responds! Listen: When You're In A Bad Situation, Sometimes You Have To Break Out To Break-Through!</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Let's look again at the ten lepers Jesus healed. In the Final Stages of their disease, The Flesh Began Dropping Off Their Bodies! But notice, Jesus didn't lay hands on them or pray for them. He didn't even address their leprosy. How odd. To some of us, it might even seem ridiculous. But Often, Before God, Does The Miraculous, Sometimes He'll Ask You To Do The Ridiculous!</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Indeed, when He tells you to do something, it may not seem like it's even related to what you're praying about at all. When that happens, you have a decision to make doubt Him or obey Him! My Suggestion: Instead of discussing the issue endlessly, DO WHAT HE'S TOLD YOU TO DO!</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Genuine Faith In Action Needs No Explanation To Act!</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>God is sovereign over all the earth. We may wonder at the strange or terrifying turns our lives take, but we can be confident that He is in control and at work.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Whether we like it or not, every Christian must come to terms with the fact that there is a real enemy. Known by many names, including Satan, Lucifer, Beelzebub, and the devil, he clarifies from his first encounter with humanity in Genesis 3 that he has nothing but malicious intent for God's creation. So much so that Jesus says this regarding his character, <em>"He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his character, for he is a liar and the father of lies</em>.<em>"</em> (John 8:44)</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>In other words, there is no truth, no good, no love, and no hope that can come from the devil. When we allow the enemy's words to have power in our lives, we agree with things that directly oppose God's Word. He desires to "kill, steal, and destroy" anything that brings God glory, including bringing destruction to humankind themselves. </b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Here are six things Satan wants more than anything else:</b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">1. To Make You Doubt God's Word</span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Satan shows his greatest trick during the first encounter with humanity in Genesis 3.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><em><b>"Now the serpent was craftier than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God say, "You[a] shall not eat of any tree in the garden"?'</b></em></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Yes! Since the beginning of time, Satan has convinced people to doubt God's Word. To this day, the enemy has convinced people to question the </b><b>inerrancy</b><b> of the Bible and even the promises in His Word. Many have become skeptics and spend more time proving God wrong than accepting God's love for them. By doubting even one Word of what God has spoken, we start to second guess all other things that have been said and that will be said. Just like faith can move mountains, one seed of doubt can spread like an infection across entire families, causing many to stumble, just like we see in the Garden of Eden. Above all else, we must remember that God does not lie. </b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><em><b>"God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"</b></em><b> (</b><b>Number 23:19)</b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">2. To Paralyze You with Fear</span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Fear is another tactic of the enemy. If our lives have become riddled with fear, we will find that we are consumed with the "what ifs." Life becomes focused on what we can and cannot control versus putting complete faith in God. Fear will keep us from taking a step of faith into a new career, praying for a friend who may reject us, and even being able to rest. God does not give us fear. Instead, His Word brings peace, wisdom, love, and a sound mind. </b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><em><b>"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."</b></em><b> (</b><b>1 John 14:18)</b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">3. To Silence You from Sharing the Gospel</span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>A Christian who hoards the Gospel to themselves is ineffective. One of our primary roles as followers of Christ is to make more followers of Christ. </b><b>Matthew 28:19</b><b> would deem it to be our most extraordinary mission. Yet, one trick of the enemy is to silence Christians. We see this in modern social media as many Christians feel nervous about sharing God's Word for fear of being virtually attacked or not wanting to be associated with the "church."</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>We can see how many Christians prefer to worship quietly, not to cause anyone to be offended. Yet, followers of Christ should take every moment to spread the Gospel. When we shrink back from doing so, the enemy wins! If we aren't influencers for Christ, the enemy will undoubtedly find opportunities to influence those around us. Therefore, let us no longer be ashamed to share the Gospel by any means necessary.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><em><b>"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and the Gentile."</b></em><b> (</b><b>Romans 1:16)</b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">4. To Cause You to Live in Shame</span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Reminding you of your past indiscretions or current insecurities is another enemy scheme. If the enemy can convince you that your past has disqualified you from receiving God's love or grace, you will never come to accept the Word of God fully. Instead, you will remain defeated and frustrated in this manner, only receiving some of God's Word. Shame keeps our eyes focused on ourselves, reminding us repeatedly of what we did wrong or how we don't measure up.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Truthfully, the enemy has no issue reminding you of these things and making you feel like you aren't worthy to worship God, do something He has called you to do, or receive His promises. Even more so, this shame will keep you from praying to God and sharing the Gospel with others. If the enemy can keep you in self-pity, you will never walk in God's peace. Remember, we are not a sum of our past behaviors. Instead, when we choose to turn away from sinful desires and walk towards God's love, He will show us how to live a rewarding life and where we can be free from condemnation.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><em><b>"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."</b></em><b> (</b><b>Romans 8:1</b><b>)</b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">5. For You to Worship an Idol</span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>An idol can be anything that we place before the Lord. This was clear in the Old Testament as they worshipped literal objects. Although most Christians don't have a golden calf or statue of Jesus that they praise, many idols still have taken their place in our hearts.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>From worshipping our favorite celebrity, politicians, spending hours on social media, and living a life that is highly focused on self, we can make anything an idol. This enemy trick is much cleverer as it may not be realized immediately. We can spend years worshipping things that seem good on the outside but suddenly become obsessed with where "it" becomes our primary focus in life. Thus, what started as a positive thing, such as going to the gym daily, going on vacations, making money, or finding a spouse, can become our primary source of hope and happiness.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Before long, we can start to look to those things more than we look to God. This can be dangerous, as when these things fade, we are left with a sense of hopelessness. Although God wants us to have good things, we can never worship them more than the one who gives them to us. Therefore, we must be willing to lay down whatever the Lord leads us to if it stands in the way of life submitted to the Lord.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><em><b>"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven above, in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."</b></em><b> (</b><b>Exodus 20:3-6)</b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">6. For You to Be Deceived</span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>It has never been more important for Christians to stand on the Word of God. But unfortunately, in today's culture, we see many accommodating the Word to fit their lifestyle instead of adapting it to match the Word. This trickery is Satan's attempt to make Christians choose which Bible aspects make them feel good.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Instead of seeking a life that follows the Spirit, we look to our flesh and concept of morality to find the truth. In many ways, we become like Eve, who only wants to accept portions of God's Word but prefers our will over His. If the enemy can keep Christians lukewarm and hypocritical in their </b><b>faith</b><b>, he can cause many not to want to follow the Lord.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Why Does Satan Hate You? Will you be Loyal to God or Satan?</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Satan failed in his rebellion, but he remains in the office God gave him. So how is the right to Rule won between God & Satan? Many think it is by power, but it is not; there is one thing that we fail at, and Satan knows this.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>The devil fights with lies; sometimes, his lies sound like truth, but only believers have God's truth, which can defeat the devil's lies. The devil often attacks the heart-the seat of our emotions, self-worth, and trust. God's righteousness is the body armor that protects our hearts and ensures His approval. He approves of us because He loves us and sent His Son to die for us.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>The devil wants us to think that telling others the Good News is a worthless and hopeless task- the size of the job is too big, and the negative responses are too much to handle. But the shoes God gives us are the motivation to continue proclaiming the true peace available in God-news everyone needs to hear.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>We see the devil's attacks as insults, setbacks, and temptations. But the shield of faith protects us from the devil's fiery arrow. We can see beyond our circumstances with God's perspective and know that the ultimate victory is ours. The devil wants to make us doubt God, Jesus, and our salvation. The helmet protects our minds from examining God's saving work for us. The sword is the only weapon of offense in this list of armor. However, there are times when we need to take the offensive against the devil. When we are tempted, we need to trust God's Word's truth.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Why does Satan hate you? Answer: You are forgiven; he is not. You will one day forget your fallen state; he is doomed to his fallen state forever. Psalms 85:2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people and covered all their sin. Selah. Ezekiel 18:21. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he has committed, keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All the transgressions he has committed shall not be mentioned unto him: He shall live in the righteousness that he has done.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Satan was created. This sets to rest several in-church urban legends. Satan is not omniscient, knowing all things, like God himself. Created beings cannot know things that are not revealed to them by some outside source. God is a self-contained source, so He knows all. This means that Satan does not know what you are thinking. God has reserved that for Himself:</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>"The Enemy Uses These Three Things, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, to entice us to sin." Scripture shows this process at work in both the Garden of Eden and Mount of Temptation. Therefore, 1 Peter 5:8 be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour:</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>How can Satan harm you? Satan can devour people. The Fellowship Between Satan and Humans Is Never Based On Love, Constructive Activity, or Redemptive Actions. It is all about hate, lust, and murder. He is the great devourer: Satan operates through humans in the flesh and the flesh. The five senses, taste, touch, smell, hearing, and seeing, all report to the carnal mind – which is the enemy of God. These senses are what Satan uses to tempt us! The lust of the flesh includes tasting, touching, smelling, and hearing. The desire of the eyes is seeing.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>The pride of life is thinking you are unique because of who you are, what you have, what you know, or what you look like. It is all effortless. Satan cannot have his office in heaven back, and he cannot stop Jesus from doing His work: Matthew 16:18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. So, all Satan has left to do is destroy people by tying them up so well in sin that they cannot reason and understand the Gospel. Then, if he loses someone to Christ, he attacks them to destroy their Christian victory.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>So, why does Satan hate you? Answer: You know more than he does regarding the more profound things of the Lord and his work. John 14:26 But the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teaches you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Therefore, Satan will never again be with the Lord, but you will.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Satan hates that mortal beings like you can be forgiven (he cannot) and be like God in some way that we do not fully understand.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. This was spoken to Christians! Unfortunately, our enemy also masquerades as an angel of light. We need to be aware that the enemy is deceitful and can work through people who act as though they follow Christ. It looks like they are, but by their false prophecies, preaching of a different gospel to all outward appearances. We can discover that they are demonized as false apostles by the fruit of their actions.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>We must remember that Satan will do anything to confuse, including using Christians with so many different beliefs that it appears to be dozens of other religions mixed into one. We must know that anything we believe contradicts God's Word is simply another enemy ploy. Let us not give the enemy more power over our minds and actions and walk fully in God's Word.</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><em><b>"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears, they will accumulate teachers to suit their passions and turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths</b></em><b>.<em>"</em> (</b><b>2 Timothy 4:3-4)</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>J.P. Olson</strong></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>www.journeyintotheword.com</strong></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST & 7:00 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBLocr9UANUF5G9IflbsAZG90yZ7aDLA10c=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/r7VVQaYdYjyDkgNpUVTgJw==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</span></a></strong></span></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 3px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;">ROKU, Cable & Online. https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></span></span></h3><div><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 12.84px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-10807439246263806042024-01-01T05:24:00.000-08:002024-01-01T05:24:45.385-08:00Here Is A Question. What Do You Do After Christmas? Does Anything Change? After Christmas, We Ought To Walk Into The New Year Differently. A New Road For A New Year & Four Keys To Make The Most Of Your New Year.<div class="separator"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLjXH6zVBodf82XUimQcC9nEJQEjE5zfvgvmCeNJ_9eRUPCxag-AesB8sVL241uolqWdbmJZ8pkXboarCXXIBGtlCZB-WE3G-uGkBGRe0Efi_gC7bW-6BC8K6bzRm15cX5GQxsmW2M6qTtOEory1COMoIiWevSCineDIAsvSe-CBip4U0od71zLJmqcvO/s526/2024-New-Year-New-Grace-New-Praise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLjXH6zVBodf82XUimQcC9nEJQEjE5zfvgvmCeNJ_9eRUPCxag-AesB8sVL241uolqWdbmJZ8pkXboarCXXIBGtlCZB-WE3G-uGkBGRe0Efi_gC7bW-6BC8K6bzRm15cX5GQxsmW2M6qTtOEory1COMoIiWevSCineDIAsvSe-CBip4U0od71zLJmqcvO/s320/2024-New-Year-New-Grace-New-Praise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">Here Is A Question. What Do You Do After Christmas</span></span></strong><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">? </span></span></b><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">Does Anything Change</span></span></strong><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">?</span></span></b><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </strong><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">After Christmas, We Ought To Walk Into The New Year Differently. </span></span></b><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">A New Road For A New Year & </span></span></strong><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #55555a;">How To Make The Most Of Your New Year.</span></span></b></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-top: 5px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">Each of us has a new road ahead of us in the new year. It’s another road, a different road than any we’ve traveled on before. We are stepping off down that road, not knowing what we may find, not knowing exactly where we’re going.</span></span></b></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-top: 5px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">I want to share with you four keys that will help all of us get the most out of the year 2024. Keys can be used to start something or used to open doors. It is my prayer that these keys will start you off on the right foot in the right direction. It is also my prayer that you will use these keys to open the doors of opportunity that God places before you. I will label these keys A, B, C, and D.</span></span></b><b> </b> </span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-top: 5px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The New Year should be one in which we are determined to think more deeply about what all of this means and tell others about our encounter with Christmas. </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">How many "Christmas" events have you attended or hosted this past week? Different individuals showed up with different gifts at different times. The shepherds showed up with heavenly news; the magi showed up with rich gifts.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">You may not arrive the same way as others. You may not arrive at the same time. The important thing is that you arrive at Christmas. More important still is that you left differently than when you came, hopefully, better. The shepherds showed up curious and left rejoicing.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The Magi went out "another way." Oh, isn't that the story of everyone who ever encountered Christ? Jacob walked away limping with a new name. Moses's face glowed like a lightbulb. Peter became a fisher of men. Saul of Tarsus, the prejudiced nationalist Judaizer became the apostle to the Gentiles. The Magi went out another way. After Christmas, we ought to go another way.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">They went back to their same jobs, but they went back another way. Something was different after their encounter with the Baby King. They went back to their own country." Christmas changes everything, but some things seem to remain the same. They were still employed as magi. They still had the same houses, families, kids, or whatever else they had, but...They probably did their jobs differently. After Christmas, we ought to walk into the new year differently. I like the reality of the calendar that Christmas is the final holiday before the New Year.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">As we think about the way Jesus came into the world as a helpless Babe, we ought to become a little more willing to be vulnerable. </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Be a little kinder. Those that are led by the Spirit. Gal 4:4 Not the law, but grace. Not the letter, but the Spirit.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Let The Spirit Lead</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">After Christmas, there are difficulties ahead. After the holiday season, we will return to our jobs and our ministries. The magi returned to their own country; the shepherds returned to their flocks. After the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were dispersed and the worship party was over Mary had to feed the Christ Child and change diapers. She had housework to do and the anxiety of Herod's threat. Joseph still had to provide for his wife and her Child. He still had to protect them.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The magi were "warned of God in a dream" (Matt 2:12). They were led by the Spirit to avoid Herod's threat, but the Spirit also led them back to their normal jobs. You can imagine their work was transformed. Not they did all that they did as unto the Lord! The shepherds were led by Heaven, and it changed the way they spoke!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">As we leave the Christmas season and move toward walking into a brand-new year. Our visit to the manger should revive our desire to be led by God.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #474954;">A new year always brings a sense of hope, doesn’t it? The previous year with all its tragedies, problems, disappointments, failures, and sadness is now behind us, and a clean slate lies ahead. For sure there has been plenty in the news to make anyone depressed. As one commentator recently wrote in a local newspaper: “Reality seems to crush [hope] at every turn: crushing economic disparities in this country, the pernicious scourge of racism, [the increase of] global warming, homelessness in our own ‘backyard’ and the plague of illicit drugs, rampant gun violence, etc., etc.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">Also, many of us are feeling </span></span></b><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">personal</span></span></em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;"> pains or anxieties this new year. Some of us are wrestling with important decisions regarding a primary relationship or a task to be done; some know firsthand the powerful effects of a disabling disease or worry about health issues in the upcoming months; some have had to deal recently with a major loss; some wonder if we can make it in the coming year without the presence of one who meant so much; some of us are feeling very lonely, despite people all around us; some of us fear growing older, or fear what the future may hold; some wonder if dreams will ever be realized, or whether the new year will be even more frustrating and filled with feelings of futility than the last. Many of us are feeling pain or anxiety this new year. What is this pain or anxiety like for you?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #474954;">When we feel this way, the temptation is to stay with the familiar and the comfortable, to crawl back into bed and pull up the covers, or to sneak into the manger with Jesus, where it’s warm, safe, and secure. The temptation is to stay where we are – in the dark crevices of depression or defeat, of fear or foreboding, in the deep ruts of sameness, boredom, or lethargy.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">As we embark on this new year, embodied so well in the spirit of Epiphany and the reality of life moving on, a fair question for us to ask is, “How can we move on?” “Rise and Shine.” Isaiah tells the people of Israel to “Arise, shine; for your light has come…” They no longer must live in darkness – nor do we. Rise and shine, get up, begin again – there is more to come! There are new roads to travel upon in this new year. But there are also powerful forces working against this directive. Apathy, lack of confidence, our physical or mental state, extreme caution, or timidity – all these tend to hold us back. Worse than any of these is </span></span></b><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">fear</span></span></em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;"> –disabling, crippling, immobilizing </span></span></b><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">fear</span></span></em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #474954;">.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #474954;">God has promised to uphold us no matter what – believe this promise! God has promised to grant us victory over all our spiritual enemies – believe this promise! God has promised to grant us full and free forgiveness of our sins through and because of Jesus Christ, our newborn Savior – believe this promise! Don’t creep upon these promises as though they were too fragile to hold you up. Stand upon them, confident that God is as good as God’s word, and that our living, loving Lord will deliver them as promised. [v] Maybe you’ve heard the expression: “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there!” It’s true! So, in this new year, let’s get up and get going. Let us rise and shine, knowing that it is God’s light that empowers the light within us.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #474954;">Millions of people today live in spiritual darkness because nobody has told them they no longer have to live there anymore. [vi] Part of giving God the glory is sharing the light of Christ’s glory with others.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #474954;">Each of us has a new road ahead of us in the new year. It’s another road, a different road than any we’ve traveled on before. As we step off down that road, not knowing what we may find, not knowing exactly where we’re going, we can be comforted in knowing that for sure, the light goes with us, leading us, guiding us, showing us the way. God will be with us on our journeys down that new road ahead. Even now God is calling to each of us, whoever we are, whatever our circumstance, calling us to get up off our hands and knees, to stop creeping, and rise and shine, and continue the journey, giving God our praise, and sharing the Good News with others along the way.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h1 style="margin-top: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.8267px;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2f5496;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #55555a;">How To Make The Most Of Your New Year: Proverbs 17:24</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Can you believe that this year is over? It seems that with each passing year time just speeds up. We all can do one of two things this year:</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We can waste it away by sitting around and worrying about the things we failed to accomplish last year, or the mistakes we made throughout the year. We can sit around and mope or have a pity party because things didn’t go the way we wanted them to. OR</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We can decide to make the most of this New Year that God has granted us. This could be the greatest year you have had up to this point if you make a conscious decision to do whatever it takes to have a great year.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The point I want to get across is, that whatever we’re going to do with our lives this year, we had better get on the move because time is moving on. Time is not going to sit still until we can make up our minds about what we are going to do. One other point that I want to make is, if we’re not doing something with our lives it doesn’t matter how long the year is or how much time we have left in the year.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">So, what are you going to do with 2024? How will this year be any different than last year? How many of you would like 2024 to be better than 2023? The past two years were tough. It was a year of challenges, a year of choices. It was a year of changes. It was a year of crises. The fact is for some of you the years 2020, 2021, and portions of 2022 were more of a disappointment than a joy. Some of you may have experienced a loss of some kind due to Covid. For some of you, it may have been a year of setbacks and failures.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The bad news is there is nothing we can do to change last year or previous years. The good news is we can learn from last year and today we can start over and make some changes. God brings life to us in small pieces, that we know as hours, days, and months. At the beginning of every year He says, let’s wipe the slate clean, and let’s start with a brand-new year. It’s like God is saying, “Let’s start over.” And that’s good news.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Proverbs 17:24 (The Good News Version) "An intelligent person aims at wise actions, but a fool starts in many directions."</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">For many the last part of that verse describes them. It says, “A fool starts in many directions.” Does that describe any of you? You start your year off in haste going in many different directions at one time with no plan of action.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Then notice the words at the beginning of this verse: it says, " An Intelligent person aims at wise actions". That means they have a goal, an objective, an aim, and a target. Have you set any goals for 2024? Or are you just going to walk into this year and hope it’s better? You’ve got to have a plan.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Here are the four keys that will help all of us get the most out of the year 2024.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">A - Accept responsibility for my life.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">This is hard for many people to do. Some people would rather blame someone else for the problems and difficulties in their lives. These are people who go around looking for someone who will accept responsibility for them. Someone who will accept responsibility for the way they live their lives and the choices they make. When things don’t turn out the way they hope, they have someone they can blame.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Galatians 6:5 “Each person must be responsible for himself.”</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The King James Version says, “For every man shall bear his burden. ”</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Here is the truth of this scripture. I am responsible for my own life whether I like it or not.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">All of us face two kinds of circumstances.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Those circumstances which we have no control over. None of us here this morning knows what we will face throughout this coming year. Certain things are going to happen regardless of what you do and how you plan your year. That is no excuse for not being prepared or having a plan. (Example of some things that we have no control over We have no control over the weather, the economy, the companies that we work for, or the words and actions of others.)</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">There are some circumstances that we face because of our own choices, actions, or lack of actions. (Example: I’ve known people who have had financial problems because they quit their jobs and didn’t have another job to go to. The reason they quit their job is because they didn’t like it or someone made them mad. Then when things got tight, money and food were low, these people blamed their family, the church, or someone in the church because their family, the church, or someone in the church refused to accept responsibility for the decisions and actions of those people. What they wanted was someone to accept responsibility for their lives and bail them out of trouble. There are people like that in the world. I am not talking about someone who through no fault of his or her own fell on hard times. I’m talking about someone who did something without considering the consequences of his or her actions and how these actions would affect others around them.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">While we may not be in control of all the circumstances that we will face this coming year, we do have control of how we will act and respond to them.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We need to understand that there are three kinds of people in life.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">· There are accusers.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">· There are excusers.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">· There are choosers.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">There are accusers. They always blame everybody else for their problems. Their favorite phrase is, "It’s all your fault." It’s never my fault. It’s someone else’s fault.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">There are the excusers. Excusers are people who always have an excuse for not deciding or doing something. There’s always a reason why they can’t make the most or get the most out of their year. In the long run, they end up being the losers. I’ve discovered that whenever I want to procrastinate on something, any excuse will do. The Bible says, "A lazy man is full of excuses."</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">There are the choosers, who say, “I choose to accept responsibility for my own life, goals, and happiness. I’m not dependent upon somebody else. I choose the direction of my life.” I’m not depending on the crowd. If we do this, we will already be a jump ahead in 2024.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">B - Believe I can change</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Stop saying, "I can’t" and start saying, "I can". The person who believes that they can change with the help of God will change.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Philippians 4:13 (Jerusalem Bible) “There is nothing I cannot master with the help of Christ who gives me strength.”</span></b></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Do you believe that verse? There’s nothing I can’t master! That means there’s nothing I’m going to hit in the next 365 days, no problem, no situation, no circumstance, no hassle that I can’t handle, that I can’t manage, that I’m not competent to handle with the help and strength God gives me.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Many people never succeed in life because they believe they can’t change. They never enjoy life because life to them is just one big failure after another. They face a new year with regret rather than the joy of knowing that God has allowed them to make a difference in their own lives with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">I believe I have discovered why there are so many New Year parties where people get so drunk, they can’t see straight. They get drunk to forget the past year and because they are afraid to face the New Year.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">With the help and grace of God, I can overcome the past and face the future. I have a new handle on my own life for this coming year. I believe and know I can change. Not on my power, but with the power that Christ gives me.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The Bible is full of stories of people who changed because they believed that they could change after God touched them.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">God called a man named Moses: “I want to use you to save a nation.” Moses said, “Me? I got kicked out of Egypt because I killed a guy. I’m a murderer. Now I’m out here feeding sheep. And on top of that, I stutter! I’m slow in speech. You want me to be the spokesman for a nation?” God said, "Yes. I’m going to use you."</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">God another man named Gideon, when the nation of Israel was overrun by the enemy: “I’m going to use you, Gideon, to save the country.” Gideon said, “Me? I am the youngest kid in the poorest family in the smallest tribe in the nation.” God said, “Yes. I’m going to use you.”</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">God can use me, and God can use you. The good news is God wants to use you. First, you must accept responsibility for your own life. Second, you must believe you can change, and that God can give you the power to change if you trust Him.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">C - Clarify what I want</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">You must decide what’s important and what’s not important. God has given each of us an incredible gift called the freedom to choose, the freedom of choice. That’s one of the things that makes us like God. When God says in Genesis 1, “Let Us make man in Our image,” that gives us the freedom of choice. This is one of the ways that we are different from animals, we have the freedom to choose between good and evil. We have the freedom to choose what we want in life.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The only way can clarify what we want is to make a list and decide what is important and what is not.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Amazingly, most people never do this. They never stop and think through and write down on paper what’s important to them. Maybe some of you have never done this. You’ve never written down the things that are important to you. You must ask yourself,</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">“What’s important to me?” What counts? We can’t do what’s important until we clarify what’s important. Otherwise, you’re going to be pushed around by the pressures of life doing this and that then suddenly, the year is over and you’re saying, “Where did the year go?”</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Your values determine your vision. Your desires determine your direction. Your roles determine your goals.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Most people have never made up their mind what they want out of life and if you aim at nothing, you’re going to hit it. Most people have this vague feeling of, “I just want to be happy.” But they’ve never really sat down and figured out what is it that’s going to make me happy. What does God want me to do with my life? Why am I here? They’ve never written out their values.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">I want to challenge each of you to make a list of things that are important to you, a list of things that you want to accomplish. What do I value? What do I want to change? Put it down. Then make this your prayer list. Pin it up on a wall, review it every day, and pray about it. Then plan of action that will help you accomplish your goals for this year. Then do whatever you have to, do to make, and get the most out of this coming year. Clarify what you want. Allow God to lead. Then watch God do miracles in your life.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">There are some things in life that we will do that are permissible but may not be necessary to our advantage. There will be some things that all of us will do this year that will not benefit us at all.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We are going to have to decide between what is good and what is better. Between what is better and what is best. There are many that we can do, but not all of them will be beneficial.” Some things aren’t necessarily wrong; they’re just not necessary. We don’t have time for everything. We need to clarify the two or three things that we’ve got to get done this year. What are the important things?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">May I suggest two or three things that need to be at the top of your list? Before you decide to make plans for 2024. Let God Take the Lead. Invite Him into your Plans and Pray for discernment.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Your relationship with God needs to be #1. What are you going to do this year to strengthen and improve your relationship with God? What are you going to do to become more intimate with Him? You need to make your relationship with God a top priority.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">2· Your relationship with your family. What are you going to do to build a stronger and better relationship with your family? What are you going to change about yourself that will help you to accomplish this?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">3· Your relationship with your church and church family. What are you willing to do to improve the quality of your church? How involved are you willing to get to help your church accomplish the commission that God has given it? How committed are you going to be in your attendance and support of your church?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Clarify what’s important.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">D - Don’t wait to begin.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Do it now! These three words can change your life. Do it now. If you and I wait for the right situation or the right kind of circumstances, we will miss out on life altogether. There will never be an ideal set of circumstances to start with. To make the most of 2024 and to accomplish the things you want to accomplish, start now. Don’t wait to begin.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Ecclesiastes 11:4 “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We always say, “When things settle down.” Or “When things get better.” The problem is things may never settle down or get any better. That’s called life! If you’re out there using that as an excuse, “When things settle down or get better, I’m going to start having a daily quiet time and read my Bible every day,” you’re never going to do it. You learn to read your Bible and pray when things are unsettled and not so good. “When things settle down, I’m going to spend more time with my kids.” They’ll be grown and gone!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">There are a lot of people who have missed out on life waiting for the ideal set of circumstances or waiting for things to get better. While they were waiting, time just kept right on going and passed them by. We must learn to enjoy life under circumstances that are less than perfect. Whatever you’re going to do, what you want to do, start now! Because things may not settle down or get better until we’re in the coffin.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Some of you are saying to yourself, “I’m going to make the most of this New Year. I am going to set some goals and accomplish them. Right now, you are being motivated, you are pumped up to make the most of this year. However, when you walk out the door there will be no one to motivate you or to encourage you. You must determine right now that it doesn’t matter what happens or what comes your way, this is going to be the best year yet. Then with each passing year, continue to improve the quality of your life with the help and grace of God.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I had mentioned before in one of my readings, have we shared Jesus with anyone this year, anyone at all</span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">?</span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> If we haven’t things need to change going forward into 2024. This is not just something I do, as a teacher, and evangelist leader in the ministry. We are called to accomplish the mission of Jesus by sharing Jesus and inviting people into the family of Jesus Christ. You don’t worry about changing them, you catch them, and Jesus will clean them, we are all fishermen</span></span></span></span></b></em><em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">.</span></span></span></em></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Conclusion: What kind of person will you be this year? Will you be an accuser, an excuser, or a chooser? Will you choose to make the most of 2024? Will you accept responsibility for your life? Will you believe you can change? Will you clarify what you want this year and what is important to you? Will you start right now? Will your relationship with God be at the top of your priority list? Will your family and church be at the top of that list? The choice is yours. What will it be?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Blessings</span></span></b></span></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></strong></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></strong></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 11px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM CST & 7:00 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBJwv75UANUF5LKoBaAcaD9vLSkatZlaos0=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/e-dk1tw1dTzjmMyPTRPrOA==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</span></a></span></strong></span></span></p></div></div><div style="border-color: black; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; width: 586px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="margin-top: 3px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f3763;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">ROKU, Cable & Online. </span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f3763;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></h3></div></div></blockquote>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-84250149547496675752023-12-18T04:30:00.000-08:002023-12-18T04:30:11.325-08:00May God Help Us To Choose Wisely, What Voices We Listen To & Where We Give Our Attention Today. Despite What We May Have To Face Here On Earth, The One Guarantee We Have Is “God Is With Us.” Let’s Make Room For Him. Let Us Not Be Like The Innkeeper!<p><em style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” </span></span></span></b></em><i style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBKnorxUANUF5JZF3Gvz-nKMD24HhC8VHzM=/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmlibGVzdHVkeXRvb2xzLmNvbS9sdWtlLzItNy5odG1s/qwqx6bqxYujFeMcNZFnkhQ==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">Luke 2:7</span></span></b></a></i></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">No room for them. No vacancy. No place. Words that still seem to hang close, even today.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">In a world that seeks to crowd Jesus out, where busyness abounds, and hearts are stirred to focus on other things, it can be hard sometimes to choose to keep Him first. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the whole hurried dash of the holidays, and to give our attention to what seems more urgent. Our focus gets blurred; and the most important gets pushed aside.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">It takes an active and daily choice to put Christ first, especially in a culture that says you’re too busy to focus there. Or that life is too full. And there’s no more room.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">May God help us to choose wisely, what voices we listen to, and where we give our attention today.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">He is the One who brings true meaning to Christmas.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">He is the One who brings real peace in this all-too-often hectic season.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">He is the only One worthy of our time and attention as we slow down the maddening rush around our lives.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">We can know all of this in our heads, but may He help us to really believe it in our hearts...and choose to live it out this season.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Renewed. Refreshed. Making room for Him, first.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Despite What We May Have To Face Here On Earth, The One Guarantee We Have Is “God Is With Us.” Let’s Make Room For Him. Let Us Not Be Like The Innkeeper; even Today, We See The Signs When Hotel Rooms Are Sold Out, We Can Hear The Words, Sold Out, No Rooms Available And There Is No Room In The Inn.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">This is a great time to reevaluate our priorities as we prepare to enter a New year and A New Season. Jesus should be our priority> Every day, every month, and every year let us make room in our hearts for Him.</span></span></span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #383838;">About 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah the prophet wrote this:</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #383838;">For us, a child is born, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.<br />And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of…(can you finish it?) Peace. Jesus Christ entered this world to bring us Peace.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">When we find the time to settle down and read what the Bible says about Christmas and the birth of Christ, we fondly remember all those wonderful characters of the story of the first Christmas. Mary and Josep, the baby Jesus, wise men, shepherds, and angels.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">One of my favorite ones is the Innkeeper.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">But that is a character that is not actually in the Bible.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The Scripture says that Mary and Joseph had to stay in a stable because there was no room for them in the Inn.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">For all we know, they might never have spoken to the Innkeeper. But, on the other hand, perhaps because of the crowds coming to Bethlehem for the census, it may have been common knowledge among the travelers that there was no need even to try to find a room at the Inn.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">But we like to imagine that Mary and Joseph went to the Innkeeper and were rudely sent away. So, these poor travelers, one of them pregnant and ready to give birth any minute, are sent away by this rude, uncaring Innkeeper.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">When churches have Living Nativities, or when Hollywood makes another movie about Jesus, we like to see this character portrayed as mean. A villain. Rude and nasty.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">But -- I think there is something about the Innkeeper we identify with.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Here is a man who has no room in his Inn for Christ.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Many of us have no room in our hearts for Christ.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">How many of us come to church every week, but at this time of year, when we should be experiencing the entire spiritual presence of Christ, we don’t feel anything spiritual at all? Here it is close to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and The day After Christmas, we ought to be feeling the wonder of Christ’s birth, but we don’t. There is no room in our hearts for Christ.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Christ has been pushed out by all the rush of the traffic, the press of shopping, the anxiety of end-of-the-year exams and tests in school, and the demands made upon us by having to visit or receive visitors.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">There is no room in our hearts for Christ.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">On the other hand, many infrequently go to church because the stress of the whole year keeps Christ at arm’s length. There is always work, other places to go, and some sporting events to attend on a Sunday.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">And so, there is no room for Christ in our heart. Christ has been pushed aside so other things can take hold of our lives.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Now it is not that we are villains and evil people when this happens.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">It just happens.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">It’s like the Innkeeper.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Since the Bible doesn’t mention anything about him, we imagine him as rude and nasty. “Go away. There’s no room for you here.”</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">But I suspect the honest Innkeeper was doing his job. He was going through his life. He was probably apologetic. “Gee, I’m sorry, Ms. Mary, but there’s no room for you. And it would be unfair for me to go and tell one of the guests who are already here and settled in that they have to leave to make room for you and your child.”</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">The Innkeeper wasn’t being mean. He was being faithful to all the other guests in his Inn. He was devoted to all the different demands of his life.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">So that, in the outcome, there just wasn’t room for the Christ child in his Inn or his life.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">And when we push Christ out of our lives, for many of us, it is not that we intentionally decide, “I want Christ out of our lives.”</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We have already allowed so many other things into our lives that there is simply no room left.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">No room for Christ.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We’ve got things to do.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We’ve got work.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We’ve got shopping.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">We’ve got to – well, the list goes on.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Is that the way we want to live our lives?</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">It’s not that any of these things are bad. Because they’re not. They’re good things. I like going to New Zealand. I like traveling! I never wanted exams and tests, but they were necessary. I had to study for them. I like to sing. I enjoy teaching.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">But when we do all these things in such a way that they consume all the space in our hearts and lives so that there is no room in our lives for Christ – that’s sad.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">That’s tragic.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">And I think that is why the Innkeeper captures our imagination in Living Nativities and books and stories about the birth of Christ.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Because he’s us.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">There’s no room for the Christ child in the Inn.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">And there’s no room for Christ in our lives.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">But is this the way we want to live our lives?</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Jesus came into this world and wanted to go into our lives so that we might have eternal life. So why would we possibly want to exclude Christ from our lives when he comes to offer us eternal life?</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">St. Paul wrote in his first letter to Timothy (1 Tim 1:15), “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the worst.”</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Christ came to give us eternal life. Don’t we want to have room for him in our hearts?</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Christ came to give us Peace. We have so little right now. We have wars all around us.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">And how peaceful can anyone feel at Christmas – shopping, rushing around, driving in traffic with maniacs all around, and in-laws coming?</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">But if you are pushing Christ out of your life because you have so much shopping to do, so much rushing around, so much this and that on your list of things to do – then you are depriving yourself of the very Peace that this season ought to provide.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Make room for Christ in your life, and you make room for Peace.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Jesus said (John 14:27), “Peace I leave with you; my Peace, I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Therefore, do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Christ came to bring Peace to our lives. Don’t we want to have room for him in our hearts?</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Christ also came to give us life so we could experience it to the fullest. So, Jesus told us in John’s Gospel (John 10:10), “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Christ came to give us abundant life, but in the busyness of life, we fill our time with so much, and yet we find that the life we’ve led has been empty at the end of the day. It lacks meaning and purpose.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Christ came to enable us to live life to the fullest. Don’t we want to have room for him in our hearts?</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Now would be an excellent time to make sure that we make room in our lives for Christ.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Now would be an excellent time to make sure that whatever other clutter may exist on our daily schedules, we can make room for Christ in the weekly worship on Sunday mornings, in the time for prayer and Bible reading, and in the time for service to others.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Even in the midst of trials, struggles, pain, hurt, disappointment and the like, God is still with us! Hebrews 13:5 says, “for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” (AMP) I tell you, there is no greater comfort than God! Yes, I know it’s painful, and still it can’t deprive you of the promise God has made to you to ‘NEVER LEAVE YOU UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES’! Truthfully, we can’t count very many people who could make such a promise and keep it, but Jesus is a Promise Keeper! Even when it feels, seems, sounds, and looks as though He is so very far away, be encouraged, God is Still With YOU!</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">In fact, what I love most about this Scripture is the detail He goes into: “I will never leave you, never desert you, you’ll never be without My support, I’ll never leave you helpless, I’ll never relax my hold on you”. Does that sound like He’s far away? Out of touch? Can’t reach us? Not at all! And that’s what made me smile today! The reminder that no matter how much we hurt; HE will always be with us! And furthermore, our hurt won’t last always! Yes, we’ll cry, we’ll wonder, we’ll question, we’ll hurt…but we’ll get strong again, and recover. Listen: One of the greatest gifts besides salvation; is knowing that Jesus didn’t come just to leave! He loves us so much that He’s going to return for us, and while He’s in heaven, He’s loved us once again so much, that He couldn’t leave us without comfort! John 14:26, “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor – Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” (AMP) We are never without comfort, support, love and strength, Jesus made sure of it! So, even if you aren’t at your happiest or your strongest this holiday season, know that you are never alone, and God is not far away, but with you and in you! And please know that it is okay for you to be honest about your hurt and where you really are mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. You have nothing to prove to anyone. And addressing your weakness does not take away His strength. Jesus wept, and so can you! So, know for certain that it is okay not to be ‘over-flowing’ with the holiday spirit. But also know that you have no need to wallow in dread.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Your Immanuel Has Not Left You Nor Will He Ever! And He Loves You So Much That Even the Father Intervened to Send a Comforter in His Name to Represent Him. Your God is Never far away! And there are no painful glitches in life that can remove His presence from you. Read His Word, Pray, Praise, Worship…and Cry in your Prayer Closet, releasing all your agony to Him. He understands, and He’s not going anywhere! Hebrews 4:15 informs us, “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.” (AMP) We serve a Savior who knows exactly how it feels to be human! That’s why we can tell Him our deepest hurts, weaknesses, and fears, He understands, He cares, He’s present there with you and always will be!</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">There is room for us in Christ’s hands.</span></span></span></b> <b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a;">Let’s make room for Christ in our lives.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></span></span></span></span></strong></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBKnorxUANUF5JZF3Gvz-nKMD24HhC8VHzM=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/p7-T60IPvtj_u5Z9aJ3xng==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a></strong></p><h3 class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding: 0px;"><strong>ROKU, Cable & Online</strong></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</strong></h3>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-36522466885093343292023-12-11T04:48:00.000-08:002023-12-11T05:27:52.320-08:00 Today Is A Good Day To Overcome Anger Before You Enter The New Year! Whether It Is Friends, Family or Foe. Anger Can Be Instant Like A Flash Of Lightning, Or Prolonged Like The Rumble Of Thunder! What Are God’s Rules for Anger Management? Six Rules!<p> <em style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ephesians 4:25-32 “What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body, we are all connected, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. GO AHEAD AND BE ANGRY. YOU DO WELL TO BE ANGRY—BUT DON’T USE YOUR </span></span></span></span></b></em><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">ANGER</span></span></span></b><em style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> AS FUEL FOR REVENGE. AND DON’T STAY ANGRY. DON’T GO TO BED ANGRY. Do not give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life…Watch the way you talk. </span></span></span></span></b></em><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let</span></span></span></b><em style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> nothing foul come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word is a gift.<sup> </sup>Do not grieve God. Do not break His heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for Himself. Do not take such a gift for granted.<sup> </sup>Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, and profane talk. Be gentle with </span></span></span></span></b></em><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">one</span></span></span></b><em style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> another, and sensitive. Forgive </span></span></span></span></b></em><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">one</span></span></span></b><em style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” (MSG)</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Today Is A Good Day To Overcome </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Anger Before You Enter Into The New Year</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">!</span></span></span> Whether It Is Friends, Family, or Foe. </strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Two</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Forceful</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Personalities</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> In A </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Relationship</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Are </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Like</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Two</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Rivers</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Flowing</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Into</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">One</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">: There’s </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Going</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> To Be A Strong Current! Anger Can Be Instant Like A Flash Of </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Lightning,</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Or </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Prolonged</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Like</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> The </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Rumble</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Of </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Thunder</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">! Sometimes We Clash Painfully, and Other Times We Distance Ourselves And Silently Abandon The </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Relationship</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">. </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">But </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Anger</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Managed The Right Way Doesn’t Have To Be Destructive!</span></span></span></span> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">What Are God’s Rules for Anger Management? Six Rules!</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">IMPORTANT: </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Anger</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> is only </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">one</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> letter short of Danger.</span></span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The word Storage when separated is Sto-Rage. Some people get so angry that their </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">anger</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> turns </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">into</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> rage, we all know what a storage unit is, you put things away until a later time, some people have a lot to store and others little, well it’s just </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">like</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> what the word says. You are storing rage, simply put: Sto-Rage. This </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">can</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> be dangerous because many times you will explode on the wrong person and sometimes that rage will lead to the death of an innocent person or persons. We often hear about these situations in the news. Sad but true.</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">So, </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">let</span></span></span></b><strong> </strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">us</span></span></span></b><strong> </strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">discuss</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> some of God’s </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Rules</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> for </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Anger</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Management.</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">RULE #1—KEEP IT HONEST</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">: Our text says, “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">…NO MORE LIES…</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When You’</span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">re</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Angry Don’t Deny It</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Unbelievably, </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Anger</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Can</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Be Constructive</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> said: “</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Anger</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> ventilated often hurries toward forgiveness; and concealed often hardens </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">into</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> revenge.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">We are right to get angry when people are mistreated, and wrongs are not made right</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">. Saying, ‘</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I’ve been feeling angry and because I value our </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">relationship</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">, I’d </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">like</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> to talk about it,</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> ‘Is</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Honest, Non-Threatening, and Invites Resolution</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">. </span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Observe the following tidbits on </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Anger</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">: </span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">a) <em><span style="font-style: normal;">IGNORING, STIFLING, SUPPRESSING, OR PRETENDING YOU’</span></em>RE<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> NOT ANGRY IS DISHONEST:</span></em><strong> “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Do not teach your children never to be angry; teach them how to be angry.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Lyman Abbott</span></em><strong>).</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">b) <em><span style="font-style: normal;">ANOTHER FORM OF LYING WHEN YOU’</span></em>RE<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> ANGRY IS EXAGGERATION:</span></em><strong> Phrases </strong>Like<strong>: ‘</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">You NEVER listen to what I say.’ Or ‘You ALWAYS ignore my wishes.’ Or ‘NOBODY does anything around here except me.</span></em><strong> ‘Such</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Generalizations Are Untrue and Serve Only to Aggravate and Polarize, Guaranteeing the Real Problem Gets Obscured and Goes Unsolved. The truth is, they weren’t listening; maybe your wishes are ignored and maybe you do more than others; BUT </span></em>CAN<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> YOU HONESTLY SAY THAT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME?! Remember this: “If you add to the truth, you subtract from it.” (The Talmud). So, do your best to avoid such words as ‘NEVER’; ‘ALWAYS’, and ‘NOBODY’. Keeping in mind that: “An exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper.” (Kahlil Gibran).</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">c) <em><span style="font-style: normal;">ANOTHER WAY TO LIE WHEN YOU’</span></em>RE<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> ANGRY IS BLAMING:</span></em><strong> Phrases </strong>Like<strong>: ‘If you’d arrive on time, I wouldn’t have to nag you,’ or ‘If you’d quit nagging so much, maybe I’d start being on time.’ </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">BLAMING IS A WAY OF EVADING YOUR RESPONSIBILITY WHILE POINTING THE FINGER AT OTHERS!</span></em><strong> </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">It angers others, perpetuates your </span></em>anger<em><span style="font-style: normal;">, and never produces the result you want!</span></em><strong> I believe the following quote will put things in proper perspective for you: “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Unknown Author</span></em><strong>)</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> I know that hurts, but if applied, it will help</span></em><strong>!</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">God’s rule is always right. </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> each </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">one</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> of you speak the truth with his neighbor…</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> ‘.</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">RULE #2—KEEP IT NON-LETHAL</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">:</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <strong>Paul writes: ‘</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">IN YOUR </span></em>ANGER<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> DO NOT SIN…</span></em><strong> ‘(</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Ephesians 4:26 NIV</span></em><strong>). What do Paul’s words mean? </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">DON’T </span></em>LET<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> YOUR </span></em>ANGER<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> ESCALATE TO THE POINT OF DOING DAMAGE</span></em><strong>! </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">DON’T USE YOUR WORDS AS WEAPONS OR CONTROL MECHANISM!</span></em><strong> “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Sometimes when I’</span></em>m<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Author Unknown</span></em><strong>). </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">It’s okay to express your emotions in A HEALTHY WAY BUT KEEP THEM IN CHECK</span></em><strong>! “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Not the fastest horse </span></em>can<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> catch a word spoken in </span></em>anger<em><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Chinese Proverb</span></em><strong>). </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Your goal must be to resolve the problem and strengthen the </span></em>relationship<em><span style="font-style: normal;">, not ‘sound off’ and wound the other person</span></em><strong>! “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Ambrose Bierce</span></em><strong>). The Bible says it best: “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">…a crushed spirit who </span></em>can<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> bear?</span></em><strong> ‘(</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Proverbs 18:14 NIV</span></em><strong>). Now, is all this easy to do? No! </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">But You Have To Be Mindful: Words Spoken In Jest, Sarcasm, Self-Righteousness, Or ‘Righteous Indignation’ Wound People, And Sometimes Those Wounds Are Permanent</span></em><strong>! Hear the Word of the Lord: ‘</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.</span></em><strong> ‘(</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Proverbs 15:4 NKJV</span></em><strong>). ‘‘</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">The tongue </span></em>can<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> bring death… </span></em><strong>‘(</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Proverbs 18:21 NLT</span></em><strong>). Ungodly words, once unleashed, </strong>can<strong>: ‘</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">…sink deep </span></em>into<em> </em>one<em><span style="font-style: normal;">’s heart</span></em><strong> ‘(</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Proverbs 26:22 NLT</span></em><strong>). </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">YOUR WORDS </span></em>CAN<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> LIVE IN THE HEART AND MEMORY OF A PERSON AND GO ALL THE WAY TO THE GRAVE WITH THEM</span></em><strong>! We say, ‘</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,</span></em><strong> ‘But</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> It’s Not True!</span></em><strong> </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">A Person </span></em>Can<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Die Of A Crushed Spirit, And The </span></em>One<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Who Spoke The Words </span></em>Can<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Live To Regret The Damage They’ve Inflicted And Never Get A Chance To Undo It</span></em><strong>! </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">On The Other Hand, </span></em>Anger<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Properly Handled Never Needs To Be Repented Of</span></em><strong>! </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">So, Learn To Differentiate Between The </span></em>Anger<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> You Feel And The Words You Speak!</span></em><strong> </strong>Anger<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Carefully Thought Through, </span></em>Can<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Reveal Important Information About Needed Changes</span></em><strong>!</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">RULE #3—KEEP IT </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">CURRENT</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">:</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Storing </span></em>anger<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> in your hard drive ONLY HURTS YOU</span></em><strong>! “</strong>Anger<em><span style="font-style: normal;">, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful TO </span></em>US<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> than the injury that provokes it.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Seneca</span></em><strong>). </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">When you rehearse old resentments, YOU GROW BITTER</span></em><strong>! But remember the words of </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Malachy McCourt</span></em><strong>, “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Resentment is </span></em>like<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.</span></em><strong>” The Bible says: ‘</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">The Good Man Brings Good Things Out Of The Good Stored Up In His Heart, And The Evil Man Brings Evil Things Out Of The Evil Stored Up In His Heart. For Out Of The Overflow Of His Heart His Mouth Speaks</span></em><strong> ‘(</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Luke 6:45 Niv</span></em><strong>) </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">The Contemporary English Bible </span></em><strong>Says It </strong>Like<strong> This: “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Good People Do Good Things Because Of The Good In Their Hearts. Bad People Do Bad Things Because Of The Evil In Their Hearts. Your Words Show What Is In Your Heart.</span></em><strong>” </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">So, Silence All Those Old Issues In Your Heart Before They Get To Talking And Reveal The Real You</span></em><strong>! “</strong>Anger<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Dwells Only In The Bosom Of Fools.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Albert Einstein</span></em><strong>).</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Therefore, when you are angry, DEAL WITH IT QUICKLY!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Don’t passively allow time to decide your options or sit around hoping the other person will see the light and apologize</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! The Bible says: ‘</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If a fellow believer hurts you, GO AND TELL HIM—work it out between the </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">two</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> of you…confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Matthew 18:15-17 MSG</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">). Did you read those instructions? “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">…GO AND TELL HIM…</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">DON’T SIT BY IDLY WAITING FOR THEM TO COME TO YOU! GET UP AND GO TO THEM AND TRY TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND RESTORE THE </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">RELATIONSHIP</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Reconciliation is more beautiful than victory.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Violeta Barrios de Chamorro</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">).</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When You Repress Reconciliation, You Add </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">One</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> More Skeleton to Your Closet</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And Sooner or Later, Doctors Say, It’ll Eat at Your Stomach Lining, Attack Your Immune System, and Predispose You to Heart Problems, Cancers, and Other Physical, Social, and Emotional Disorders</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Meantime, It’ll Preoccupy You, Dissipate Your Energy, Cripple Your Creativity, and Hinder Your Fellowship With God, Your Friends, and Fellow Believers; Not to Mention That It Denies the Offender the Opportunity to Clear Their Conscience, Repent and Get Right With God and You</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So, Stop Dragging Up the Past, Trying to Blackmail the Guilty By Hauling Skeletons Out of Closets at ‘Auspicious’ Moments, Plotting Revenge, and Passing Down Resentments For the Next Generation to Carry</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">!</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ask God for the Humility and Courage to deal with Today’s Problems – TODAY!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When your head hits the pillow tonight, know that your issues are </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Current</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> and Up To Date with God and Everyone Else, and Sleep Well</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In peace, I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Psalm 4:8 AMP</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">).</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">RULE #4—KEEP IT SOLUTION-FOCUSED</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">: </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Someone has said that fellowship is </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">like</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">two</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> fellows in a ship: </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">one</span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">can</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’t sink the other without sinking himself</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In other words, by seeking to gain the upper hand you both lose!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">By seeking to save and strengthen the </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">relationship</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> you both win!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> So, when you speak, be sure it’s ‘</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">…helpful for building others up according to their needs…</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> ‘(</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ephesians 4:29 NIV</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">). Maybe this Scripture would become clearer if you read it in the </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Amplified Bible</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">, it states: “</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [EVER] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is GOOD and BENEFICIAL to the spiritual progress OF OTHERS, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) TO THOSE WHO HEAR IT.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">We Are Charged to Understand What the Other Person Needs</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In doing so, YOU DO NOT BRING UP PREVIOUSLY CONFESSED OFFENSES; YOU DO NOT DRAG IN OTHER PEOPLE; You Do Not Use Wisecracks About People’s Weight, Height, Color, IQ, Physical, Mental and Emotional Limitations; and You Do Not Bring Up Unrelated Things or People That Cloud the Issue and Keep You From Finding a Solution!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In addition, Don’t Raise the Volume To Intimidate and Manipulate!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">God Made You With a Capacity For </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Anger</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Because When Handled the Right Way It’s the Fuel That Brings Needed Change and the Medicine That Heals</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">. An </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">unknown author </span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">stated: “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You don’t have to attend every argument you’</span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">re</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> invited to.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” </span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Keep that in mind as you: </span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">a) <em><span style="font-style: normal;">SEEK A SOLUTION, NOT A ‘VICTORY’:</span></em><strong> </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Name-calling and ‘diagnosing’ others only makes things worse. Your focus should not be on what they did, BUT ON WHAT YOU </span></em>CAN<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> DO TOGETHER TO RESOLVE IT.</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">b) <em><span style="font-style: normal;">ADMIT YOUR FLAWS AND ASK FORGIVENESS:</span></em><strong> </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Since it takes </span></em>two<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> to tango, acknowledging your imperfections makes it easier for someone else to acknowledge theirs.</span></em></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">c) <em><span style="font-style: normal;">BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO TAKE A ‘SWING’ AT SOMEONE, MAKE SURE IT’S A POSITIVE ‘STROKE’: If you take the time to get your mind right, mere words will be no struggle! </span></em><strong>“</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK continually on these things [CENTER YOUR MIND ON THEM, AND IMPLANT THEM IN YOUR HEART].</span></em><strong> (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Philippians 4:8 AMP</span></em><strong>). </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">For each of the difficulties you must address, GIVE A COMPLIMENT ALSO</span></em><strong>. Example: ‘</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">I’</span></em>m<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> sure this wasn’t easy for you to hear, but thanks for listening to me so graciously.</span></em><strong> ‘CRITICISM</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> DOESN’T CHANGE CHAOS TO CALM, BUT A COMPLIMENT SURE DOES</span></em><strong>!</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">RULE #5—KEEP IT IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">: “</span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (</span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">anger</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind).</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ephesians 4:31 AMP</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">). </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Malicious Talk Is </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Like</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> Wildfire, It Consumes Those Who Spread It and Those Who Listen To It</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! As my auntie would say, “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">don’t display your dirty wash; keep it in the laundry room.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">”</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Dirty laundry gets aired in </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">two</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> ways: </span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">1) <em><span style="font-style: normal;">OPEN EMBARRASSMENT</span></em><strong>. </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">YOU SAY IT WHERE YOU KNOW OTHERS ARE </span></em>GOING<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> TO HEAR IT</span></em><strong>! But keep in mind: “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">A person’s character is revealed by their SPEECH.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Greek Proverb</span></em><strong>). Solomon also gives </strong>us<strong> some wise advice to follow: “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">He who goes about as a talebearer REVEALS SECRETS, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit KEEPS THE MATTER HIDDEN.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Proverbs 11:13 AMP</span></em><strong>); “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge; Talkative Fools Broadcast Their Silliness.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Proverbs 12:23 Msg</span></em><strong>). </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">So, Whether You Realize It Or Not, Speaking Your Mind Speaks Volumes About Your Lack Of Good Intention And Integrity; Your Lack Of Proper Motivation and Maturity, And Your Lack Of Compassion And Character</span></em><strong>! “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Aesop</span></em><strong>). </strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">2) <em><span style="font-style: normal;">SUBTLETY</span></em><strong>. </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">You make jokes about their figure, family members and friends, etc., to BELITTLE THEM</span></em><strong>! </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">This results in EMBARRASSMENT for the person you’</span></em>re<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> angry at, it widens the gap between you AND MAKES RECONCILIATION IMPOSSIBLE!</span></em><strong> So, the next time you decide to crack a joke, EMBARRASS someone, or speak your mind </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">REMEMBER WHAT GOD SAID</span></em><strong>: “</strong>Let<em><span style="font-style: normal;"> there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, WHICH IS NOT FITTING OR BECOMING…</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Ephesians 5:4 AMP</span></em><strong>). In addition, the next time you go to acting “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">SUBTLE</span></em><strong>” </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">BE MINDFUL OF THE PERSON YOUR EMULATING:</span></em><strong> “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">NOW THE SERPENT was more SUBTLE and crafty than any living creature of the field…</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Genesis 3:1 AMP</span></em><strong>). </strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Need I say more</span></em><strong>? Even Paul warns Timothy about avoiding “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Subtleties</span></em><strong>”: “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">O Timothy, guard and keep the deposit entrusted [to you]! Turn Away From The Irreverent Babble And Godless Chatter, With The Vain And Empty And Worldly Phrases, And The Subtleties And The Contradictions In What Is Falsely Called Knowledge And Spiritual Illumination.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">1 Timothy 6:20 AMP</span></em><strong>). Keep in mind: “</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Subtlety may deceive you; integrity never will.</span></em><strong>” (</strong><em><span style="font-style: normal;">Oliver Cromwell</span></em><strong>).</strong></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Solomon writes: ‘</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> ‘(</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Proverbs 11:13 NASB</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">). </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">SO, NO MATTER WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM, YOUR CHARACTER AS A CHRISTIAN OUGHT TO COMMISSION YOU TO CONCEAL THE MATTER</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">As believers, we possess “…the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18) NOT THE MESSAGE OF REVENGE</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! Keep in mind: “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">While you are meditating revenge, THE DEVIL IS MEDITATING A RECRUIT.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Francois de Malherbe)</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">. </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So, are you </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">going</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> to be SAVED OR SATANIC? DIVINE OR DEMONIC? LIGHT OR DARK? YOU </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">CAN</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS!</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Paul makes that crystal clear: “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">…How </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">can</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple?</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">2 Corinthians 6:13-17 MSG</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">). </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">can</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’t be Loving and Hateful, you need to make a choice. </span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">And just in case you need a little help, the Bible says: “</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” (</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Proverbs 10:12 CEV</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">). </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">THAT ALONE SHOULD’VE TAKEN THE DIFFICULTY OUT OF YOUR DECISION</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">!</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">RULE #6—BE PART OF THE CLEAN-UP CREW</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">: We say, ‘</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">They brought it on themselves. </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> them get over it.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> ‘They</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> may have deserved it, but we </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">can</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">’t walk away and leave open wounds to become infected</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! We ‘</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">one</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> another, and sensitive. Forgive </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">one</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> ‘(</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ephesians 4:32 MSG</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">). </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">How did Christ forgive </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">us</span></span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">? </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">After we’d acknowledged, confessed, and repented of our sins?</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">No</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! The Bible says: ‘</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">…when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son…</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">‘(</span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Romans 5:10 NIV</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">). </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">God took the initiative, so forgive, before the other person asks for forgiveness</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And if you want to show maturity, forgive them even if they Never ask for forgiveness</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">God didn’t allow you to remain His enemy for life (and He had good reason to); so, show forth the same grace and mercy you receive and forgive them</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">. </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Only then are you forgiven, the wounds inflicted healed, and all parties’ records before God are expunged</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">! </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Manage your </span></span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">anger</span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> before it causes you to act Asinine (defined as “extremely stupid or foolish”)</span></span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">!</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">IN A NUTSHELL: TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO OVERCOME </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">ANGER</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBIVkYNUANUF5AVOTDefU8sNnCJme9eiyxk=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qb3VybmV5aW50b3RoZXdvcmQuY29tLw==/rXSc_kaDb4QLKdsVmx9vMA==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></a></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="color: #c0392b;">J<strong>ourney Into The Word New Time Schedule For The NOW Network Broadcast starts December 31, 2023. 6pm CST. 7pm EST. </strong></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBIVkYNUANUF5AVOTDefU8sNnCJme9eiyxk=/aHR0cHM6Ly9jdHMudnJtYWlsZXIzLmNvbS9jbGljaz9zaz1hajRRQjJKZ3FqQklENFlCVUFOVUY1RGVBeks0alpVTzRQUXFfbkV6cXRvdz0vYUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1MGFHVnViM2R1WlhSM2IzSnJMbTl5Wnk4X1ptSmpiR2xrUFVsM1FWSXlNMTgwTTFkZlVHZEdaMmh0VFZseU1YUkVNVGxZV25kS0xXOVZUa1Z6TW5SclFsSTRkRVZ5UjNwSVdsUkVjRFZLVGtGMmMySmpibXM9L1dsYTREZ0drTFh1ZFhPVnVyNjQtMkE9PSZtZXJnZV9maWVsZF90eXBlPSg_eC1taTooPyUzQz1ocmVmPSklNUIlNUNzJTVEKiU1QiUyNyUyMiU1RCg_JTNDdXJsJTNFJTVCJTVFJTdCJTIyJTVELis_KSU1QiUyMiU1RCk=/S0s8VlbHE8pnedi1yqcveA==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwo<wbr></wbr>rk.org</a></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>ROKU, Cable & Online </b><b><a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBIVkYNUANUF5AVOTDefU8sNnCJme9eiyxk=/aHR0cHM6Ly9jdHMudnJtYWlsZXIzLmNvbS9jbGljaz9zaz1hajRRQjJKZ3FqQklENFlCVUFOVUY1RGVBeks0alpVTzRQUXFfbkV6cXRvdz0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTkzZDNjdWRHaGxibTkzYm1WMGQyOXlheTV2Y21jdmMzVnVaR0Y1L2duLWY3R3JjQWE4Qi04ZVVldDMyX0E9PSZtZXJnZV9maWVsZF90eXBlPSg_eC1taTooPyUzQz1ocmVmPSklNUIlNUNzJTVEKiU1QiUyNyUyMiU1RCg_JTNDdXJsJTNFJTVCJTVFJTdCJTIyJTVELis_KSU1QiUyMiU1RCk=/V7ZChCU3xObt8Ic851tw8A==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">https://www.thenownetwork.org/<wbr></wbr>sunday</a></b></p>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-82590890270141017662023-12-04T04:58:00.000-08:002023-12-04T04:58:28.694-08:00Who Knew That The HIGHEST Position Was The LOWEST? You Won't Find Greatness In HIGH Places; You Find It Amongst The LOWEST. We Are Not To Become Important, Just Impactful! Not Amazing, Just Available! The Mission Is Greater Than The Man!<p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I know Circumstances can be draining, and Life’s Storms can be overwhelming, however, you are so perfectly and greatly loved by God that He’s given you Word on top of Word on top of Word of His Promises to You that He’s Got You! So, no fear, no worry, no fret, no torment, no foreboding, no despondency. Just faith, hope, courage, and reliance on God! Stop letting the “What Ifs” beat you down, and instead turn the tables and beat them down not with “WHAT” …. but with “WHO”! Remember: JESUS has officially and legally signed His name to all your cares, concerns, and even to your What Ifs! They belong to Him; they are no longer your property! So no more stealing and no more trespassing! Let God’s Hands Handle It!</span></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. IF HE SAID IT, HE’LL DO IT!” (1 Thessalonians 5:24 MSG) JESUS has the Authority by His Name to Carry Any Concerns or Cares You Cast On Him! So Why Are You Still Carrying Them?! In addition, that word “shed” means to “allow to fall off; to discard; to get rid of; to take off; to cast or give off; to separate, to divide; to scatter.” With that said, what I love most about ‘shedding’ is that we can learn a lot about it from animals. Think about it: Have you ever seen a cat or dog gather up and save the fur it ‘sheds’, so it can keep it and reapply it later? Not! Just the thought of it sounds silly, and so does the fact that you keep reapplying what God keeps ‘shedding’ from your life!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Listen, Don’t Give it to Him, Then Take it Back! That’s Stealing! Remember: He Has Officially Signed His Name to Your Cares, They Now Legally Belong to Him! Therefore, Why Do You Keep Stealing Them Back?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Listen to this: An old sea captain once asked a naval student how he’d handle a sudden storm. “I’d throw out an anchor, sir,” he replied. “But WHAT IF another storm approached?” asked the captain. “Then I’d throw out another anchor,” he said. “And WHAT IF storms just kept coming?” the old man asked. “I’d keep throwing out anchors,” said the student. “Hold on, son,” said the captain, “where are you getting all those anchors?” “From the same place you keep getting all those storms, sir,” came the reply!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Can you imagine if we would become so convinced, fully persuaded, and secure in our faith, that despite the ferocious storms of life, we simply keep ourselves anchored in God? Let’s peek into a stormy situation with the Apostle Paul, The Bible reads, “We came under the lee of the small island named Clauda and managed to get a lifeboat ready and reef the sails. But rocky shoals prevented us from getting close. We only managed to avoid them by throwing out drift ANCHORS…On the fourteenth night, adrift somewhere on the Adriatic Sea, at about midnight the sailors sensed that we were approaching land. Sounding, they measured a depth of 120 feet, and shortly after those ninety feet. Afraid that we were about to run aground, they threw out four ANCHORS and prayed for daylight.” (Acts 27:16-17; 27-29 MSG). I love the fact that Paul and the crew continuously threw out Anchors! And when the storms of life rage in your life you need to make sure you remain Anchored in God the same way!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Now before you go and physically buy a million Anchors as a symbol of strength and encouragement in God, let me finish the story about Paul’s storm! The Bible says, “At daybreak, no one recognized the land—but then they did notice a bay with a nice beach. They decided to try to run the ship up on the beach. They cut the ANCHORS, loosed the tiller, raised the sail, and ran before the wind toward the beach.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">BUT WE DIDN’T MAKE IT. STILL FAR FROM SHORE, WE HIT A REEF AND THE SHIP BEGAN TO BREAK UP.” (Acts 27:39-41 MSG). Now I know you must be thinking, “What kind of encouragement is that?!” “I get the anchors and still end up shipwrecked?” LOL! Yep! But don’t lose hope just yet read on, “…Paul…gave orders for anyone who could swim to dive in and go for it, and for the rest to grab a plank.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Everyone made it to shore safely.” (Acts 27:42-44 MSG). You see, you can quote all the Scriptures in your Bible Vocabulary, you can have mountain-moving faith, be anchored in God, and still sink the ship!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">However, don’t miss the blessing, the Bible says, “…EVERYONE MADE IT TO SHORE SAFELY.” It was uncomfortable, it wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t the desired way for this to work out. YET, they survived the storm and made it out safely! Listen: No matter how severe the storm, always remain anchored in God (no foreboding, no despondency, no loss of hope, faith, and courage). Just cast it all on God, anchor your faith and trust in Him and His plan and purpose, then watch Him bring you through and bring you out safely on the other side of it all! Your hair may not be perfect, your makeup will not be flawless, you will not want to sing all the encouraging hymns, you will not want to run, jump, dance, or praise, but you will make it out and be grateful, despite what the storm did to your looks!!!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Let’s go a little further: When you’re in the thick of things, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the storm that’s raging inside you and start listening to the “WHAT IF’S”. Can we be honest? “WHAT IF the check doesn’t come on time…WHAT IF the stock loses value…WHAT IF my mate walks out…WHAT IF the job closes down…WHAT IF the scholarship doesn’t come through…WHAT IF I can’t afford this house or this car…WHAT IF the test results are bad?” The list is endless! And because Satan knows that “…fear hath torment…” (1 John 4:18), he’ll keep pouring on the WHAT IF endlessly!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">You see if he can’t get you puffed up through pride, he’ll try to bring you down through fear! It’s one of his best tools! However, you don’t have to allow his tools to work on you! Paul says, “Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].” (Ephesians 4:27 AMP) The word “foothold” is defined as “a place where a person’s foot can be lodged to support them securely.”</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">However, the second definition is the one I want to highlight, it means “a secure position from which further progress may be made.” Do you not understand that the enemy doesn’t need to come in and invade your entire life? All he needs is an entryway. Just a small space big enough to put his foot, so he can step into your life and instead of you trampling him underfoot, he now has the opportunity, invite, and advantage to trample you! Don’t let fear win! Satan will use fear to torment you, but God has a tool of His own, and His works much better! Listen to 1 John 4:18…again…in full: “There is NO FEAR in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love TURNS FEAR OUT OF DOORS AND EXPELS EVERY TRACE OF TERROR! For FEAR BRINGS WITH IT THE THOUGHT OF PUNISHMENT, AND [SO] HE WHO IS AFRAID HAS NOT REACHED THE FULL MATURITY OF LOVE [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection.]” (AMP). You see, the WORK OF PERFECT</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">LOVE IS STRONGER THAN THE TOOL OF FEAR! And you, my friend, are indeed PERFECTLY AND GREATLY LOVED! “For God so LOVED the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John3:16). The Amplified Bible says it like this: “For God so GREATLY LOVED and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” (AMP).</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">You Need Not Allow Satan to Torment You With Fear, Not When You Are So Greatly and Perfectly Loved By God! Rest On That and Sleep Well Tonight Because His Love is a Very Peaceful Pillow! In addition, you should Always Remember Jesus’ Words: “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And as scary as that may be for you, there are a few Scriptures that should bring you immediate comfort as soon as you start to allow circumstances to scare you: Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (MSG);</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Hebrews 13:5, “…be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (AMP)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">If That Doesn’t Comfort You, Regardless of Your Current Circumstances, Nothing Else Will! I know circumstances can make you feel Completely Surrounded With No Way Out! However, For the Believer, There’s Safety, Even When You’re Surrounded! “The Lord’s people may suffer a lot, but He will ALWAYS bring them SAFELY through.” (Psalm 34:19 CEV).</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Not to mention another of my favorites. I like to call it my 91 for my 911, Listen to the Call: Psalm 91, “You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, You’re my refuge. I trust in You and I’m SAFE!” That’s right—He rescues you from hidden traps and shields you from deadly hazards. His huge, outstretched arms protect you—under them, you’re PERFECTLY.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">SAFE; His arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes and kick young lions and serpents from the path. “If you’ll hold on to Me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust Me. Call Me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!”</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBJ8BIFUANUF5E1bD-cArxlqqtKfS5Litp0=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qb3VybmV5aW50b3RoZXdvcmQuY29tLw==/JE0_nxfjrGVdD8nXNKStug==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></a></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBJ8BIFUANUF5E1bD-cArxlqqtKfS5Litp0=/aHR0cHM6Ly9jdHMudnJtYWlsZXIzLmNvbS9jbGljaz9zaz1hajRRQjJKZ3FqQklENFlCVUFOVUY1RGVBeks0alpVTzRQUXFfbkV6cXRvdz0vYUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1MGFHVnViM2R1WlhSM2IzSnJMbTl5Wnk4X1ptSmpiR2xrUFVsM1FWSXlNMTgwTTFkZlVHZEdaMmh0VFZseU1YUkVNVGxZV25kS0xXOVZUa1Z6TW5SclFsSTRkRVZ5UjNwSVdsUkVjRFZLVGtGMmMySmpibXM9L1dsYTREZ0drTFh1ZFhPVnVyNjQtMkE9PSZtZXJnZV9maWVsZF90eXBlPSg_eC1taTooPyUzQz1ocmVmPSklNUIlNUNzJTVEKiU1QiUyNyUyMiU1RCg_JTNDdXJsJTNFJTVCJTVFJTdCJTIyJTVELis_KSU1QiUyMiU1RCk=/4uMMASKQWogtKDFj0s-EJw==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwo<wbr></wbr>rk.org</a></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>ROKU, Cable & Online</b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><b><a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBJ8BIFUANUF5E1bD-cArxlqqtKfS5Litp0=/aHR0cHM6Ly9jdHMudnJtYWlsZXIzLmNvbS9jbGljaz9zaz1hajRRQjJKZ3FqQklENFlCVUFOVUY1RGVBeks0alpVTzRQUXFfbkV6cXRvdz0vYUhSMGNITTZMeTkzZDNjdWRHaGxibTkzYm1WMGQyOXlheTV2Y21jdmMzVnVaR0Y1L2duLWY3R3JjQWE4Qi04ZVVldDMyX0E9PSZtZXJnZV9maWVsZF90eXBlPSg_eC1taTooPyUzQz1ocmVmPSklNUIlNUNzJTVEKiU1QiUyNyUyMiU1RCg_JTNDdXJsJTNFJTVCJTVFJTdCJTIyJTVELis_KSU1QiUyMiU1RCk=/eM5LL1a7oIteQye6gBrX3g==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">https://www.thenownetwork.org/<wbr></wbr>sunday</a></b></p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"> </span>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-45958558112105729732023-11-27T04:56:00.000-08:002023-11-27T04:56:45.221-08:00Anyone With Eyes To See Knows This World Is A Sinking Titanic, But Jesus is On Deck! Jesus Was Able To Sleep During A Storm Because Of Who He Is; That Is The Very Same Reason Why You Can Sleep During Your Storms, Because Of Who He Is! Listen: <p><em style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Anyone With Eyes To See Knows This World Is A Sinking Titanic, And If That Be So, Are We Rearranging The Furniture On The Deck Or Are We Helping To Rescue The Passengers Onto The Lifeboats. Jesus Was Able To Sleep During A Storm Because Of Who He Is; That Is The Very Same Reason Why You Can Sleep During Your Storms, Because Of Who He Is!</span></span></span></b></em><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Jesus, He's On Deck Before, During And After Every Single Storm!</span></em></span></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, He's on Deck before, during and after every single storm! When the doctor gives the diagnosis, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no worries! When the bills come in, but there is no money to put out, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no fear! When the marriage foundation starts to shake, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no concerns! When friends become enemies and family becomes foes, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no more loss of sleep! If you are not getting it, do not focus on the storm, focus on your God who is still on Deck!</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> For years before I started into the ministry, I’d been asking God to grow me into a woman of faith. I didn’t want to merely trust the Lord for my salvation. I wanted to trust Him with my steps on earth, too. I’d read books on faith and established habits of faith. I’d talked about faith and prayed about faith. I realized I’d been making faith too complicated.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Faith isn’t a feeling or a philosophy.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Faith isn’t a principle or a prescription.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Faith is taking God at His word.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In Romans 4, the Apostle Paul uses the story of Abraham to teach us about faith that pleases God. Though Abraham was old, and his wife was barren, Abraham believed God’s pledge to make him the father of many nations. (Romans 4:18) According to Romans 4:20, “Abraham never doubted. He believed God, for his faith and trust grew ever stronger, and he praised God for this blessing even before it happened.”</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Matthew 8:23-27, “And AFTER HE GOT INTO THE BOAT, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly, behold, there arose a VIOLENT STORM on the sea, so that the boat was being covered up by the waves; BUT HE WAS SLEEPING. And they went and awakened Him, saying, Lord, rescue and preserve us! We are perishing! And He said to them, why are you timid and afraid, O you of LITTLE FAITH? Then HE GOT UP AND REBUKED THE WINDS AND THE SEA, AND THERE WAS A GREAT AND WONDERFUL CALM (A PERFECT PEACEABLENESS). And the men were stunned with bewildered wonder and marveled, saying, what kind of Man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!” (AMPC)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">I am not a regular sea traveler, so I have never been in a storm at sea, and truthfully that is simply fine with me! But I have certainly heard many sea-storm stories, especially from my friends who just about live for cruises. However, you may remember the ship from some years ago, that was making a transatlantic voyage from Liverpool to New York. And just in case you do not know the story, here it goes: One night, at a time when most of the passengers were asleep, the ship was hit by this </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"mega"</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Atlantic storm. The wind and the waves were so violent at one point they tipped the ship almost on its side, and down below, the passengers were literally thrown out of their beds! Everyone is freaking out (</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">understandably</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">)! I mean, this is the epitome of what I would call </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">a rude awakening</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The interesting part of this story though? There is this one cabin, where a little girl was thrown out of her bed like everybody else and her mother was already awake from the intensity of the storm. But there was one thing different about this little passenger. YOU SEE, HER DADDY WAS THE CAPTAIN! While she was all bleary eyed, she asked her mom the only thing she really wanted to know about the situation, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Is daddy on deck?"</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Her mom said, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"yes he is, honey."</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> The little girl's priceless response was right to the point, "THEN I'M GOING BACK TO BED."</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Sounds comical, but listen to </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Matthew 8</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">, beginning in </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">verse 5</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">. </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him asking for help. 'Lord, he said, my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.' Jesus said to him, 'I will go and heal him.' The centurion replied, 'Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof, but just say the word and my servant will be healed, for I, myself, am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, "Go!", and he goes, and that one, "Come!", and he comes. I say to my servant, "Do this", and he does it.' When Jesus heard this, He was astonished, and said to those following Him, 'I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.'" (vss. 5-10)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The Amplified Bible reads like this: “As Jesus went into Capernaum, a centurion came up to Him, begging Him, and saying, Lord, my servant boy is lying at the house paralyzed and distressed with intense pains. And Jesus said to him, I will come and restore him. But the centurion replied to Him, Lord, I am not worthy or fit to have You come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant boy will be cured. For I also am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my slave, do this, and he does it. When Jesus heard him, He marveled and said to those who followed Him [who adhered steadfastly to Him, conforming to His example in living and, if need be, in dying also], I tell you truly, I have not found so much faith as this with anyone, even in Israel.” (AMP)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Verse 13</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> tells us the conclusion of it all: </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go! It will be done just as you believed it would,' and his servant was healed at that very hour."</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Now in this story there is a powerful insight into the kind of faith that Jesus loves - and it gets things done! It says He was ‘</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">astonished’</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">. I mean, this is the faith that amazes Jesus! He even goes so far as to call it great faith! Let us look at </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">verse 10</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> in a few translations:</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“When Jesus heard this, He was AMAZED. Turning to those who were following Him, He said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen FAITH LIKE THIS IN ALL ISRAEL!” (NLT)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“When Jesus heard this, He was SURPRISED AND WONDERED ABOUT IT. He said to those who followed Him, “For sure, I tell you, I HAVE NOT FOUND SO MUCH FAITH IN THE JEWISH NATION.” (NLV)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“When Jesus heard it, HE MARVELED, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I HAVE NOT FOUND SUCH GREAT FAITH, NOT EVEN IN ISRAEL!” (NKJV)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“When Jesus heard this, HE WAS IMPRESSED and said to the people following him, “I say to you with all seriousness that even in Israel I HAVEN’T FOUND FAITH LIKE THIS.” (CEB)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Jesus was AMAZED, SURPRISED, MARVELED, WONDERED AND IMPRESSED by this man’s FAITH! A good question to ask yourself? Would Jesus have that same response to MY FAITH? If yes, wonderful; if no, pray ‘</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Lord INCREASE MY FAITH</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">’ and Help My Unbelief!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Now further on in the chapter, He says to the men who are WITH HIM CONSTANTLY, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"You of little faith!"</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> during the storm when they were freaking out, just before He </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Got up and rebuked the wind and the waves, and it was completely calm."</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Astonished! Why? Because he finally found a man who understood the connection between FAITH AND AUTHORITY. The centurion said, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"I say something to my servants, and they do it. I have total authority over them. But Jesus, someone I care about is in a crisis I cannot handle, but You have total authority over this illness. Whatever You say to this illness, it will do."</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Wow!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You see, faith is acknowledging the TOTAL AUTHORITY OF JESUS over this situation. That is what the disciples could not do in their storm. They acted as if Jesus did not have authority over the storm, BUT HE DID! He spoke to it like a parent would speak to a child ... and </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"it was calm."</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">So, the faith issue for you right now may very well be </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"who or what you believe"</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> has the final authority in your situation. Will the company decide it? The economy? Is this disease going to have the final word? Your mate? Your kids? Your feelings? What the news is reporting? Or is everything in this situation TOTALLY UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF YOUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST? Yes or no! (</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Remember, no one can answer that, but YOU!</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">)</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">If it is Jesus, then you can make that your bottom line and the panic is over! The peace that defies logic is kicking in. There is an unexplainable sense of well-being and calm that comes when you settle where the final authority is in your situation. And the shield of faith will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, because Satan cannot touch something that you have completely given to Jesus.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Matthew 8:23-27, “And AFTER HE GOT INTO THE BOAT, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly, behold, there arose a VIOLENT STORM on the sea, so that the boat was being covered up by the waves; BUT HE WAS SLEEPING. And they went and awakened Him, saying, Lord, rescue and preserve us! We are perishing! And He said to them, why are you timid and afraid, O you of LITTLE FAITH? Then HE GOT UP AND REBUKED THE WINDS AND THE SEA, AND THERE WAS A GREAT AND WONDERFUL CALM (A PERFECT PEACEABLENESS). And the men were stunned with bewildered wonder and marveled, saying, what kind of Man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!” (AMPC)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Like that little girl blown around by a dangerous storm, all you need to know is if your </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Savior’s on Deck." </span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Because there is nothing He cannot handle, so you might as well go back to bed. Your Lord is in charge!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Can you imagine being trapped on a boat that is trapped during a violent storm? Can you just imagine the emotions, fears, chaos and even pain of literally being thrown around on a boat, in a storm? Sure, you can imagine all of that. Truth is that the part we struggle with trying to grasp is trying to imagine how to have the same attitude as that little girl. Is dad on deck? Yep. Okay, goodnight, I am going back to bed! Sounds insane I know! But look at what the Scripture says, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“And AFTER HE GOT INTO THE BOAT…” All you need to know about your storms is simple: IS JESUS ON DECK? YES. OKAY, GOODNIGHT, I’M GOING BACK TO BED!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When the doctor gives the diagnosis, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no worries!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When the bills come in, but there is no money to put out, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no fear!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When the marriage foundation starts to shake, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no concerns!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When it seems, the children will never improve, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no stress!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When the business starts to go under, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no panic!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When the church starts emptying out, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no anxiety attacks!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When the job of 20 years lays you off in 2 minutes flat, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no nervous breakdowns!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When the loan is denied, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no flipping out!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When the tuition goes up the same time your paycheck goes down, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no more pulling out your hair!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When friends become enemies and family becomes foes, remember, Jesus is on Deck, no more loss of sleep!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If you are not getting it, do not focus on the storm, focus on your God who is still on Deck!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Mark 4:35-41, “On that same day [when] evening had come, He said to them, let us go over to the other side [of the lake]. And leaving the throng, they took Him with them, [just] as He was, in the boat [in which He was sitting]. And other boats were with Him. AND A FURIOUS STORM OF WIND [OF HURRICANE PROPORTIONS] AROSE, AND THE WAVES KEPT BEATING INTO THE BOAT, SO THAT IT WAS ALREADY BECOMING FILLED. But He [Himself] was in the stern [of the boat], asleep on the [leather] cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing? AND HE AROSE AND REBUKED THE WIND AND SAID TO THE SEA, HUSH NOW! BE STILL (MUZZLED)! AND THE WIND CEASED (SANK TO REST AS IF EXHAUSTED BY ITS BEATING) AND THERE WAS [IMMEDIATELY] A GREAT CALM (A PERFECT PEACEFULNESS). He said to them, why are you so timid and fearful? How is it that you have no faith (not firmly relying on trust)? And they were filled with great awe and feared exceedingly and said one to another, who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?” (AMPC)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Luke 8:22-25, “One of those days He and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, let us go across to the other side of the lake. So, they put out to sea. But as they were sailing, He fell off to sleep. AND A WHIRLWIND REVOLVING FROM BELOW UPWARDS SWEPT DOWN ON THE LAKE, AND THE BOAT WAS FILLING WITH WATER, AND THEY WERE IN GREAT DANGER. And the disciples came and woke Him, saying, Master, Master, we are perishing! AND HE, BEING THOROUGHLY WAKENED, CENSURED AND BLAMED AND REBUKED THE WIND AND THE RAGING WAVES; AND THEY CEASED, AND THERE CAME A CALM. And He said to them, [Why are you so fearful?] Where is your faith (your trust, your confidence in Me—in My veracity and My integrity)? And they were seized with alarm and profound and reverent dread, and they marveled, saying to one another, Who then is this, that He commands even wind and sea, and they obey Him?” (AMPC)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Jesus was able to sleep during a storm because of Who He is; That Is The Very Same Reason Why You Can Sleep During Your Storms, Because Of Who He Is!</span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, He's On Deck Before, During And After Every Single Storm!</span></em></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBJ54YBUANUF5HG8ywtgIbC9XYL9CNJZyls=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qb3VybmV5aW50b3RoZXdvcmQuY29tLw==/d6VynNtt7XWwdU5vl1a7dA==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></a></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBJ54YBUANUF5HG8ywtgIbC9XYL9CNJZyls=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/chjO-TI957fEyI-zFja5IA==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>theNOWnetwork.org</a></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">ROKU, Cable & Online</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBJ54YBUANUF5HG8ywtgIbC9XYL9CNJZyls=/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlbm93bmV0d29yay5vcmcvc3VuZGF5/5RejKICN0skPc-OnQE1tKw==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.thenownetwork.org/<wbr></wbr>sunday</span></a></span></b></span></span></span></p>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-67024770706085362282023-11-20T05:03:00.000-08:002023-11-20T05:03:33.696-08:00We Are In A Season Where Many Are In Need Of A Spiritual Refreshing. I Love The Word Refresh. A Perfect Word To Describe Starting Again. The Word Refresh Means “To Give New Strength,” And “To Reinvigorate.” Could You Use Some Spiritual Refreshment? <p><b style="background-color: white; color: #1f3763; font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: black;">We Are In A Season Where Many Are In Need Of A Spiritual Refreshing. </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #1f3763; font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: black;">I Love The Word Refresh. It’s Such A Perfect Word To Describe Starting Again Or Returning To Something. The Word Refresh Means “To Give New Strength,” "To Give Energy To" And “To Reinvigorate.” Could You Use Some Spiritual Refreshment Right Now?</span></span></b></p><p class="p" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">At the beginning of the year (2023), God gave me two words for the year that stayed close to my heart. The two words were Refresh and Release. Throughout the year, my sermons/messages have been centered around these two words during this season of preparation. God wants us to release people, places, and things that have been a hindrance to our spiritual life. God knows what we need, and He knows that His children need a refreshing. Many have been overwhelmed, exhausted, weary, and "BUSY". All we must do is come. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But so many times, we are too busy, and we have tried to quench our thirst elsewhere.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="p" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Jesus takes up this cry in John 7:37 and informs any who are listening that He is the water that quenches the desire of the thirsty soul. He then declares that out of us can flow rivers of living water (v.38). Not only can we have our thirst quenched, but we can be a source of water for others.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="p" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Do you long for intimacy in worship?</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="p" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">It</span></em><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> is not just a listening experience; it is a journey of soaking worship. It is a place of intimacy with the Father, a place where the heart longs for His touch.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="p" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Sounds good, doesn’t it? But we won’t live in the reality of it until we ourselves come. Until we admit our thirst and come and drink, we will not have water to give to others.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="p" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Our land can be a barren wasteland or a well-watered garden. The difference lies in the amount of water that is received. This water is freely available, but if we want it, we must come. There is no price, but it costs us much. To simply come and receive means that we stop our activity, wait in His presence and drink deeply of the water that He came to give.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p class="p" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">If we want the rivers to flow, we must first come to the waters and drink.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1f3763;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: black;">Are you thirsty for His presence? I Love The Word Refresh. It’s Such A Perfect Word To Describe Starting Again Or Returning To Something. The Word Refresh Means “To Give New Strength,” “To Give Energy To,” And “To Reinvigorate.” Could You Use Some Spiritual Refreshment Right Now?</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3><p class="p" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 2px; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Times of refreshing do not come from striving to read more of the Bible or praying for a certain period each day. Biblical spiritual refreshing is simply coming to Jesus. His invitation to each one of us is simply "come to Me" (John 7:37). Jesus’s sermon on the mount in John 7:37 encourages us to find refreshing in Him alone. When we stand in His Presence and allow Who He is to satisfy our souls, our parched hearts are soothed and refreshed.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I love the word refresh. It’s such a perfect word to describe starting again or returning to something. In fact, I even use it as a computer term. Sometimes, when I’m working on my computer, leave it for a while, and then come back, things freeze up. Certain programs aren’t working properly anymore. So, I have to refresh my computer screen. And there are times when that means I need to completely reboot.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Sometimes we need a reboot in the Christian life as well. Sometimes, we need to be refreshed because we find ourselves tired and exhausted. Here’s what Jesus says: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NLT).</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">On the day of Pentecost, Peter said to the people, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19 NKJV).</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The word refresh means “to give new strength,” “to give energy to,” and “to reinvigorate.” Could you use some spiritual refreshment right now? The place to find that is from God Himself.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">1. Refreshed in the Word of God</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The Bible is very specific about how we can find refreshment for our souls. For example, Psalm 19 says, “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul” (verse 7 NKJV). We will find spiritual refreshment when we read and study the Bible.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Of course, it isn’t always an emotional experience when we open the Bible and read it. But this is not about emotions; this is about replenishment. This is about restoration, getting perspective on life, and getting direction from God. And as you open the Bible, the Word of God, it will refresh your soul.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Have you ever been reading the Bible and suddenly a verse seemed to jump off the page? Maybe it was a verse you’ve read before, but amazingly it had a new meaning and applied to your situation. That is finding refreshment from the Word of God.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">2. Refreshed by Selflessness</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">You also will be spiritually refreshed when you think of others more than yourself. I know this is counterintuitive to the selfie culture in which we’re living. People are trying to get more followers on social media and are very aware of their image. And sadly, we’ve heard stories of people who have literally died trying to get the ultimate selfie.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The truth is that when you stop thinking about yourself so much and instead think about others, it will refresh you spiritually. The Bible tells us, “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NLT). As you’re giving to others, you’ll find that you’re replenished yourself.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">3. Refreshed Through Prayer</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">There is also refreshing power in prayer. Why do we put off prayer? Why do we avoid praying? Allow me to offer some observations. Maybe we don’t pray more because we think we don’t have the time.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">But is that true?</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">How much time do we spend on social media every day? The latest research says that people in the United States check their Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts 17 times per day. That’s once every waking hour.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Imagine if we prayed 17 times a day instead of checking our social media. John Piper put it this way: “One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.”</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">How true is that? Then factor in all the hours we spend binge-watching shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or some other outlet. We can waste so much time. So let us not say that we don’t have time to pray. The fact is that we will make time for what matters to us.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Maybe we don’t pray because we don’t think prayer is all that important. Of course, we never would admit that outright. But do we really think it’s important? I can assure you that it’s very important.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Why Prayer Is Crucial</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The Old Testament book of Joshua tells a story about the Israelites who were led out of the bondage of Egypt into a new land flowing with milk and honey. But there was an obstacle in their path: the mighty city of Jericho, a huge fortress. There was no way they could bring it down militarily, but God had said He would give them that city.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So, they prayed and called on God, and He gave them a battle plan, which I have to admit was pretty unorthodox. They marched around the city, yelled, and blew trumpets. But it worked. The walls of the fortress crashed down, and they took control.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">After that there was another little city called Ai, which was much smaller than Jericho and not nearly as difficult to conquer. They didn’t pray about that. They thought Ai would be a piece of cake because they had taken down Jericho. But when they went in, they were soundly defeated because they didn’t pray about it.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We need to pray for everything. The Bible tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). Notice it doesn’t say that “in some things” or in “only the big, scary things” we should make our requests known to God. Rather, it’s “in everything” that we should make our requests known to Him.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Maybe another reason we don’t pray more is because we don’t think that prayer really works. Again, we wouldn’t admit that, but it may be the case. Let’s understand what the objective of prayer is. It is not to align God with our wills; it’s to align us with His will. God is not a genie; He’s our Father in Heaven.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">If you’re studying and memorizing Scripture and understanding the message of the Bible, then your desires will change. Thus, your prayers will change as well.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Do you want to be spiritually refreshed? Then study the Bible, the Word of God. Put the needs of others above your own needs. Spend time in God’s presence through prayer. Then you’ll find the refreshment you’re looking for.\</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">REFRESHMENT, AND RESTORATION</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">That kingdom will be, first, a kingdom of refreshment, everlasting refreshment. We need refreshing in this life again and again. We need to lay our heads down and go unconscious for seven or eight hours a night, or we get crabby and really depressed. In the age to come, it may be that we’ll sleep, I don’t know, but whether we wake or sleep, whether there’s the rhythm like that or not, it’s going to be perfect refreshment every time you need it. We will mount up with wings like eagles. We will run and not grow weary. We will walk and not faint. It will be Perfect.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The second characteristic of this kingdom is that Jesus is going to be there as the king. It speaks. “He will send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus” “Acts 3:20). And He will establish His kingdom on the earth, erect His throne, and rule His kingdom. And I believe that my own refreshment and yours will come from looking into the face of Jesus again and again and again and again.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The third characteristic of this kingdom is that it will mean a restoration of all things. As you look at the world today things are not as they should be, and we often want to ask, “What is God up to? Where is God in a world with so much agony, so much tragedy, so much futility, so much frustration, so much immorality, and so much corruption? Where is God?” The answer is that He reigns and He’s coming. And when He comes, there will be no more guilt, no more pain, no more suffering, no more frustration, no more corruption, no more decay, and no more futility. It will be as it was in the beginning before the fall, only better with no possibility for the fall.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">God will meet the needs of our weary, overwhelmed, and exhausted soul.</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">First, God fulfills his hope-giving promises in spite of, and even through, the opposition of ignorant people. Second, God wipes away all the sins of people who repent, and nobody needs to go out of this room carrying sin in their life. God, in the twinkling of an eye, takes it away when we turn to him. And third, he will establish the kingdom of Christ on this earth, and it will be a kingdom of refreshment in the presence of the Lord, along with a restored creation where there is no futility, no frustration, no sickness, no pain, no tears, and no sadness anymore. </span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBLTQoZUANUF5F3ps-yt3_yyGsphk-pup_A=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/Da-o2B7DF8jaHSuEDqzfiw==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a></strong></p><h3 class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding: 0px;"><strong>ROKU, Cable & Online</strong></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</strong></h3>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-53747089270680632622023-11-13T05:51:00.000-08:002023-11-13T05:51:57.972-08:00When You’re Struggling to Make It Through the Day. Ever Have Days When You Wonder How You’re Going To Make It Through The Next 24 Hours? Sometimes, Your Strength Runs Out, Or Maybe Your Hope Wears Thin, And You Still Have Challenges To Face.<p><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">A Prayer When You’re Struggling to Make It Through the Day:</span></span></strong><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"> “Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all day.” – </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Psalm 52:1</span></b></p><h1 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2f5496;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">When You’re Struggling to Make It Through the Day. </span></span></span></strong><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: black;">Will Praising God Help Us While We Wait? </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Ever Have Days When You Wonder How You’re Going To Make It Through The Next 24 Hours? Sometimes, Your Strength Runs Out, And You Still Have More Hours To Go Before Bedtime. Or Maybe Your Hope Wears Thin, And You Still Have Challenges To Face. </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: black;">We Are All Waiting — whether waiting for answers to our prayers, waiting for someone, waiting for changes, or perhaps waiting for our own return home. </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2f5496;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: black;">Will Praising God Help Us While We Wait Wait? Praising God while we wait on Him can strengthen our faith, bring blessings and miracles in our lives, encourage others, and will obviously bring delight to Him. The Bible tells us that it is good to praise God and give Him thanks in all circumstances.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></h1><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">When David felt desperate, He cried out to God. He reminded himself of God’s faithfulness and love. David’s prayers from the book of Psalms have helped people get through hard days for almost 3 thousand years.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">When we wonder how we’re going to make it through until bedtime, we can hold on to this truth: “The steadfast love of God endures all day.” </span></span> </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Friend, no matter what obstacles you face, God’s love will see you through. No matter how tired you feel, His love will sustain you. No matter how great your fears are, His unfailing love surrounds you. And no matter how far you wander from your </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">faith</span><span style="color: #333333;">, God’s love will be there when you get back.</span></span> </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">David faced an actual, physical enemy when he penned this verse. You probably don’t have someone trying to hunt you down, but maybe you face challenges that threaten to undo you. Stress that wears you down. Worries that leave you frazzled. Whatever problems you’re navigating today, you can rest assured: The steadfast love of God will outlast them all. </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">God’s devotion to His people is written all over the pages of the Bible. </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Psalm 13:6 <span style="color: #333333;">gives us words to declare in our challenges: “I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” </span>Romans 8:37-39 <span style="color: #333333;">reminds us that nothing and no one “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Whether life is smooth sailing or choppy waters, we need constant reminding of God’s affection for us. Let’s ask God to pour His love into our hearts. Let’s meditate on it and intentionally accept it.</span></span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Today, if you feel tired, anxious, or irritated, how about whispering to yourself: “The steadfast love of God endures all day”? God stands at your side, ready to sustain and guide you through any challenge.</span></span></b><strong> </strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Let’s pray: </span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Lord Jesus, quiet my mind and heart as I draw near to you for a few minutes and meditate on your great love. Thank you for demonstrating your love for me on the cross. I thank you for dying to give me life, and I praise you for your victory over sin and death. Thank you to the </span></span></strong><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Holy Spirit<strong><span style="color: #333333;">, who never leaves me and constantly reminds me of your caring presence. </span></strong></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Your love is deeper than oceans and higher than the clouds. It surrounds me and goes before me. Pour out more of your love into my heart that I might be filled to overflowing and reflect you to those around me.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Remind me of your presence, your faithfulness, and your power to strengthen and sustain me through difficult days. Help me remember my problems and trials will disappear, but your love will remain forever.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h1 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2f5496;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">What if God Doesn't Change Our Circumstances?</span></span></span></b><b> </b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Many of our prayers involve asking God to change something in our lives. We ask for healing, rescue from pain, for a better life, and for stable situations. We often ask God to change our circumstances, and there is a biblical model for this happening. Throughout Scripture, we see stories of God’s</span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> redemption </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">in impossible circumstances. This miraculous intervention occurs as Daniel walks out of the lions’ den unharmed, as Moses walks out of the Red Sea on dry land, as David walks out of battle with Goliath, and as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walk out of the fiery furnace unburned.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></h1><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve can deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #3366b4;">- </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Daniel 3:17-18. </span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The miracle is that they safely walked out. </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h1 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="break-after: avoid;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2f5496;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: black;">Will Praising God Help Us While We Wait? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-image: initial;"><span style="background-position: initial;"><span style="background-size: initial;"><span style="background-repeat: initial;"><span style="background-attachment: initial;"><span style="background-origin: initial;"><span style="background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Praising God while we wait on Him can strengthen our faith, bring blessings and miracles in our lives, encourage others, and will obviously bring delight to Him. The Bible tells us that it is good to praise God and give Him thanks in all circumstances.</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Praising God will surely help strengthen us while we wait on Him. It is a practical and beneficial way to express our faith in God and acknowledge Him for who He is and for what He has done.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We are all waiting — whether waiting for answers to our prayers, waiting for someone, waiting for changes, or perhaps waiting for our own return home. Sometimes the wait is longer than we expect, but sometimes we do not anticipate what we wait for happens sooner.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">For some people, waiting can be boring — they feel uncertain or restless, hence they decide to take shortcuts, which unfortunately often leads to disappointments. And even worse is when people deliberately choose to commit sins because of impatience, as displayed by the Israelites impatiently waiting for Moses at Mount Sinai (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Exodus 32</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">In our world today, waiting can be very challenging, especially when the cultures of instant gratification and performance-based competition are exalted. People tend to dislike the idea of waiting and delay, often caused by fear of missing out, and thus self-reliance manifested in extremely hard work becomes sort of the way of life.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">In contrast, Scripture teaches us to be patient, hopeful, and faithful in times of waiting. In moments like these, we have a choice — whether to draw near to God or to draw away from Him.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Giving praises to God is a practical and beneficial way that draws us closer to Him. In fact, praising God is one of the purposes He has given us as believers.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">1 Peter 2:9</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NIV).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Therefore, as we wait, we are to praise God instead of committing sins. Praising God while we wait on Him can strengthen our faith, bring blessings and miracles in our lives, encourage others, and will obviously bring delight to Him.</span></b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Praising God Strengthens Our Faith. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Abraham waited </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">25 years</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> for the fulfillment of God’s promise. Notice what he did while he was waiting: </span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God can do whatever He promises (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Romans 4:20-21</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NLT).</span></b></span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The faith of Abraham is our example. He gave glory to God — in other words, he praised God — while he was waiting for God to fulfill His promise to make him the father of many nations through his son, Isaac (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Genesis 17:1-21</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). Abraham did not wait until the manifestation of God’s miracle to praise Him, which otherwise does not require much faith.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">One of the best ways to express our faith in God is by praising Him even before we receive the answers to our prayers or see the fulfillment of His promises.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">As we praise God, we are reminded again of His greatness and goodness, and so as we remember all His benefits, our faith grows stronger (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Psalm 103:1-2</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). And as we wait for Him, our strength shall be renewed (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Isaiah 40:31</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">).</span></b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Praising God Activates His Miracles in Our Lives</span></span></span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">A popular story from the Bible that we probably heard in Sunday School is about Paul and Silas in prison (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Acts 16:16-34</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). They were thrown into prison with careful guarding after a wrong accusation, however, what happened next is remarkable:</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Acts 16:25-26</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NIV).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">God’s power was manifested through the praise and worship, and brought, not only the miracle of deliverance to Paul and Silas, but also, even remarkably, resulted in the miracle of spiritual conversion of the jailer and all his household (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Acts 16:27-34</span>).</span> </b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Praise to God has also related to healing (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Jeremiah 17:14</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">; </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Psalm103:3</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). </span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> Praising God Encourages Others. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Not only is praising God beneficial to us, but it can also encourage others. Our faithfulness or endurance, regardless of the circumstances, can be a powerful testimony that edifies people around us.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">This is especially true because our praises to God come from our hearts, led by the Spirit. Hence, the word of God that we proclaim through our praises will build the faith of the hearers (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Colossians 3:16</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">; </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Romans 10:17</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with <span style="color: #222222;">grace</span> in your hearts to the Lord (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Colossians 3:16</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NKJV).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We can also learn from the story of a blind man (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Luke 18:35-43</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). He was desperately waiting for divine healing when a multitude told him that Jesus was passing by. And he persistently cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” before he finally received his sight. Notice what happened afterward:</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people when they saw it, gave praise to God (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Luke 18:43</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NKJV).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Physical blindness might not be our problem today; however, we were spiritually blind before believing in Christ (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">John 3:3</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">). Have we then experienced a moment — like the blind man — where our praises to God draw all people around us to worship Him as we are healed from spiritual blindness?</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">That is the moment we are born again and receive a new heart (i.e., spiritual sight) to see the Kingdom of God. Praise the Lord for our salvation! (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Isaiah 12:2</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">).</span></b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Praising God Brings Delight to Him. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The Bible tells us that it is good to praise God and give Him thanks in all circumstances. Rejoice always, <span style="color: #222222;">pray without ceasing</span>, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (<span style="color: #222222;">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NKJV).</span></b></span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">In doing so, we bring delight to God as we are doing His will. Therefore, we can be confident that as we praise, He provides. Praise is the most direct avenue of demonstrating our total dependence on God and trust in Him alone.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Praising God is also the most practical way of expressing our delights in Him. As we delight in the Lord, He shall give us the desires of our hearts (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Psalm 37:4</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We can learn from King David and the prophet, Habakkuk for their passionate love for God, expressed through their songs of praises to Him:</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus, I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Psalm 63:3-4</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NKJV).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls — Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Habakkuk 3:17-18</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NKJV).</span></b></span></span></p><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Why Does This Matter?</span></span></span></span></h2><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Praising God — either through songs, poetry, prayers, or writings, — will surely help while we wait on Him. It is a practical way to express our faith in God and acknowledge Him for who He is and for what He has done.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We must believe that praising God with grace in our hearts brings many benefits in our relationship with Him. However, people might draw near to God with their mouth, and honor Him with their lips, but their heart is far from Him (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Isaiah 29:13</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">; </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Matthew 15:8</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Therefore, we must continually remember that our praises should flow from the heart that has been transformed by the Spirit. And we are to do it in the name of Jesus.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess His name (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Hebrews 13:15</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NIV).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Finally, as we praise God, we trust that He works for those who wait on Him.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him! (</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Isaiah 64:4</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, NLT).</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">God alone deserves all the glory, so let Him do all the works in us and through us! Praise the LORD. Amen.</span></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBL3B4VUANUF5Gaac9BkkE78s-MI9gYkj14=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/Sz0zqIza8slKfWvIUZr7Dg==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a></strong></p><h3 class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding: 0px;"><strong>ROKU, Cable & Online</strong></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</strong></h3>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-19055294409992394432023-11-06T05:28:00.005-08:002023-11-06T05:28:29.341-08:00Here Is Your Word For Today. RELEASE IT! We May Have Talked to The Lord About Our Burden, But We Have Failed To Trust Him With Our Burden. Did You Wake Up Carrying That Load Again? How About You Also Let It Go? Let Us Decree This Today!<p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Jesus is always an ever-present help in times of trouble. Sometimes God will keep you from the fire. Other times, God will make you fireproof and take you through the fire. God’s love for you is heavier than the load of cares and concerns you keep carrying! So, here is your word for today: RELEASE IT!</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"> <b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We May Have Talked to The Lord About Our Burden, But We Have Failed to Trust Him with Our Burden. </span></b><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Did You Wake Up Carrying That Load Again Today? How About You Also Let It Go Today? Let Jesus Do with It What Only He Can Do. God’s Hands Can Handle What Your Hands Cannot! </span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We May Have Talked to The Lord About Our Burden, But We Have Failed to Trust Him with Our Burden. </span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like a car in need of repair, it is not just enough to tell the mechanic what is wrong with the car. You must leave it with him! It's not enough just to tell God about your problems, you must leave them with Him, you must trust that He will fix it. When you go in your prayer closet and when you get on your knees at the altar, you have to leave that situation, that problem, and that burden with Him, you don't need to bring it back with you, that's why God wants us close to Him, to saty in His presence, He wants us talking to Him and giving the burden to Him, because our hands can't handle it. Probably the biggest single reason we will not let go of our crushing burdens and concerns is this: CONTROL. We insist on keeping it in our control. We are too stubborn or too afraid to roll it over onto Jesus' back.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">How Many Times Have You Thought or Said ’If Only I Had Just Waited on God? You May Have Talked to The Lord About Your Burden, But You Have Failed to Trust Him with Your Burden. Impatience Produced Ishmael; Promise Produced Isaac...Therefore, WAIT! God’s Plan Will Prevail and Produce What He Promised! Do Not Mess Up God’s Promise Over Your Life by Attempting to Produce a Harvest from a Seed God Never Told You to Plant! There Are Seasons in Your Life! You Cannot Rush It, But You Can Surely Ruin It! Stop Trying to Help God Out. Therefore, Always Wait for God’s Due Season! <em><span style="font-style: normal;">Trials are for training you to win victoriously! Which is why the life of the believer is not without trials! Ephesians 6:16.</span></em></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Like it or not: God allows circumstances to develop around our lives to give our </span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">faith</span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> opportunity to be proven!</span></span></span></b></em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> <em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">“Also, through Him, we have obtained access by </span></b></em><b>faith</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces PROVEN character, and PROVEN character produces hope.” (Romans 5:2-4 HCSB) </span></b></em><strong>Did you catch all of that? </strong><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">“…We Also Rejoice In Our Afflictions…”</span></b></em><strong> Why? Because Our Afflictions, </strong><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">“Produce Endurance, Proven Character and Hope…” In Other Words: </span></b></em><b>Your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> Affliction Works to </span></b></em><b>Your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> Advantage! How </span></b></em><b>Your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> afflictions are proving that you have what it takes to endure the battle and win the victory. But it’s also working on </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> character. That’s what God does when He sends afflictions into </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> life to improve </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> character. He wants you to grow and develop His characteristics in </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> life in such a way that people can see His stamp of approval on </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> life. </span></b></em><b>Your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> character is </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> brand. It tells people what you stand for and what you </span></b></em><b>will</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> not tolerate. </span></b></em><b>Your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> afflictions are teaching and training you to maintain good character, integrity and a reputation that is above reproach and one that resembles God’s! In addition, afflictions groom </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> hope! ‘Hope’, is ‘a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen.’ It’s directly attached to </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b> </b></em><b>faith</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">, and both grow when you learn how to expect God to deliver you, even when you see </span></b></em><b>no</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> evidence that He </span></b></em><b>will</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> (Daniel 3:16-18, " Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to answer you on this point. If it be so, our God whom we serve can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He </span></b></em><b>will</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> rescue us from </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> gods or worship the golden image that you have set up!” AMP). </span></b></em></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>Your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> afflictions are not to distract you in </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> hope and </span></b></em><b>faith</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> to believe God </span></b></em><b>no</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> matter how fierce the battle becomes; </span></b></em><b>no</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> matter what the enemy is saying, </span></b></em><b>no</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> matter what the enemy is doing; </span></b></em><b>no</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> matter how badly you’ve become bruised in battle; </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> hope and </span></b></em><b>faith</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> are teaching and training you to let nothing, and </span></b></em><b>no</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> one distract you from victory! </span></b></em><b>Your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> afflictions are working for </span></b></em><b>your</b><em><b><span style="font-style: normal;"> good because they are training you to endure the battle and win the victorious war!</span></b></em></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Truth Is: It’s Only When We’re Tested In Battle That We Become Skilled Warriors!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Therefore, you might as well get ready because you can be confident God </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">will</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> allow trials to come </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">your</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> way through afflictions such as: </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">a strained marriage, straying children, critical bosses, false assaults on </span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">your</span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> character, or a difficult friendship that requires unconditional love.</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> However, regardless to how many afflictions come our way, God has promised us, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“many are the afflictions of the righteous: But the Lord delivered him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). </span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So what are you crying and complaining about? There is </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">no</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> affliction that is permanent! they are all temporary! when you pass </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">your</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> training tests of trials, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“…the Lord </span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">will</span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> deliver you out of them all…”</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Don’t be discouraged in battles, God is using them to develop you into a great warrior, skilled in spiritual warfare! </span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">No</span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">longer</span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> a generation who has </span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">no</span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> experience in battle! But now a generation that makes the devil cringe every morning when </span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">your</span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> feet hit the floor to remind Him, you’re dressed in the whole/full armor of God, and you’re ready for another fight! “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but MIGHTY through God to the pulling down of strong holds;” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Cheer up and gear up because </span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">your</span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> afflictions are training you to pull down strong holds!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">God Cannot Abandon You. God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Some people felt that when they needed God the most, He could not be found. This is what started their personal faith, battling with the feeling that God had abandoned them. I often say if God seems at a distance guess who moved. He has not gone anywhere, where is your dwelling place, where have you take up residence lately.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Painstakingly, we began to learn and study for ourselves about who Jesus was and what He really said. That is when you will find Him. The real Jesus, the God Who was always there giving you the freedom and grace you needed to explore your faith.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">He had not abandoned you; you were just looking for the wrong person. The man-made persona of Jesus some people had been taught about during their formative years; He was not the true Jesus.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">When we look back on a situation or season of life, you will see how God was showing up in some great ways, they were simply hard to see at the time:</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">1. Provision. It does not always come in the means you asked for, but God’s provision is being extended to you. Have faith. See the little things, they are there as part of the bigger picture.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">2. Protection. Even when the world seems to be falling apart around you, God has got you. Bad things happen to us or those we love, and it seems there is no possible way God is protecting anyone. But He is there. Only Jesus can redeem what was meant for evil.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">3. Preparation. At the end of the experience or sorrow, we begin to see how we were being prepared for what comes next. We can help others who are suffering. We can stand assuredly knowing that God had our best interest at heart all along.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">God has promised to always be with you and the real God cannot break that promise. Here is the evidence of God’s true character: Compassion, Second chances, Forgiveness and Unconditional love. According to Miriam-Webster, the definition for Christian is, “One who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Notice it says, “professes belief.”</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">There are many well-intentioned people who are preaching a brand, or form, of Christianity that are not in line with the heart and track-record of God. If your red flag is raised because of how a church or individual is speaking on God’s behalf, listen to that inner voice. It just might be the Holy Spirit directing you.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">God took care of you yesterday. He is taking care of you now. He will take care of you tomorrow!</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Let us be honest, there were some moments you could not wait, so you just took off, and you caused a crash. Or maybe you are about to sin the sin of “get-there-itis” today! And maybe it is even a good goal. Maybe it is something you want to accomplish for yourself, your family, business, ministry, or church. Maybe you want to get married, or something to help your child, or to help other people. BUT God has not made it come to pass. So, you are starting to push, to plan, to scheme, to arrange, to manipulate to make it happen.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And truthfully, I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have sat across from someone in counseling who has that very same testimony…’If only I just waited on God.’ How many marriages would not have fallen apart; ministries and churches split; homes foreclosed; businesses shut down; finances dry up, and all because we just had to make it happen, by any means necessary, instead of waiting for God to make it happen, in His time, in His will, in His way.</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">However, unfortunate for us, we preferred to travel down the harder road of trying to “help” God out. We start formulating plan ‘b-z’ since God’s plan ‘a’ is taking entirely too long! We start scheming and scamming only to get what we wanted, but not at all what we needed!</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Many of us are accustomed to having a back-up plan. We are depended upon to figure stuff out, to make it work, to fill in the gap, to strategize how to rob Peter to pay Paul. But all of that, is all of us, and none of God. You see, it is not like Sarai was hoping for a promise, the promise was already given, she did not even have to ask for it, it was given without the need of her request. All she had to do was wait on the timing of God for its fulfillment. Listen, that is exactly where we get it wrong! We tend to get impatient, devise a plan and go wandering instead of waiting. But what does the Bible have to say?</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Wherever your “…EVEN IN THIS PLACE…” is, know that God sees you, hears you and cares for you. Even if your ‘this place’, is a place of sorrow; grief; anger; bitterness; loneliness; brokenness; abandonment; lack; pain…God sees you, hears you and cares for you “…EVEN IN THIS PLACE…”</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Even if your ‘this place’ is heading to divorce court; the psychiatrist; another specialist; the unemployment line; in the midnight hour of tears…God sees you, hears you and cares for you “…EVEN IN THIS PLACE…”</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Even if your ‘this place’ just left the abortion clinic; the maternity ward with no baby; a place of stagnation; confusion; fear of tomorrow; low-self-esteem; rejection; suicidal thoughts; high; drunk; going to jail or just getting out…God sees you, hears you and cares for you “…EVEN IN THIS PLACE…”</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">At dialysis; receiving chemo and radiation; struggling in rehab; in the wheelchair; on the cane; with the walker; dressed up; dressed down; and too weak to even get from under the covers…God sees you, hears you and cares for you “…EVEN IN THIS PLACE…”</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Are you getting this?</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">You are God’s Beloved, no matter where your “…EVEN IN THIS PLACE…” currently has you. You cannot ever go unnoticed by God. He loves you too much to lose track of you, even when it is you who laced up your sneakers and went running right outside the Will of God for your life. He is still there. Don’t you see Him? Don’t you hear Him? Well, He sees and hears and cares about you, no matter what you have done; how many times you have done it; who you did it with; why you did it in the first place; where you did it; when you did it; He does not even care if it was deliberate, and all your fault, your Father loves His children! And like the prodigal son’s father, your Father sees you as far away from Him as you are, and still He is heading in your direction with arms open wide and a whole new garment of clothing to shed your past and mistakes. He is ready to restore you, why are you delaying your own recovery? Today, take IT, and all of IT to Him, and let Him take all your staleness and grant you a fresh start. Today is a great day to begin again. Last time, you ran off with your own plans and mission. This time stick with God, the road ahead will be so much easier!</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Remember, God sees you, hears you and cares for you… “…EVEN IN THIS PLACE…</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God extends an awesome and encouraging invitation to His children in Psalm 55:22. It says, “CAST your burden on the Lord [releasing the</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).” (AMPC)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“When you leave everything in God’s hands, you see God’s hands in everything.” </span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You my friend, as well as all your cares, are in the safe, powerful, and protective Hands of the Almighty God! Therefore, what is taking you so long to finally cast all your cares on Him? In other words, why carry what you can cast?!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1 Peter 5:7, you are invited to cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. So why is it still in your hands?! The Living Bible reads: “LET HIM HAVE ALL YOUR WORRIES AND CARES, for he is ALWAYS thinking about you and WATCHING EVERYTHING THAT CONCERNS YOU.” (TLB) The word ‘HAVE’ is defined as ‘TO OWN’. God not only grants us the blessing of casting, assigning, and transferring our cares and concerns, but He also becomes their newfound owner! To ‘own’ is ‘to have or hold as private property.’ They no longer belong to you! Now, how encouraging is that? Again, with this promise belonging to you, why are you not casting what you know you cannot carry?!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we were to draw a picture of you and your burden right now, would you be all bent down, staggering beneath the weight of it all because you have been trying to carry it yourself? But remember this, there is another person in the picture! It’s Jesus, walking right beside you, whispering, it go. Give it to Me Which reminds me of the three Hebrew boys in Daniel 3:25 “Look!” he answered, “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. (AMPC) No matter how hot the furnace of affliction you must endure, know that you are never left to walk through them alone, Jesus is always an ever-present help in times of trouble. Sometimes God will keep you from the fire.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other times, God will make you fireproof and take you through the fire. He is simply waiting for you to cast your fiery trials, cares, and concerns on Him. And why does God want you to cast your cares on Him? Read 1 Peter 5:7 again in the following translations:</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“…he cares about you” (NLT)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“…He cares for you.” (NLV)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God’s love for you is heavier than the load of cares and concerns you keep carrying! So, here is your word for today: RELEASE IT!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is it going to take for the weight on you to be lifted? You are going to have to reverse what you learned from The Little Engine That Could; and say those liberating words, I think I can That moment of surrender makes you desperate for what God and God alone can do. And desperation is the condition with which God can do the most. Desperate prayers get answers.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Here</span></span></b><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> is </span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">your</span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Faith</span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Decree</span></span></b><em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">: </span></span></span></em><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">decree</span></span></b><strong> </strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">today</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> that I will no longer stumble over my </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">struggles</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, cry </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">over</span></span></b><strong> </strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">my</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> crisis, agonize </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">over</span></span></b><strong> </strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">my</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> afflictions, retreat from my </span></span></strong><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">refining process, or have a tantrum </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">over</span></span></b><strong> </strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">my</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> trials. There is </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">no</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> test given to me, that </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">my</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> God hasn’t already provided the answers to pass. This time, when my </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Faith</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> comes out of the Furnace it </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">will</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> be on Fire instead of in Ashes! In Jesus Name I </span></span></strong><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Decree</span></span></b><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> it to be so. Amen. So, It Is and So Shall It Be! </span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBLwUIRUANUF5E9HeTQp3w3IsccFSPT5Spo=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/m_qXGLW_lKdSiLP5BNOZIg==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a></strong></p><h3 class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding: 0px;"><strong>ROKU, Cable & Online</strong></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</strong></h3>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-72330463059607944492023-10-30T05:38:00.003-07:002023-10-30T05:38:39.607-07:00You Don’t Have To Look For God In Worship, If You Worship, He’ll Come Looking For You! You’ve Got to Possess the Ability to Worship In the Worst Of It! God Does Not Stop Being Sovereign Because Of Our Situation!<p> <b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You Don’t Have To Look For God In Worship, If You Worship, He’ll Come Looking For You! </span></span></span></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You’ve Got to Possess the Ability to Worship In the Worst Of It! When You've Lost A Parent, Spouse or Child, Your Marriage is Struggling, Sibling on Drugs.</span></span></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Can you Worship and Give Thanksgiving Right In The Midst Of Your Darkest Days. </span></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">God does not stop being Sovereign because of our Situation! He can do anything, anywhere for any one of His children! That’s why we need to understand the power of our worship. It summons all of Heaven to meet you in Hell, just ask Jonah:</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">“…I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heard my voice.” (Jonah 2:2).</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">To Get The Kind of Deliverance Like Jonah; You’ve Got to Possess the Ability to Worship In the Worst Of It! When You've Lost A Parent, Spouse or Child, Your Marriage is Struggling, Sibling on Drugs, Financially Strapped Or Cancer diagnosis: Would you still be able to pray to God, even in these times?! Would you still trust Him? Would you still lean on Him? Would you still believe Him? Would you still praise and worship Him? Would you still have Faith in Him? Would you still thank Him?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">When you study the content of Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2:2-9, you’ll discover that he wasn’t praying the ‘give me or get me out of this prayer’, but a Prayer of Worship and Thanksgiving (“…But I’m Worshiping you, God, calling out in Thanksgiving!” (Jonah 2:9 MSG) However, what happens next is Absolutely Dynamic; the Bible says, “And the LORD Commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” (Jonah 2:10 NIV). What a Mighty Deliverance! BUT, if you look at what Jonah Worshiped in the Midst Of to Get It, you’ll have to ask yourself, ‘do I really want it that bad?’ Because to get This Kind of Deliverance, You’ve Got to Possess the Ability to Worship In the Worst Of It! Yes, that means to pray, worship and thank God while the eviction notice is on the front door of the home, business or church; and yes some churches get eviction notices when funds are misappropriated or when the offerings doesn't come in as needed, the pink slip after 20 years was just handed to you; the doctor has nothing else he can do for your disease; your teenage son tells you he has a baby on the way; your daughter comes home with a tattoo across her forehead; there’s nothing in the fridge but the light-bulb; the toilet water won’t go down, the heat won’t come up, the car won’t start and the bills won’t stop! YES, You Have To Still Pray, Praise, Worship and Thank God In the Midst of It All! So How Bad Do You Really Want It?!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">First off, it was due to Jonah’s Disobedience that he was in Trouble in the first place! So, Jonah was where he Deserved to be, and God Put Him There, the Bible says, “Now the Lord had Prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.” (Jonah 1:17). Like Jonah, many of us are where we are due to our OWN disobedience! BUT the very next verse says, “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God Out of the Fish’s Belly.” (Jonah 2:1). Truth be told, sometimes Deliverance Looks Downright Disgusting!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You See, Right in the Midst of Trouble, Jonah Still Prayed Unto the Lord! He Forgot about his Situation and Fully Turned His Attention to God! Can you imagine what would happen if today the church did the very same thing? If we sought God, no matter our situation? If we still fell on bended knee no matter how many times the rug has been pulled out from beneath us? If we still talked to God, no matter how badly others are talking about us? If we still went to church even if we had to walk there? If we would still read the Bible even when we’ve lost the job? Can you imagine if we still sought God regardless of our current circumstances!?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Just think what would become of our lives if we prayed as the Bible admonishes us to: “Pray At All Times” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 GNT) Just imagine how strong our relationship with God would become if we indeed prayed at all times. And that includes praying when the car breaks down; the kids are failing in school; the marriage is holding on by its last string; the job just laid you off; the doctor just gave you a cancerous diagnosis; your parent passes away; your sibling is strung out on drugs; your church is emptying out; your bank accounts can’t even keep the bare minimum anymore; Medicaid said no; Medicare won’t cover; there’s dust in the cupboards and only Arm and Hammer in the fridge!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Just look at Mark 7:33-35, the Bible reads: “And taking him aside from the crowd [privately], He thrust His fingers into the man’s ears and spat and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, He sighed as He said, Ephphatha, which means, Be opened! And his ears were opened, his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak distinctly and as he should.” (AMP). Listen for the two important truths here: One, the man’s ears were opened! “So faith comes from HEARING…” (Romans 10:17 AMP) Now, you may not like the method God uses to deliver you, but you will love hearing by faith what He has to say to you! The deliverance may be downright disgusting, but won’t it be worth it to hear God say: “…All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God: God’s blessing inside the city, God’s blessing in the country; God’s blessing on your children, the crops of your land, the young of your livestock, the calves of your herds, the lambs of your flocks. God’s blessing on your basket and bread bowl; God’s blessing in your coming in, God’s blessing in your going out.<sup> </sup>God will defeat your enemies who attack you.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-14, MSG)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Wouldn’t a Dirty Deliverance Be Worth Hearing All of That?!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Secondly, his tongue was loose! The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21 AMP); It further shares, “You will also decide and decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and the light [of God’s favor] will shine upon your ways.” (Job 22:28 AMP) Having your tongue loosed, means you get to decree life over your life and change it with the creative power your God has given you in your ability to open your mouth and speak it! The Bible says, “…and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.” (Romans 4:17 AMPC) Once your deliverance takes place and your lips are loosed, regardless to what your situation may still look like, you open your mouth and declare the nonexistent things God foretold and promised you and you speak to them as if they already exist! “I’m healed; I’m whole; I’m debt-free; my marriage is repaired; my children are returning from straying; my bank accounts look like phone numbers with the 1 and area code attached! I’m cancer free; the mortgage company said yes; the grant was approved; I’m driving the car off the lot; God is sending me the mate He custom designed just for me; the business proposal has been approved; the tuition is free; the church is full; my household is saved; my family is delivered; the addiction has been arrested by the Holy Ghost; the anointing is fresh; the gifts are stirred; closed doors of opportunity are unlocking as I speak; the promotion is mine; the elevation is mine; the doctors diagnosis is being reversed; the blood-work is coming back in my favor; the x-rays are clear; the chemo, radiation and dialysis are stopping; I’m graduating!”</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You see that’s the beauty of deliverance, no matter how dirty it is, you get to receive the restoration of your hearing and speech! It may be dirty but thank God for deliverance anyhow!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You see, deliverance comes when we can Worship God During the Worst of our Troubles! Understand that there’s No Doubt About Your Deliverance Coming, You Just Need to Accept the Fact, In Advance, That Your Deliverance Will Come, But It Won’t Come Clean! You’ll often have to get Dirty Before You Get Delivered! Can I Prove It? The Bible says, “Elisha sent out a servant to meet him with this message: “Go to the River Jordan and immerse yourself seven times. Your skin will be healed, and you’ll be as good as new.” Naaman lost his temper. He turned on his heel saying, “I thought he’d personally come out and meet me, call on the name of GOD, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and get rid of the disease. The Damascus rivers, Abana and Pharpar, are Cleaner by far than any of the rivers in Israel. Why not Bathe in them? I’d at least get Clean.” He stomped off, mad as a hornet. But his servants caught up with him and said, “Father, if the prophet had asked you to do something hard and heroic, wouldn’t you have done it? So why not this simple ‘wash and be clean’?” So, he did it. He went down and immersed himself in the Jordan seven times, following the orders of the Holy Man. His skin was healed; it was like the skin of a little baby. He was as good as new.” (2 Kings 5:10-14 MSG). Are You Willing To Get Delivered Even When You Don’t Get To Choose The Method of Your Deliverance? Are You Willing To Get Delivered Even When You Don’t Get to Choose the Prophet? Are you willing to be delivered where no one can see it and talk about? Are you willing to be delivered when God uses a nobody to declare the Word of healing to you? Are you willing to get delivered even if you must do something “beneath” your title, office, or position to get it? How Bad Do You Really Want To Be Delivered!? Because Naaman dipped seven times in the dirty Jordan River, will you quit at 2 because it’s just asking too much of you? But at least Naaman was above ground, dipped seven dirty times and came up clean, Jonah lies in the belly of a great fish for 3 days and 3 nights! Listen, if you can’t handle 7 dips, you’ll lose your natural mind over 3 days and 3 nights! So, how badly do you really want it to be delivered?</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Honestly, Do You have Enough Guts to get Dirty Before You get Delivered?! Can you Worship and Give Thanksgiving right in the Belly of the Fish, before you get set Free on Dry Ground?! Truth is, anybody can Worship and Give Thanks AFTERWARDS, But the Beginning of Deliverance is Doing It DURING?! And since we’re talking about Worship, how about we visit Jonah’s Church, enter into his Sanctuary, and take a good look around at What Jonah Worshiped in the Midst Of! Jonah 2:2-6, Describes Jonah’s Fish Temple of Worship: The Bible says, “In trouble, deep trouble, I prayed to God. He answered me. From the belly of the grave I cried, ’Help!’ You heard my cry. You threw me into ocean’s depths, into a watery grave, with ocean waves, ocean breakers crashing over me. I said, ’I’ve been thrown away, thrown out, out of your sight. I’ll never again lay eyes on your Holy Temple.’ Ocean gripped me by the throat. The ancient Abyss grabbed me and held tight. My head was all tangled in seaweed at the bottom of the sea where the mountains take root. I was as far down as a body can go, and the gates were slamming shut behind me forever…” (MSG).</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">And we think we’ve got problems? We have the audacity to complain about our church. Look at what Jonah worshiped in the midst of! Jonah worshiped amid fish guts and seaweed,</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Christians cancel their worship due to rolling eyes and attitudes; over what someone said or didn’t say; because they didn’t sing our song or preach you happy; because it’s raining outside; because they sat in our seat; because of what the doctors said. Tell yourself from this day forward, the devil is a liar! I’ll let nothing and no one cancel my worship again! Not their words, facial expressions, opinions, criticisms, discouragement, or bitterness! Why do I refuse to let it cancel my worship? Because I can say with Jonah, “…Yet you pulled me up from that grave alive, O God, my God! When my life was slipping away, I remembered God, and my prayer got through to you, made it all the way to your Holy Temple. Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love. But I’m worshiping you, God, calling out in thanksgiving! And I’ll do what I promised I’d do! Salvation belongs to God!” (vss. 1-9 MSG)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">If Jonah can worship God in the midst of all of this; surely, we can worship God in the midst of our situation! If Jonah Can Cry Out to God In the Midst of a Belly of Hell, Surely We Can Walk Into Our Pretty Sanctuary and Worship God? Surely! He lay in fish guts while we sit on cushioned seats, and we still can’t worship God? His music was the indigestion of a fish, while we have a whole minstrel section and yet we still can’t worship God. He was at the bottom of the ocean, and we sit elevated in our prestigious pulpit seating and yet we still can’t worship God? How is it that Jonah can give God his all right where he was, and yet there are believers who haven’t given God anything and they’re in a better position than Jonah?!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">And an added bonus: You don’t have to look for God in worship, if you worship, He’ll come looking for you! “…true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the FATHER SEEKS.” </span></span></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">John 4.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBKjyItUANUF5Cs1WsZgsn1RPsWn9Tir-ow=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/47mcRCe0Yr6F0H4b_BTVOA==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a></strong></p><h3 class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding: 0px;"><strong>ROKU, Cable & Online</strong></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</strong></h3><div><strong><br /></strong></div>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-95176161905736082023-10-23T06:32:00.004-07:002023-10-23T06:32:48.431-07:00The Mordecai Challenge Is This, Maybe Where You Are Right Now Is For: “This Very Purpose, For Such A Time As This. Many Of Us Want To Be ‘CHOSEN’, But What Happens When Our Being Chosen Comes With An Assignment We Didn’t Want To Be Called To? <div style="background-color: white; border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; padding: 0in;"><div style="border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); padding: 0in;"><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The </span></span></span></strong><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Mordecai Challenge</span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> Is This, Maybe Where You Are Right Now Is For: <em>“This Very Purpose; A Moment Like This; To Be Chosen As The Very One That God Has Brought To This Place, In This Position, For Such A Time As This.</em></span></span></span></b><em><b> </b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I Know Many Of Us Want Our ‘PURPOSE’ To Be Great, But What If Our Purpose To Serve Is In A Painful Place? Many Of Us Want To Be ‘CHOSEN’, But What Happens When Our Being Chosen Comes With An Assignment We Didn’t Want To Be Called To?</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Listen, I’ll be the first to tell you that my greatest moments in ministry have happened during some of the most difficult times. And yet, knowing that the Will of God for my life is being fulfilled does make those difficult moments all the more worth it. I even love the fact that God doesn’t snatch us out of every painful moment we experience because sometimes reconciling people requires you being able to relate to people, and truth is there are very few, if any people, walking around completely pain-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 12 months, and 366 days a year!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Never let a Moment of Misery cause you to lose sight of your Monumental Ministry given to you by God! Always Remember: You Were Rescued to Reconcile! You are where you are for a reason, and that reason is to be a Glimpse of God in someone else’s Gloom.</span></span></span></b></em><b> </b><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Y</span></span></span></b></em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #202124;">ou May Be Facing A Mordecai Challenge. You May Have Asked Yourself Why Am I Here? A Mordecai Challenge Is This. </span></span></span></b><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You are where you are to prove to those who are suffering in bondage, that God doesn’t even have to bring you OUT, He can bless you and make you more than A conqueror even while you’re still IN! You are where you are to encourage someone in knowing that despite all these things, God is still able!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Think about it: When your children or your marriage is in trouble, do you really want to talk to someone who has never had any issues in this area, or would you prefer to speak with someone who has been here, and can show you how to go through and come out of it?</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Esther 4:12-14, “When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai sent her this message: “Don’t think that just because you live in the king’s house, you’re the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” (MSG)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Maybe you’re a candidate for the </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Mordecai Challenge</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> where you are right now. And if you are, take a listen to the challenge found in </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Esther 4:12-14</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">, it’s where we find a Jewish young woman named Esther </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">providentially placed in the position </span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">of being Queen of Persia. </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">No one knows she’s Jewish, and she’s in this great position which her cousin Mordecai is asking her now to totally lay on the line.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">In a palace plot, Esther’s people-God’s chosen people-have been targeted for annihilation. Only Esther was able to get to the king and plead for the lives of her people. But the law called for anyone who went unbidden into the throne room of the king to be put to death. And Esther hadn’t heard from the king for a month. </span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Now here’s that </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Mordecai Challenge</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">, “…</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” (MSG) Varying translations say it like this:</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“And who knows whether you have attained royalty for such a time as this [AND FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE]?” (AMP);</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">The </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Mordecai Challenge</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> is this, maybe where you are right now is for: </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“this very purpose; a moment like this; to be chosen as the very one that God has brought to this place, in this position, for such a time as this…to save the lives of many?”</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Listen to what Paul said: “Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first, I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then He told me, my grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size – abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so, the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” (MSG)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">How amazing that with all the gifts we seek after in God, one of the greatest of the gifts is </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“…The Gift Of A Handicap To Keep Me In Touch With My Limitations…”</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Sometimes God lifts you up into high positions so you can get a better view of those living in low places.</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Therefore, the position is not so others can see you, but so you can see others who need a hand getting back on their feet. So don’t get lost in loftiness, you are positioned there not to push yourself up but to pull someone else up.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">Listen: Even Paul got to a point where he learned to stop focusing on the handicap and instead started appreciating the gift. </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And you need to learn to do likewise. Stop focusing on the pain, the hurt, the loss, the betrayal, the gossip, the discouragement, the abandonment, the loneliness, the failure, the disappointment, the grief, the anger.</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And instead start appreciating that God gifted you even in places such as these!</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> You don’t lose an ounce of your anointing because of attacks. Those are in fact the best places to continue to serve God, because it says in essence, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“I trust God even in this!”</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Example: Daniel 3:16-18, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” (MSG) you must reach this place in God where you KNOW He can deliver you, and yet maintain the conviction that even if He doesn’t, I’ll still serve Him and not Satan nor my Circumstances! You can’t grow having circumstantial conviction! You can’t believe God only when it’s good, you can’t believe God only on the mountain. You must determine to believe and trust God no matter what curve ball life throws you to knock you off your game!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Listen to Jesus speak: Matthew 26:52-54, “Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to My Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it must be?” (MSG)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You see, as believers, angels have been given a charge where we’re concerned: Psalm 91:11-13, “He ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes and kick young lions and serpents from the path.” (MSG)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And though we have all of this at our disposal, there are still times in which God will NOT deliver us because He’s using us as lifeboats to rescue someone else! Why is He using us in the storms of life? Because we’ve proven to Him that we’re anchored in Him! That’s why you must learn how to trust and rely on God even when you’re in a position that looks like it will cost you your life!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You must grow and mature into a place that says I’ll serve Him even though He slay me! </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Job 13:15, “I will continue to trust God even if He kills me…” (ERV) Are you at that place of trust? Will you trust God regardless of the diagnosis, the disease, the length of the depression, the divorce, the demotion, or the disagreement?</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Will you still trust God that He has your best interests at heart even when they lay you off, the kids stray, the finances dwindle to dust? Will you continue to trust God even if your loved one does not receive the healing? Will you still trust God when the church doors close, the house forecloses, the car is repossessed, and the business goes belly up? Will you still trust God like Paul? Will you still trust God like Jesus? Will you still trust God like Job?</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Luke 22:42 says, “He walked away, perhaps a stone’s throw, and knelt and prayed this prayer: “Father, if You are willing, please take away this cup of horror from Me. But I want Your Will, not Mine.” (TLB) Will you trust God enough to follow His Will, His Word, and His Way, even if you’d rather jump ship?! Do you trust God enough to continue to follow His plan even while you’re experiencing so much pain? Do you trust God enough to continue to pursue His purpose for your life though you keep running into problem after problem? Do you trust God enough to stay on track even when life keeps trying to derail you? Do you trust God enough, like Jesus, that in the very thick of your heartache, you kneel in prayer instead of prostrating in a self-pity party? Do you trust God enough to ask Him to take the cup of horror away from you, but if it’s not His will, you’re content enough to drink it?</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Listen, I’m not telling you this is easy, it can and will be difficult at times, but I will say this, I don’t regret it for one moment, I had the opportunity to pray with others, to share the promises of God, the salvation, healing and deliverance of God, the peace and joy of God. Isn’t that worth it?</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> “</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Even in this place, even under these circumstances, remember who you are. Remember why you’re there.</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">” Esther realizes she has been placed where she is to save lives and she risks hers to rescue them. And her people live because of it. Right now, God may be saying to you about your situation-where you work, where you go to school, the sport you’re in, the club you’re in, the neighborhood you’re in, the jam you’re in, “</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You have been put in this position for such a time as this. Use that position to tell people about My Son.</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> “</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I guess in a sense, we’re all Esther. God has placed us where we are to save some lives there; lives that Jesus died for. And God has put those people within your reach through your situation so you can rescue them. So…..how are you doing on the real reason you’re there?</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">That’s our job church, to employ more people in the Kingdom of God! To reach them, encourage them help them find restoration and redemption. We are assigned to bring life to a dying soul. We are to bring eternity to those who have no idea just how short the hour of salvation has become. That’s why we can’t afford to get distracted in the last days. There are too many souls on their way to hell instead of heaven because the church is too consumed with her own hurt! But we have no time to wallow when there are so many souls that are wounded and need healing from the only One who can mend the Broken-Hearted!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Whether we’re in poverty or prosperity; whether we’re in the pulpit or the pew; whether we’re happy or hurting; it’s all irrelevant when we’ve been giving a charge to keep! And yes, sometimes we will be called to fulfill that charge in pain, in hurt, in disgust, in betrayal, in failure, in suffering, in trials, in tribulation, in frustration, in confusion, in sleepless nights, in sickness, and yet, we still must keep the charge.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Look at it like this: Not one of us would take our car to a baker when it’s in trouble; we don’t take our plants to the zoo when they’re dying; we don’t go to the museum when the house is on fire. In other words, we take the issue to the appropriate person and place to get it fixed, restored, or healed. And believe it or not, but you are that person and place for someone. Someone needs your fractured pieces to become whole. When you go into the hospital it’s not because you need to be there, it’s because God needs you to be there for someone else. He needs you to be His mouth, His hands, His feet, and His soothing, comforting, and encouraging presence so that all will be well. You are where you are for a reason, and that reason is to be a Glimpse of God in someone else’s Gloom. When you show people that you don’t have to throw in the towel when tough times come, but that you can wipe your blood, sweat and tears, and remain in the fight, and even win it, that’s powerful! That’s encouragement, empowerment, inspiration, that’s purpose, that’s ministry! </span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">You are where you are so you can tell someone else: </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“NAY, IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE More Than Conquerors Through Him That Loved Us.” (Romans 8:37) The New Living Translation says it like this: “No, Despite All These Things, Overwhelming Victory Is Ours Through Christ, Who Loved Us.” (NLT) You are where you are to prove to those who are suffering in bondage, that God doesn’t even have to bring you OUT, He can bless you and make you a more than conqueror even while you’re still IN! You are where you are to encourage someone in knowing that despite all these things, God is still able!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So don’t walk out on the marriage just yet (your children are watching and listening); don’t leave the church just yet (the people of God are watching and listening); don’t quit the job just yet (the bosses and coworkers are watching and listening); don’t go into despair in the doctor’s office or the hospital (other patients are watching and listening). Your actions, words, and attitude show people how to go through and get through and not give up, give out, or give in. Many will follow your lead. Show them how to take it to prayer, show them how to praise and worship even with it, show them how to dance and sing even if you’ll cry later, show them how to rest in the Word of God no matter what the newspapers say from day-to-day. Show them your life of faith!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">People (saved and unsaved) are watching us and listening to us, let’s not mar the image and likeness of God that we are. Let’s not murmur, grumble, or complain. Let’s not have a pity party or live in a mansion of misery. Let’s show them how to keep showing up!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">God has placed us where we are for a reason, it is not by accident, and it is not without purpose and a plan. Therefore, don’t just sit there “</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Esther</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">”, but take a stand and do something that will better the lives of many.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Esther 4:15-17, “Esther sent back her answer to Mordecai: “Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you do this, I’ll go to the king, even though it’s forbidden. If I die, I die.”<sup> </sup>Mordecai left and carried out Esther’s instructions.” (MSG)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And 4 chapters later, with the very same verses reads:</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Esther 8:15-17, “Mordecai walked out of the king’s presence wearing a royal robe of violet and white, a huge gold crown, and a purple cape of fine linen. The city of Susa exploded with joy. For Jews it was all sunshine and laughter: they celebrated, they were honored. It was that way all over the country, in every province, every city when the king’s bulletin was posted: the Jews took to the streets in celebration, cheering, and feasting. Not only that, but many non-Jews became Jews—now it was dangerous not to be a Jew!” (MSG)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">It’s time we get to work, because there are people, countries, provinces, states, cities, and nations just waiting for us to remember Why We Are Here…to Fulfill the Great Commission! And unlike our jobs, we don’t get to use vacation, personal and sick time so that we can clock out and check out on ministry. We don’t get snow days. Conditions Should Never Compromise Our Commission, Call or Conviction! We are to be about our Father’s Business like never before. So, let’s clock in and work like we know the last hours are truly at hand…because they are!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">We are here for a reason, and it’s for the People’s Souls Not Our Personal Success, don’t lose Sight of that!</span></span></span></b></em><b> </b><em><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">You Are There For a Reason!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blessings</span></b></p></div></div><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J.P. Olson</span></b></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></b></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBIw2olUANUF5BAPeZ5svTqtmJGJzrTebH8=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/d_fW8u1TV_569-6KihKzxg==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</span></a></span></b></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ROKU, Cable & Online</span></b></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></span></h2>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-25902235484354140452023-10-16T06:21:00.004-07:002023-10-16T06:21:48.156-07:00The Greatest Cardiovascular Specialist You’ll Ever Encounter, Is Jesus. Enter Into His Waiting Room. When Life Caves In, He Comes To Us Not With Answers But With His Presence. He Will Search Our Heart. God Spells It All Out For Us In Psalm 23.<p> </p><div style="background-color: white; border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; padding: 0in;"><div style="border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); padding: 0in;"><h4 style="margin-top: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #373737;">The Greatest Cardiovascular Specialist You’ll Ever Encounter, Is Jesus. Enter Into His Waiting Room. </span><a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBKCEY9UANUF5ERvVpTRqwr5Q9A0AtzFX8Q=/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmV5aW50b3RoZXdvcmQuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLzIwMTYvMTEvd2hlbi1saWZlLWNhdmVzLWluLWhlLWNvbWVzLXRvLXVzLW5vdC5odG1s/_N_o2Vuqr1pKBcbpoGprGw==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">When Life Caves In, He Comes To Us Not With Answers But With His Presence.</span></span></a> </span></b></span></span></span></span><strong>He Will Search Our Heart. Father, Remove Any & Everything From My Heart That Displeases You. God Spells It All Out For Us In Psalm 23.</strong></h4><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">When God looks at your heart and examines your heart, He wants to know that His Son is sitting on the throne of your heart. God began to work on our hearts, He mended the hearts that were broken, and He renewed & restored the heart with life, purifying, and regulating the blood flow, He will regenerate the heart that is weak from stress, worry, and care of the world, hearts that are damaged from a life of self-destructive abuse. God goes in to cleanse our hearts so that we may serve Him and only Him. God looks at the heart of His children and He does not see the heart of the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. God is looking for pure hearts and He will revive and cleanse our hearts during this season of preparation.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">If you want to make it into heaven, you must get your heart right! Forgive, love, and treat people like you want to be treated. Pray for Jesus to teach you how to love, forgive, and have mercy like He does. The greatest Cardiovascular Specialist you'll ever encounter is Jesus! Give Him Your All. He will fix your heart if it's broken, hurting, or hardened. God looks at the heart, He wants to know does His Son sits on the throne of your heart or if are we just giving good lip service with our prayers. The worst thing you can do is to stand before the Lord unprepared. The Lord says...."Prepare them. I am coming quick!" We want many things, but God is EVERYTHING we need. In understanding this and being firm in our faith, I know that our heart's desires will also be granted. He is the source of everything we want and need. One area He starts preparing us is in Grooming.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">THE MASTER GROOMER: Sometimes Grooming hurts us in places where we are being groomed as well as pruned. God doesn't want us to hurt but He must remove certain things to groom us into His likeness.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">God knows how to prepare you for where He is taking you. You can call Him the Master Groomer because He will get you ready!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">1.) If you need to be tougher, He'll make you tougher!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">2.) If you need to be humble, He'll humble you!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">3.) If you need to be more spiritually grounded, He'll start disconnecting you from all relationships to where all you have is Him and the Word to look to temporary isolation!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">4.) If you need to be more discerning, He'll allow you to continuously get hurt by people until you learn to test the spirits!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">5.) If you need to learn forgiveness, He'll allow sickness/ailments in your body and not forgive you of your transgressions, until you start forgiving others!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">6.) If you're fearful, He'll put you in situations where the only choice you have is to fight and grow some courage!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">7.) If you're a negative spirit breaker, He'll bless the person you've been breaking down with right before you and put you in situations where you will need them, to put you to silence and change your heart!</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #373737;">When you are afraid trust in God. When you are not afraid, trust in God. When things go wrong remember Jesus is the bridge and the way back. God sees our hearts and knows exactly what we think and feel. Discouragement is not from God. God already has the solution. Can it be that simple? Yes, because there is no second-guessing in Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #373737;">When life caves in He comes to us not with answers but with His presence, which is the answer. What is God saying when He says "Be Still and Know That I Am God? The key phrase here is "Be Still. Be still and listen, be still and draw closer, be still and focus on Him. Psalm 46:10, be still and meditate on His word. There is no greater worship than giving God all of you. We can't watch TV for 3 hours then read the Bible for 3 minutes and expect to grow spiritually close to God.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #373737;">God is God and the Bible instructs us to come humbly into His presence. (1 Peters 5-6). The word humbly actually means to be close to the base, not too far above the plain or foundation. God is a welcoming Father who encourages us to come boldly into His presence.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #373737;">If you are struggling right now, remember this, God will provide. His ways are often different than our own, but He always provides. If God could close the mouths of Lions for David, Part the Red Sea for Moses, make the sun stand still for Joshua, send ravens to feed Elijah, open the prison door for Paul & Silas, put a baby in the arms of Sarah, raise Lazarus from the dead, then he will certainly take care of you. Nothing you are facing today is too hard for Him to handle.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #373737;">When the enemy brings hardships into your life, God has a way of taking that experience and turning it to your advantage. You may think that you've hit a dead end, but if you stay in faith, you will see God begin to open a new route. He'll put the right people in your path, the right opportunities, and the right circumstances to move you forward toward your God-given destination. In every situation that touches your life, God is there. His presence is there. Father, today search our hearts and remove anything that should not be in or on our hearts. Give me a clean heart, so that I may serve thee so that I can be used by Thee.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">God spells it all out for us in Psalm 23. </span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The Lord is my Shepherd: <b>*That's RELATIONSHIP! *</b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I shall not want *<b>That's SUPPLY</b>! *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">He makes me lie down in green pastures *<b>That's REST</b>! *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">He leads me beside the still waters *<b>That's REFRESHMENT</b>! *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">He restores my soul *<b>That's HEALING! </b>*</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">He leads me in the paths of righteousness *<b>That's GUIDANCE</b>! *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">For His name’s sake *<b>That's PURPOSE!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death *<b>That's TESTING</b>! *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I will fear no evil *<b>That's PROTECTION!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">For You are with me *<b>That's FAITHFULNESS!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Your rod and Your staff comfort me *<b>That's DISCIPLINE!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies *<b>That's HOPE!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">You anoint my head with oil *<b>That's CONSECRATION!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">My cup runs over *<b>That's ABUNDANCE!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life *<b>That's BLESSING!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And I will dwell in the house of the Lord *<b>That's SECURITY!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Forever *<b>That's ETERNITY!</b> *</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Face it, the Lord is amazing. *<b>TAKE YOUR GLORY LORD</b>*</span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J.P. Olson</span></b></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></b></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBKCEY9UANUF5ERvVpTRqwr5Q9A0AtzFX8Q=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/cBl2NtjGPg6gqtX5QKkklw==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</span></a></span></b></span></span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ROKU, Cable & Online</span></b></span></span></span></h2>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-31623513880459187232023-10-09T05:59:00.001-07:002023-10-09T05:59:59.446-07:00God’s Directions May Not Always Make Sense To Us. Listen To God’s Voice In Your Life. Why Did Gideon Put Out a Fleece? Putting Out A Fleece Is Not A Positive. On The Contrary, It Is A Sign Of A Lack Of Faith. Why Is God Patient With Our Lack Of Faith<p> <b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">God’s Directions May Not Always Make Sense To Us. Listen To God’s Leading Voice In Your Life. Why Did Gideon Put Out a Fleece? And Should We? Putting Out A Fleece Is Not A Positive. On The Contrary, It Is A Sign Of A Lack Of Faith. Why Is God Patient With Our Lack of Faith?</span></span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; padding: 0in;"><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">As Humans, We Are Short-Sighted And Weak. We Fall Time And Time Again When We Trust In Our Strength Instead Of Striving To Find And To Do God’s Will In Our Lives. Gideon Was About To Experience This Firsthand In His Life.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">When he heard this, Gideon must have thought, “Don’t you know how weak and afraid I am?” Of course, God knew this, but He chose Gideon anyway. God knows our personality and our weaknesses, our tendency towards sin. But it is not a mistake that He has chosen us.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Those who see themselves as the greatest, the strongest, the wisest will have a hard time hearing God’s voice above their high thoughts and opinions. However, those who are lowly, with open and receptive hearts, will be able to become God’s men of valor, ready to do His will.</span></span></b> <b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">The Bible story about Gideon is incredibly inspiring for all of us!</span></span></b> <b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">How would you feel leading 300 men against an army?</span></span></b> <b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">“The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor! You shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites!”</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></p><div style="border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); padding: 0in;"><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">An oppressed nation: </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Because the people of Israel had turned away from God, He allowed the Midianites to terrorize Israel for seven years, destroying their land and livestock. Judges 7:12 says the Midianites were “as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.” In their need, Israel cried out to God. In His mercy, God stepped in and decided that Gideon would lead the poverty-stricken, oppressed, fearful Israelites to victory.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">The uncertain leader Gideon took on the role reluctantly. He asked God for signs time and time again. First, the Angel summoned fire to consume the food Gideon had brought. Afterward, Gideon put out a fleece of wool on two consecutive nights, first asking for the fleece to be wet and the ground to be dry, then for the fleece to be dry and the ground to be wet.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Why Did Gideon Put Out a Fleece? And Should We?</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">It is time to put this whole “putting out a fleece” madness to bed. The expression “putting out a fleece” comes from Judges 6:33-40, where Gideon requests God’s guarantee of victory through two tests. Gideon puts a fleece garment on the ground in the first test and asks God to miraculously cause dew to only collect on the garment, not on the rest of the ground. Then, in the second test, Gideon reverses the test- now, he asks for the fleece to be dry and the ground to be covered with dew.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Many Christians have taken this narrative as a positive and adopted the practice of “putting out a fleece”- testing God to determine his will. For example, in a dating relationship, someone might say, “God, if they send me a card in the next 6 hours, then I’ll know you want me to marry them.” Nope! Let me be as transparent as possible: putting out a fleece is not a positive. On the contrary, it is a sign of a lack of faith. So, let us set the record straight on a few aspects of Judges 6:33-40.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Gideon was not asking God to reveal what he should do. God had already told Gideon what he should do by special revelation (Judges 6:14, 16). Gideon was trying to get a guarantee that the God who was speaking to him would grant him victory. This was a common practice in these cultures, but Gideon sought confirmation on his terms rather than God’s. Thus, Gideon’s test betrays a Canaanite theological perspective.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Gideon was trying to get a guarantee that the God of Israel was greater than Baal. This is the least known and yet most crucial piece of information regarding Judges 6:33-40. Baal was the Canaanite God of the storm (rain, lightning, etc.). In one Baal tale, his weakness results in a drought of both rain and dew. Baal’s daughter Talia is thought to be responsible for dew. Guess what the Hebrew word for dew in Judges 6:33-40 is? Tal. There is no doubt that Gideon here is testing God to see if he is more significant than Baal. Gideon (who fought with Baal in Judges 6:25-32) is not entirely convinced that Baal is not the real deal yet. So, the fleece tests result from Gideon’s Canaanite way of thinking, and his lack of faith in Yahweh, the God of Israel.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Putting God to the test is sinful. In Deuteronomy 6:16, God says, “You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.” In Judges 6:39, Gideon says, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me TEST just once more with the fleece.” Gideon even uses the same verb for testing found in Deut. 6:16. If we count Gideon’s request for a sign from God’s messenger Judges 6:17-18, he has tested God three times so far.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">So why does God put up with Gideon’s lack of faith? Why does he answer the tests? Why does he even offer a fourth sign later in Judges 7:8-14? The only answer to these questions is God’s covenant faithfulness or his grace. His condescension to Gideon’s Canaanite worldview is not meant to condone testing God or demanding signs. Instead, God’s patience shown to Gideon highlights the greatness of his grace towards both Gideon and Israel. He essentially holds Gideon’s hand throughout the entire process, thus addressing his lack of faith, faulty theology, and fear.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Yes, God is patient with our lack of faith, our faulty theology, and our fear. But the message is not to imitate Gideon but rather to learn about God and us from his experience. This narrative encourages us to believe in God without the extra drama. Once again, in Judges, Othniel’s simple faith stands out when contrasted with Gideon (Judges 3:7-11). Let us learn from Gideon’s experience. God is greater than any false God, he is able and willing to save, and he is motivated by his grace. Do not test God. Believe him.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Was God discouraged by these constant requests? Did He begin to reconsider His pick? No! All these signs and wonders occurred, giving Gideon the strength and faith, he needed! God refused to give up on Gideon, even when Gideon had given up on himself.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Fast forward to a short time later: Newly armed with the Spirit of the Lord, Gideon stands at the head of an Israelite force of 32,000 warriors. Now, this is a mighty army to be reckoned with! Then comes a new order from God: Everyone who is afraid should go home! God knew that Israel would claim the glory of victory, celebrating its strength instead of rightfully honoring God who was in command.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">“There are still too many!” Overnight, 22,000 of Gideon’s soldiers left. This must have been a severe blow to Gideon. As a leader of 32,000 men, he would have begun to think it was possible. But, with only 10,000 men, it was nearly impossible!</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Then God spoke again: “There are still too many!” Still too many? This new command went against all human reasoning! And that is precisely the way God wanted it.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p></div><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">First, some background: What exactly does the word judge refer to? In the Book of Judges, the term “judge” (<i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">shofet </span></i>שׁוֹפֵט) is not a magistrate or a judicial officer who sits in a court of law. Instead, this refers to a warrior whose victories over Israel’s enemies are deemed divinely mandated “justice.” The Period of the Judges was an interlude of approximately two centuries, beginning with the conquest of the Land by Joshua (1200 BCE) and ending with the enthronement of the first king of Israel, Saul (1050 BCE). This era was marked by anarchy and disunity, as the Israelites had not yet dominated all the indigenous Canaanite tribes, and authority was not centralized. The Bible clearly expresses a negative assessment of this period: “In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes.” (Judges 17:6). Because there was no central authority, leadership sprung up episodically in local chieftains known as judges, including Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Barak, Gideon, Abimelech, Jephthah, and Samson. The Harod Spring at the foot of Mount Gilboa in northern Israel, where Gideon tested his soldiers.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In chapters 6-8 of the Book of Judges, we read the story of Gideon combating the Midianites and Amalekites, two Transjordanian tribes who routinely crossed the Jordan River to raid the northern tribes of Israel.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Next, he takes his army to the Harod Spring and gives them an odd drinking test to further reduce the military to a core group of 300 elite fighters. Here is the passage which describes the ordeal:</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: 22.5pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: #990000;">So, Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog lap from those who kneel to drink.” Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.”</span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #990000;"> Judges 7:5-6 NIV </span></span></i></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are two groups of men: (1) the “lappers” and (2) the “kneelers.” The smaller group of 300 “lappers” are chosen to remain while the larger group of 9700 “kneelers” are sent home. But the exact details of how each group’s drinking style differs are confusing. We tend to picture the “lappers” lying on their bellies with their tongues in the water drinking boorishly like dogs, whereas the “kneelers” are genuflecting down on one knee politely using their hands as a cup. According to this interpretation, Gideon favored the “lappers” because they were less civilized, more animalistic, and perhaps even less intelligent than the “kneelers.” Thus, the opportunity for God to magnify his role in the victory becomes more significant.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">I want to suggest a solution. Regardless of which translation you choose to follow, I think that the phrase “lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps” is not meant to be taken literally. The “lappers” are not drinking in the same way that dogs drink. They do not insert their mouths directly into the water, as this is a very inefficient – even impossible – way for human beings to drink (try doing this without inhaling water through your nose!). Physiologically, humans cannot drink water exactly like dogs because their tongues function differently. A dog sticks his long tongue into a pool of water and curls it back and up to form a small cup. He then uses this “tongue cup” to scoop up a portion of water, then flicked back into the mouth. Human tongues simply cannot accomplish this feat, and the dog reference in verse 5 is therefore meant to be understood metaphorically. The “lappers” use a single cupped hand in the same way that a dog uses his tongue: to scoop up a portion of water and to flick it into their mouths quickly. Much water is lost in the process, but it is quick and easy. This would mean that the “lappers” are not lying on their bellies but rather crouching down, still standing on their feet. They remain alert and unexposed, which is crucial on the battlefield.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">The “kneelers,” by contrast, are </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">entirely prostrated, down on their knees beside the spring. They too drink by using their hands but in a different way: their two hands are joined to form a bowl from which they can comfortably sip. Although this is a better, less wasteful method of getting water into one’s mouth, the kneeling position leaves the soldier vulnerable to attack because he has his face to the ground. Thus, Gideon needed an elite force of 300 alert soldiers who would not endanger themselves by taking long water breaks. So, as far as they are dog-like, the “lappers” were not chosen because they were more vicious or vulgar than the “kneelers” but because they were less indulgent. Ultimately, however, the “lappers” were selected because they were the minority. From the outset, God indicates that he favors a small army of a few hundred instead of a few thousand to emphasize that the victory is due to divine providence, not a human achievement.</span></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 30px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">In obedience to God’s leading, Gideon took the army to the river to drink. Only those who lapped up the water with their tongues, drinking like a dog drinks, were allowed to stay, while everyone else was sent home. When the dust had settled, Gideon was left with only 300 men! </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">At this time, Israel had fallen into sin and idolatry, and—as a judgment—God permitted vast hordes of Midianites to invade their land each year and rob them of their harvest. One day, while Gideon was furtively threshing wheat in a winepress—to hide it from the Midianites—the Angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:11–12). The Lord saw Gideon quite differently from the way that he saw himself. Gideon saw himself as young, weak, and ineffective. Yet, the Lord hailed him as a “mighty man of valor.”</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><div style="border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); padding: 0in;"><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">The Lord then commissioned Gideon to lead Israel in the battle against the Midianites. In response, Gideon assembled an army by the well of Harod, with the Midianites encamped to the north. What were the numbers on both sides?</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Gideon’s army 32,000: Midianites 135,0002. Thus, Gideon, with 32,000 men, faced 135,000 Midianites. He was outnumbered by more than four to one. Imagine Gideon’s reaction when the Lord told him, “The people who are with you are too many!” (Judges 7:2). The Lord instructed Gideon to send away all those in his army who were fearful and afraid. As a result, 22,000 men departed, and Gideon was left with 10,000. At this point, he was outnumbered by more than thirteen to one. But God was not finished! To Gideon’s astonishment, He said, “The people are still too many.”</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Then He instructed Gideon to bring his men down to the water so that He might test them there by the way they drank from the water. All those who went down on both knees to drink were eliminated. Only those who lapped like a dog passed the test (Judges </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">7:4–7).</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">One Essential Character Requirement: </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">The test focused on one single character requirement: vigilance.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Picture first those who drank in the usual way. Laying aside their shield from the left arm and their spear—or sword—from the right arm, they went down on both knees and buried their faces in the water. In this posture, they were vulnerable to a surprise attack. They could not see any approaching enemy, nor did they have their weapons ready to use. In the time they took to get themselves ready, the enemy would have overcome them. What about those who lapped like dogs? When a dog drinks, it does not bury its nose in the water; it stretches out its tongue and laps the water up into its mouth, usually splashing some water around. How, then, should we picture the men who lapped? They went down on one knee only. Retaining their shield on their left arm, they set down their spear or sword beside them with the right arm. Then, with a cupped hand, they scooped up the water to their mouths. In this posture, they remained alert, constantly watching for any surprise attack. Their shields were already in position, and they could instantly pick up their spear or sword and have it ready to use. There was no possibility of the enemy taking them by surprise. Only 300 of Gideon’s men passed this second test. They were facing 135,000 Midianites. They were outnumbered 450 to one!</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">In the outcome, of course, Gideon and his 300 broke through the Midianites and threw them into total confusion. After that, other Israelites rallied behind them and inflicted a total defeat on the Midianites. The proportions are illuminating. Only 300 men fulfilled the qualifications for making the initial breakthrough. But once the breakthrough was made, thousands of Israelites were eager to pursue the fleeing Midianites.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">This whole account vividly illustrates how different God’s ways are from ours. Left to himself, Gideon would indeed have concluded, “The people with me are too few. I need to get reinforcements.” But God’s perspective was precisely the opposite. “The people with you are too many.” In the end, Gideon was left with less than one out of a hundred of those who initially joined him. For God, the question is not “How many people?” but “What kind of people?”</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">A Personal Assessment</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">In the light of this account, we each need to make a personal assessment. If God should gather an army today like Gideon, would I be one of the few who qualify? Or would I be like the first 22,000 who gave way to fear? Or like the second 10,000 who laid down their weapons and buried their faces in the water to drink? It is easy—and often normal—to bury our faces in the business of daily living; to be absorbed in all the practical needs that confront us every day; to forget that we are in a spiritual conflict with unseen forces of darkness who are continually watching for an opportunity to catch us unprepared.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">To maintain unceasing vigilance in every situation demands conscious, personal discipline. It goes beyond all our everyday concepts of Christian conduct and morality. Yet the New Testament clearly warns us: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). If we ignore this warning, we become vulnerable to subtle, unpredictable assaults of Satan.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Once again, God coaxed Gideon on. He instructed Gideon to spy on the camp, and here Gideon heard that the Midianite soldiers were also afraid. One spoke about a dream where a Midianite tent was knocked down by a loaf of barley bread. “This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon, the son of Joash, a man of Israel!” the Midianite soldier cried. “Into his hand, God has delivered Midian and the whole camp.”</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Hearing this renewed Gideon’s faith. With his 300 men armed with nothing more than trumpets and torches hid inside clay pitchers, the Israelites crept to the outskirts of the Midian camp. The Israelites broke the pitchers on the signal, revealing the torches, and blew their trumpets, yelling, “The sword of the Lord and Gideon!” Surprised and thinking, a large army ambushed them; the Midianites panicked, fighting against one another before eventually fleeing into the night. Their mighty strength had been overcome by a mere 300 men led by Gideon, a man of God.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">The 300 men were then divided into three groups of 100. Gideon had them put a trumpet in their hands which represents praise. Then he had them take an empty pitcher which represents the body. After the pitcher was emptied out, we must empty ourselves of the flesh, then they could put in the lamps which represent the Holy Ghost. So, Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: And the three companies blew the trumpets, and broke the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon. (Judges 7:19-20)</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Gideon and his men blew the trumpets first. They praised first and then they broke the pitchers; breaking the pitcher lets the light out. Breaking the pitchers represents us being broken in spirit; the Holy Ghost can then come out and shine to the world.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">The enemy had an interpretation of a dream that Gideon was going to defeat them, so when he and his men shouted, “the sword of the Lord, and of Gideon,” the enemy knew this was foretold.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath. (Judges 7:21-22)</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">When God Goes Into Battle, Victory Is Guaranteed! So, before you dare to doubt that you are well equipped and well able to win your every battle with God on your side, remember that the Battle is HIS, and HE has NEVER lost, and NEVER will!</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">This is an excellent example of people wanting to do something they were not called to do. They did what they were supposed to do, and it benefited all. We have people like that today that think their role assignment is not as important as others. When everyone does their assignment as they should, then the whole, body functions properly and the good of the body is served.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">When I began to do a study of how Gideon fought, the thing that stood out to me was, “they were faint, yet pursuing.” Many of us quit when we are tired. Yet Gideon’s army kept going. The enemy started with 130,000 men and 120,000 were killed leaving 10,000. The Lord did a great work when He took 300 of Gideon’s army and slew 120,000.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Hear His Voice. </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Listen to God’s leading voice in your life. As we go from day to day, we may feel like we come up against walls and insurmountable obstacles; moments when we see our <span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(229, 231, 235); padding: 0in;">enemy</span> – the sin that is rooted deeply in us – and we become tempted to feel afraid that we do not stand a chance to win this battle. But He knows who we are, and He has chosen us before the beginning of time to emerge as victors over our indwelling sin! When we put God in charge of leading our decisions, we will become conquerors, just as we read in the Bible story about Gideon! God had Already declared Israel the victor in battle. This was not about hoping and believing and wishing and praying that God would do something, it was walking by faith in what God had Already done!</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">And even though victory looked impossible for Gideon, God delivered with 300 men who followed Gideons orders that God had given him. With this being reiterated, it is vital that I give you an added admonishment: Make sure that everyone is with you, is with you! This needs to be of one accord! Look at it this way: You do not need to be on the East “Shouting”; with some on the West “Complaining”; some in the South “Murmuring” and some up North “Whispering Defeat”! This is important because 300 men GOES IN TOGETHER!</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">So, make sure you are not taking the wrong people right IN! Allow God to select them for you, His guidance never fails.</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Whether it is buying a house; a car; starting a business or ministry; beginning school; changing careers; Be Careful to Leave Pessimistic, Negative, Doubting, Fault-Finding, Complaining, Murmuring, Lazy People Behind! Because the reality is, this will not be your first, only, or last battle! Your faith will be stretched again! And there are some people who just barely made it by in this battle but will be a bigger danger than your enemies in your next attack! It is not enough to win the battle, but you must make sure you have the right soldiers!</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">Instead, take those who walk by faith, who depend on the Lord, who trust God, who believe in the Promises of His Word, those who actively open their mouths in a Shout of Faith knowing that God cannot lie and cannot fail! Take those who see what you see, because they will help you to seize what you see! Take those ready to fight, even if all they will have to do is hold a light! Take those equipped to go the distance, even on days when the journey does not look so victorious. Take those who do not get stuck in the bumps along the path. Take those who Shout in advance over Promises fulfilled! You need soldiers who are obedient, determined, those who know how to take orders (even when they make absolutely no sense). You need those who are not afraid to Advance, March, Blow Trumpets, Carry the pitchers and shout if needed! God is giving you the Victory, but that does not mean you get Lazy Soldiers!</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="border: none; padding: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1e2633;">This is about to be an All-Consuming Victory! You will Defeat the Enemy in Every Direction! So, look around you today and see who you have in your company! You cannot afford blind-spots, and doubters, you cannot afford distracted and easily deterred soldiers! This is about to be an “On Every Side” Victory, so you better make sure the folks you have on your side, are really On Your Side!</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blessings</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J.P. Olson</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBLgNI5UANUF5GkaQF18o3Y3VwaxV4hRf2o=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/tuNg7rZ6A5Ba_5NC2NwBig==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</span></a></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ROKU, Cable & Online</span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</span></b></span></span></span></p>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-46570528519311693162023-10-02T07:20:00.003-07:002023-10-02T07:20:56.799-07:00Listen: Your Worship Will Shift Atmospheres and Break Things Open. Dry Bones Will Come To Life, Mountains Will Move, Red Seas Will Part, And Hope Will Arise. Anything You Do That Brings Pleasure To God Is An Act Of Worship.<p><em style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Listen: Your Worship Will Shift Atmospheres and Break Things Open. Dry Bones Will Come To Life, Mountains Will Move, Red Seas Will Part, And Hope Will Arise. Anything You Do That Brings Pleasure To God Is An Act Of Worship. Can you imagine something being so important and vital to God that He comes looking for it? That He pursue it? He seeks after it Well, that’s the power and attraction of true worshipers. There is something so phenomenal about their worship, that God seeks for, looks for, goes after, and relentlessly pursues them. Reminds me a lot of ‘new love’. We go so out of our way when it’s ‘new love’. The phone calls are never-ending, the flowers flow in constantly, the ‘I love you are dear, genuine, passionate, and daily, the time together is precious, and you never want it to come to an end. You rearrange your entire schedule (and life) just to spend a moment with the one you love. You give everything to them because you love them. It’s new, exciting, fun, and life-giving. It brings you joy, happiness, and contentment, and you can’t stop telling everybody about somebody who has stolen your precious heart and refuses to give it back. You want to hold hands all the time, your intimacy knows no limits or boundaries. All because you love them. Often their response matches yours because when someone knows just how special, valued, cherished, treasured, important, and loved they are, they tend to give even more of themselves in return out of gratitude.</span></span></span></b></em></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I wonder what would happen if we would dare to love God like that? What would it be like for our worship to resemble that kind of ‘new love’ in word, thought, and action? </span></span></span></b></em></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">You can find in </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Isaiah 6</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> perhaps the greatest worship scene in the Bible. The prophet Isaiah says the following in </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Isaiah 6:1-4 “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw [in a vision] the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted, with the train of His royal robe filling the [most holy part of the] temple. Above Him seraphim (heavenly beings) stood; each one had six wings: with two wings he covered his face, he covered his feet, and with two wings he flew. And one called out to another, saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is filled with His glory.” And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, and the temple was filling with smoke” (AMP)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This is what you would call true worship! It is getting lost in the worth of who He is and being overwhelmed by His very presence.</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">It is the place where no flesh glories in His sight. It is the place where the true worshiper dwells.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">John 4:23-24, “But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (AMP)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">The </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">God’s Word Translation</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> says, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“…The Father is looking for people like that to worship Him…” (GWT). </span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">Then the </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Good News Translation</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> finishes like this, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“…God is Spirit, and only by the power of His Spirit can people worship Him as He is.” (GNT)</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">KEY: “…the Father SEEKS such people to be His worshipers…”</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">What would it be like for our worship to resemble that kind of ‘new love’ in word, thought, and action? </span></span></span></span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Instead of that old stale familiar ‘I still care about you, God’, kinda ‘love’. This sounds a lot like Revelation 2:4-5, “But you walked away from your first love—why? What’s going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you’ve fallen? A Lucifer fall! </span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">“Turn back! Recover your dear early love. No time to waste, for I’m well on my way to removing your light from the golden circle.” (MSG) I don’t know about you, but that encouraged me to love God afresh, with a NEW love! I want to be one of those true worshipers whom God pursues!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Could you imagine how relentlessly God would pursue us for rendering such worship on Him? If only we would give God even a tenth of what we give to people. Selah…</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">Which makes me wonder, if we spend no time with God, no time talking to Him and hearing from Him; if we spend no time in prayer, no time in His Word, no time in His Presence, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">how will we ever be able to worship Him in spirit and truth?</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> You can’t worship Him when you spend no worthwhile time with Him. How can we worship Him, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">by His Spirit,</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> when our Spirit takes no time to learn </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">who He is</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">? Which is hard to do in an era of the church that is “</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Praise</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">” focused…ONLY. Now, is there anything wrong with praise? </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Not!</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> From cover-to-cover of the Bible, you will hear about the praises rendered to our God and His favorable responses to them.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">HOWEVER, I’m afraid that we’ve become so Praise-Centered, that we no longer know how to get to the Core of Worship.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">There’s a wonderful new emphasis in many places today on </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">praise and worship</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">. And I for one certainly recall it being called “</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">devotion</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">”. You see, it was the time in my former church when the Deacons and Deaconesses led in prayer, praise and worship, and testimony service. It was a time when the people </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">remembered</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> to make the Lord the focus, and finally took time to </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">forget</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> themselves instead and experience just how big God is. People from all over the sanctuary would share what the Lord had done for them and their loved ones, their health, their employment, marriage, etc. It was wonderful, encouraging, empowering, motivating, faith-building, inspiring. We would sing, and clap and dance, and holler. </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">We would give God our best and noisiest praise! It was sort of our standing ovation for God! Much like the preparation for when A President is about to enter the room and speak.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Isaiah 6:5</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> says this, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Woe is me! For I am ruined, Because I am a man of [ceremonially] unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” (AMP).</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Worship is supposed to lead to REPENTANCE. When you are in the presence of the Lord, you should see His holiness and the sin that you have not dealt with. You need to make things right with this awesome God. Worship that doesn’t lead to cleaning up your sin is just dead-end applause, and we should not leave until God has spoken. Worship should remind us that we’ve sinned, it should convict us of our unrighteousness when we realize just how righteous He is. It should uncover our unholiness when we realize just how holy He is. Worship should challenge us to change for the better. Worship should remind us that although we serve an awesome, loving kind, and generous God, He is also HOLY.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Because it is written, “You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16 AMP);</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 AMPC)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This is how vital holiness is. </span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">We are to be holy because He Is Holy and without Holiness, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">No One Will EVER See Him.</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">So, when we worship God, it is a time of preparation to hear from God.</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> We enter that place of holy worship where we acknowledge that we are unclean and need to be bathed in His presence. We need to be made right. We need to begin again. Start afresh, start anew. We need to reevaluate ourselves, our attitudes, our speech, our thoughts, our deeds, our motives and intentions, our desires, our longings, our hearts. Because we need to hear Him, we must come close to Him, and have Him cleanse us and position us. </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Praise is wonderful, it gets us to the door, thanksgiving opens it up, worship allows us to enter in, and holiness allows preparation to hear God speak.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Isaiah 6:6-7, “Then flew one of the seraphim [heavenly beings] to me, having a live coal in his hand which he had taken with tongs from off the altar; and with it he touched my mouth and said, Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity and guilt are taken away, and your sin is completely atoned for and forgiven.” (AMPC)</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Verse 8 </span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">says, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“THEN I HEARD THE VOICE OF THE LORD SAYING, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (AMP).</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">A lot happens after the initial cries of “</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Holy, Holy, Holy”.</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> Just as a lot happens before Kings, Queens, and Presidents speaks. </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">There’s a process before the proclamation.</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> Isaiah didn’t get happy just because of who he was around (</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">the angels, or for us it’s other church folks</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">). He didn’t even get happy because of the ovation and applause (“</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Holy, Holy, Holy”, or for us it’s our Praise Breaks</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">). </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">But Isaiah declared his sin, I’m unclean and unholy. And since I’m in your presence and can hear you speak, I’m not stopping here, I’m not staying here, I’m leaving here changed and better.</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> And the very thing he declared was unclean </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(‘I’m a man of unclean lips’),</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> the angels touched him and gave a new declaration, “</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity and guilt are taken away, and your sin is completely atoned for and forgiven</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">.” And what happens after he confesses and gets cleaned up?</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">When we see our sins and receive God’s forgiveness, </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">then we should see the people who don’t have a Savior yet.</span></span></span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"> Our hearts should ache for those who haven’t seen the King. </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Worship is not just getting a good feeling because you get close to God. When you see the Lord, it will help you see the lost people who haven’t gotten close to Him yet.</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Worship that is worship will lead to repentance and then to evangelism.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“Here am I, Lord. I will go for You into the lives of the people around me who have yet to see the King as I have.”</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">We don’t get clean just to brag about our cleanliness. We don’t get clean just to hang around other clean folks. </span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">We get clean so we can go to them who are still in the filth of their sin, and we tell them I know a Man that can clean your sin better than Tide can clean your laundry! John 4:39-42, “Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him BECAUSE OF THE WOMAN’S WITNESS: “He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!” They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed for two days. A LOT MORE PEOPLE ENTRUSTED THEIR LIVES TO HIM WHEN THEY HEARD WHAT HE HAD TO SAY. They said to the woman, “We’re no longer taking this on your say-so. We’ve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He’s the Savior of the world!” (MSG) That’s what we’re supposed to do in church. Leave worship with the witness that I know a man that can save you, help you, heal you, deliver you, redeem you, forgive you! And that passionate witness will lead them to listen to Him for themselves. See, the people entrusted their lives to Him when they heard what He had to say. We stick around when Presidents, Kings, The Pope speaks because we want to hear what they have to say. Well, we need to learn to stick around Jesus to hear what He has to say! Why? Because there are far too many lives at stake without Him! And all they need is our witness after worship to lead them to the one who is still the truth, the way, and the light! Church, there is So Much More to the Reason We Worship!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Don’t lose the core importance of the Presence of God. It is not to tickle our ears or our fancy, it’s not hearing what we want to hear, it’s not about houses, cars, land, business opportunities, checks in the mail, job promotions, ministry elevations, and new spouses. It’s about becoming better. It’s about spending so much time with God that you finally start to sound like Him, walk and talk like Him, think and act like Him, reflect Him.</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">Acts 4:13, “They couldn’t take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. THEY RECOGNIZED THEM AS COMPANIONS OF JESUS, but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed! —what could they say against that?” (MSG)</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">Can you imagine spending so much time with Jesus that even when you’re not with Him, people can look at your life and lifestyle and see the evidence that you’re one of His companions?</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">Now this is what you can call a great witnessing tool! When you’ve been around Jesus so much so, that even unsaved folks will have no other choice but to say even they can see what being with Jesus has done for you!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">So, can people be able to look at you and see, recognize, be certain, know, and realize that you’ve spent time with Jesus?! Can they look at you and your lifestyle and be amazed and realize what being with Jesus has done for you? Because that’s the profound product of worship. You walk away reflecting His image and likeness, representing well His characteristics and glory.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">Can you imagine spending so much time with Jesus that even your speech betrays you?! Matthew 26:73, “A short time later those standing there came and said to Peter, “You must be one of them. The way you talk gives you away.” (CEB) Listen to these translations:</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">Peter couldn’t hide his Galilean accent; it came out naturally because it was a part of who he was, where he came from and who he’d been around. Do you spend enough time in worship in God’s presence, that you sound like God? Do you sound like you’ve been among believers and worshipers, praises, and faith walkers? Can people see the evidence of your Sunday worship still on you when you’re stuck in Monday traffic; Tuesday conflict; Wednesday stress; Thursday health decline; Friday failures; and Saturday temptations? Can they still hear you speaking faith and not fear; can they still hear your worship and not your worry? Do you still sound like you’ve been with the Savior, even when you’re in the presence of sinners? Or do you lie like Peter and say you don’t even know the man? Or worse yet, are you living so beneath the code of conduct lifestyle of a believer that you don’t even have to open your mouth and say the words, but your lifestyle speaks on your behalf that you don’t know the man? Don’t just talk about God, you ought to spend so much time with Him that you even talk LIKE God!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;">And then, what happens when your worship experience is written all over your face?! Exodus 34:29-35, “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai carrying the two Tablets of The Testimony, HE DIDN’T KNOW THAT THE SKIN OF HIS FACE GLOWED BECAUSE HE HAD BEEN SPEAKING WITH GOD. Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, saw his RADIANT FACE, and held back, afraid to get close to him. Moses called out to them. Aaron and the leaders in the community came back and Moses talked with them. Later all the Israelites came up to him and he passed on the commands, everything that God had told him on Mount Sinai.</span></span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> When Moses finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face, BUT WHEN HE WENT INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD TO SPEAK</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">WITH HIM,</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">HE REMOVED THE VEIL UNTIL HE CAME OUT.</span></span></span></b></em><strong> </strong><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, THEY WOULD SEE MOSES’ FACE, ITS SKIN GLOWING, AND THEN HE WOULD AGAIN PUT THE VEIL ON HIS FACE UNTIL HE WENT BACK IN TO SPEAK WITH GOD.” (MSG)</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #101517;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Is your time in God’s presence this evident in your life from day to day? Can people look in your face and see the Glow of God’s Glory? If not, get back to worship until it does!</span></span></span></b></em></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. Olson</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">www.journeyintotheword.com</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 10pt;">Join Journey Into The Word each Sunday morning at 5:30 AM CST & 6:30 AM EST on The Now Network <a href="https://cts.vrmailer3.com/click?sk=aj4QB2JgqjBKxro1UANUF5G2IPnz7nrq3DEiS8maYgmQ=/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVub3duZXR3b3JrLm9yZy8_ZmJjbGlkPUl3QVIyM180M1dfUGdGZ2htTVlyMXREMTlYWndKLW9VTkVzMnRrQlI4dEVyR3pIWlREcDVKTkF2c2Jjbms=/JEiAqQ5v-owQ8Lhpz1L2xA==&merge_field_type=(?x-mi:(?%3C=href=)%5B%5Cs%5D*%5B%27%22%5D(?%3Curl%3E%5B%5E%7B%22%5D.+?)%5B%22%5D)" target="_blank">http://www.theNOWnetwork.org</a></strong></p><h3 class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding: 0px;"><strong>ROKU, Cable & Online</strong></h3><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>https://www.thenownetwork.org/sunday</strong></h3>journeyintotheword.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01028848597949729262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914981008508045493.post-25025908128630515962023-09-25T05:57:00.002-07:002023-09-25T05:57:32.713-07:00If You Are Still Living: Then Disappointment Is Inevitable! Disappointment Does Not Cancel Your Assignment. Disappointed With Those You Look Up To: Disappointed In Those You Live With: You Are Disappointed In Those You’ve Poured Your Life Into:<p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Proverbs 13:12, “Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a…good break can turn life around.” People of God, disappointment does not cancel your assignment—nor does it close the door on God’s presence! So, go forth, </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">even during disappointment and do what He sent you to do! </span></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 12.85pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">If you are still living, then disappointment is inevitable! </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Disappointment does not cancel your assignment – nor does it close the door on God’s presence! You are </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">disappointed with those you look up to. You are disappointed in those you live with:</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"> You are disappointed in those you’ve poured your life</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"> <b>into: You’re disappointed in those you work with and depend on: Disappointment in ourselves! </b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Webster defines disappointment as, “When expectations fail to be met, producing anger, frustration, sadness, and discouragement.” With that said, here are some examples to help you when:</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">1.. YOU'RE DISAPPOINTED WITH THOSE YOU LOOK UP TO: Think of Samuel and Eli (1 Samuel 1-4). Samuel’s mother entrusted her child to Eli the High Priest, confident he would mentor and prepare him for God’s service. But Eli had a serious character flaw! He was a weak, passive parent who stood by while his own sons abused their priestly privilege, bringing shame and disrepute to the family and ministry! There is a very befitting quote that says, “He who thinketh he leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk.” (Author Unknown) I believe it is fair to say that Eli was “…only taking a walk.” I mean with a “mentor” like Eli, who would have even blamed young Samuel for taking a nosedive right into the very heart of immorality, when the man he looked up to failed him so badly?! But no, instead he fielded his disappointment and kept his eyes on God: The Bible says, “…Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him.” (1 Samuel 3:19). And as a result, God turned him into one of Israel’s Greatest Prophets! Henry Ward Beecher accurately stated: “Ones best success comes after their greatest disappointment.” Well Done, Samuel, Well Done!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So, how are we to deal with the disappointment we feel in those we look up to, that let us down? Because it is bound to happen at some point in life. Whether it is a parent, clergy, family, friend, business associate, spouse, governmental official, etc., we are bound to be let down by those we look up to. But does that give us license to lower our standards because they did not raise theirs. Absolutely Not! Samuel grew and the Lord was with him. You see, even when Eli messed up his Role, Samuel maintained his Character. He never attacked Eli, he did not bash him, he did not talk about him, he did not spread rumors, lies, gossip or even truth about him. No, Samuel just lived the life of a good leader, which reminds us that we can point fingers and lay blame, but where does that get us, even if we are in the right?! The better bet is to take the high road. Live right, think right, speak right, behave right, no matter how wrong your surroundings or the people in them. So, the next time someone you look up to lets you down, keep them in prayer and be a mirror to them showing them the reflection of what good (not perfect) looks like. Why? Because Eli died and missed out, but the person you look up to does not have to. So, share your heart with them gently and honestly, then whether they agree or disagree, you move onward showing everyone that you can learn a good lesson even from a bad example! Do not judge them, just refuse to make the same errors in judgment. You can do it; I know you can!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">2.. YOU’RE DISAPPOINTED IN THOSE YOU LIVE WITH: If anyone would not let you down, surely it would be your family, right? Wrong! Just ask young Joseph. When his father favors him, and God promised him a big dream, you would think his own blood brothers would celebrate him and celebrate with him! But instead, they responded with jealousy, anger, spite, bitterness, ridicule, and resentment, while dropping him in a pit, then selling him into slavery! Far from friends and home he languished in prison for a crime he did not commit! What an invitation to bitterness, and an opportunity to rehearse the wrongs done him while plotting his revenge. But if he had done that, he would have died an innocent, unknown convict in a foreign jail! Instead, he allowed God to vindicate him, using his circumstances to position, prepare and promote him to being Egypt’s Prime Minister—now that is how you deal with disappointment! Robert Kiyosaki said: “The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way.” Well Done, Joseph, Well Done!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So, how do you deal with family, your own blood, that stabs you in the back? What happens when the attack is from an assailant under your own roof? What do you do when it is your sibling that drops you in the pit, or your cousin that sells you out, or your auntie that lands you behind bars?! How do you recover when it was a relative that inflicted the hurt?! You do as Joseph did, you trust God throughout the entire process! Nowhere do we read that Joseph cried out ‘why me God’; he did not blame dad for not being there to protect him; he did not retaliate against the cupbearer who forgot him; he did not get angry with the whole world and try to issue his own form of the big payback. As he went from disaster-to-disaster God never left his side. In every bad, God produced something good. Now, is it easy, especially when it is blood, to just trust the vindication and vengeance to God alone? No! But it is the best way to handle it, to put what you will mishandle in the hands of God!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">In the end, those same relatives had to come and bow before Joseph, will that happen with you, probably not, but isn’t it worth it to trust God and let Him work? Maybe, just maybe, you will at least get the apology and more importantly, you will get the reconciliation. Take the high road my friends, even when it is family that is trying to drive you off course!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">3.. YOU’RE DISAPPOINTED IN THOSE YOU WORK WITH AND DEPEND ON: To succeed, you need people; you cannot make it without them! And when those people fail you, it is painful. Imagine Moses’ disappointment. He leaves his brother Aaron in charge while he attends a summit conference with God and receives the Ten Commandments. Returning, he finds Israel in anarchy, idolatry, and unspeakable perversion! And where’s Aaron, you ask? Leading the Rebellion! When Moses needs him Most, Aaron fails him Miserably! But watch Moses, true leadership shines even in darkest of disappointment! He confronts Aaron, takes the mess to God for resolution and prays forgiveness for Israel! God listens, then reminds Moses of his assignment! [It is disappointing, Moses, but…]– “…go, lead the people…my angel will go before you…” (Exodus 32:34 NIV). People of God, disappointment does not cancel your assignment—nor does it close the door on God’s presence! So, go forth, even during disappointment and do what He sent you to do! “Man must be disappointed with the lesser things of life before he can comprehend the full value of the greater.” (Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton). Well Done, Moses, Well Done! So, leaders, dare I even ask if you have ever been disappointed by your leaders? Surely you have, many of us have. But that does not mean you disown them; you do not give up on them; you do not give them the cold shoulder; you do not attempt to replace them; you do not ignore them; and certainly, you do not retaliate tit-for-tat with them!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">No, you follow Moses’ example. Take the issue before God! Let Him tell you how to handle it, not your ‘inner circle’; not your clique; not your buddies and pals; not people you know do not like them; and certainly, you do not attempt to get back at them from over the pulpit! Moses took the issue he had with Aaron his leader, to God. And God could have told Moses get rid of Aaron, you do not need him, you are the key person to this assignment anyhow. No, He simply tells Moses to not focus on the attack but on his assignment, “…go, lead the people…my angel will go before you…” Leaders, I do not have to tell you just how difficult it is to lead people, especially those who are stiff-necked, hardheaded, and rebellious! But do you get to retaliate? Nope! You are still held accountable for your leadership, your life and lifestyle and your responses to offense. Your character and integrity must remain intact.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">You must still be above reproach, even when those you lead keep falling under it! Yes, disappointment hurts, but you cannot let the wound infect your assignment. Do what Moses did, take it to God, receive His directives, and continue. Why? Because God said, “…go, lead the people…” which means others will be affected by how you respond when disappointed. Do not let childish immaturity be the only way your followers can describe your leadership. Handle it, rise above it, and keep moving the people forward! Do not mess up your ministry because you are mad!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">4.. YOU’RE DISAPPOINTED IN THOSE YOU’VE POURED YOUR LIFE INTO: Let us check in again with Moses, Founding Pastor of the First Church of the Critical and the Ungrateful, a congregation of former slaves, delivered, abundantly blessed, in route to the Promised Land, but without a shred of loyalty or gratitude for the man who put everything on the line to make it all possible! Fresh out of Egypt they turn on Moses, accusing, blaming, and berating him (Exodus 14). Was Moses disappointed and hurt by it? Sure, who wouldn’t be? But each time he wanted to quit he would discuss it with God, pray for his complaining flock, receive fresh orders from headquarters and return to work! It is what “God-Called” men and women do when they are disappointed and feel like giving up! “If you use disappointments as sort of mid-semester exams, for learning, you will learn that every disappointment you overcome makes you stronger—and wiser. The greatest success stories have been lived by those who had to grow strong and wise in that very way.” (Loretta Young). Once Again, Well Done Moses, Well Done! Leaders, once again I want to encourage you, because it is not easy to take one vision and try to get an entire house to see and follow it. I know it would be wonderful to have the whole house on the same page, however, realistically, our churches are family trees with a whole lot of mixed nuts! One person wants the school; the other person thinks the school will not work; the other person does not mind a school, but does not like the blueprint of the school, and all the while you wish you could throw all of them in detention and keep building the vision by yourself. But unfortunately, pastors, it does not quite work out that way.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We are a part of One body with many members, and every member is vital to the health and wellbeing of the whole. So even when it seems like you cannot get one good solid supporter, remember you always have God and with Him you are in the majority! Moses led a frustrated, frustrating bunch of complainers, but did he throw in the towel? No, and neither will you. Like it or not, but you will pour even more of your life into the people, and some of them have eternal leaks, but that is not your problem! Their capacity is for God to handle, you simply pour of yourself into them. God will never allow you to dry out and die, He will continue to replenish you, His Chosen Vessel of Honor. Therefore, understand that disappointment will visit, but do not let it move in! Stay the course, God has got you! </span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Now take a moment and look at 1 Samuel 15:10-12, “…God spoke to Samuel: “I am sorry I ever made Saul king. He turned his back on me. He refuses to do what I tell him.” Samuel was angry when he heard this. He prayed his anger and disappointment all through the night…” (MSG). As already stated, if you are still living disappointment is inevitable! But might I add, it is not ‘Impregnable’, which means ‘Unable to Overcome’! You see, when anger and disappointment threatened Samuel, he fought back in Prayer! If you are smart, you will do the same!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Disappointment only delivers a death blow to those who do not fight back! You can literally read those verses and feel Samuel’s anger, after all, do you know how mad you must be to pray angry and disappointed…All Through the Night? But sometimes prayer is the best thing, because when you are hurt, angry and disappointed, your mouth runs faster than your mind. So, you tend to say some things that you meant to say and a whole lot more that you did not! But when you empty all of that out to God in prayer, He is a master-sorter, He knows how to pick through that prayer for what is really needed. Therefore, no matter how great the disappointment, take it to God FIRST in prayer, even if you must enter your prayer closet hurt, disappointed, bitter, angry, confused, rejected, abandoned, used, betrayed, lied on, suicidal, take it all to God in prayer, even if that prayer will last long into the night!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Thank God, He never sleeps or slumbers! Take it to Him, then rest in Him, knowing He is going to bring something good out of your something bad! Now, we have talked about disappointment with those we look up to; those we live with; those we work with and depend on and those we have poured our life into. But there is one last disappointment I want us to dig into, and that’s:</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">5.. DISAPPOINTMENT IN OURSELVES! It is potentially the most debilitating kind of disappointment because it can throw you into a downward spiral that is hard to stop or recover from! Rollo May said: “Depression is the inability to construct a future.” And for most of us, who can tell the whole truth, we have had so many little disappointments along the way that we cannot even fathom a pencil- sketch of a big future! Well, there’s an even better quote that I want you to hold on to by Albert Ellis, he said: “You largely Construct your depression. It was not given to you. Therefore, you can Deconstruct it.” You see, mounting disappointments are a map with all directions pointing towards the destination of depression! But remember, anything you can CONSTRUCT, you can also DECONSTRUCT, or cause the destruction of”. The other definition I like is, “to dismantle and expose the workings of.” If you have built up and constructed disappointments in your life, you can also grab your toolkit and deconstruct those same disappointments. Take them apart, dismantle them and expose the works behind them, so you can ensure that what worked before in building that disappointment, will not ever work again! And even if “YOU” brought discouragement, disappointment and depression to yourself, there is still a way to recover! JUST ASK PETER! Peter had sworn undying love and fidelity to Jesus. “Lord, everybody else may abandon you, but not me! I’m yours till death.” (Read—Matthew 26:33- 75). And he meant every word of it! But under the pressures surrounding the crucifixion, he yields, and three times denies knowing Jesus. Later, remembering Jesus’ words, “Before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times,” Peter, heartbroken BY HIS OWN DISMAL FAILURE, “went outside and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:62 NIV).</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Have you ever been there, asking: “God, how can You possibly use someone as messed up as me?” I lost the job; I flunked out of school; I had this baby out of wedlock; I have a prison record; I fell off the wagon again; I’ve destroyed my finances; my health is falling apart; my marriage is on life support and we’re both ready to pull the plug; I can’t even remember the last time I prayed or fasted or studied Your word; I can’t remember the last time my hands clapped, my feet danced or praise was on my lips and worship in my spirit. Lord my family is a feuding mess; the loans were denied; the bills are about to drown me; there is so much to pray for regarding my kids, I do not even know where to start; my parents are getting sicker; God I cannot get two sentences to make sense in my head, Lord, why are you still trying to use me?!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Listen, Peter failed to meet his own expectations, but Jesus was never shocked! He was aware of Peter’s flaws when He called him into the ministry. He knew that His blustering, outspoken disciple had a tender heart, so He extended grace to him rather than remove him from office! And as disqualified as you may feel from all your disappointments in life, God is not going to remove you from office or your assignment either! When Christ gave post-resurrection orders to “…tell His disciples and Peter…” (Mark 16:7 NIV) to meet Him in Galilee, He reaffirmed His choice of the failed disciple! The rest of Peter’s story is New Testament History!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So, yes, You Can Recover Even from Disappointment in Yourself! Never forget, God is the Master Potter, and no matter how many times we His clay become marred in His hands, He never throws us away! We are never discarded! He simply molds us again into another vessel He can use again.</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">You are not strong enough on your worst day to dismantle God’s assignment on your life! Every day He gives you brand new mercies, and not so you can keep going over old disappointments. Friends, if last night was not your LAST night, God still has much in store for you! So, stop beating yourself up, sometimes God uses our greatest disappointments as reappointments to life and ministry! He has not given up on you, so do not give up on yourself! It is a new day, make a renewed you and fulfill your purpose in life! God is waiting to hand you your next assignment, now get back to work!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">We Are three months before we enter a new year, you can finish this year by overcoming and surviving every disappointment!</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“It is how you handle your disappointments that defines you as a person. If you get up after the fall or just lay, there in defeat.” (Author Unknown)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointments, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way.” (Paulo Coelho)</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Blessings</span></span></b></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; margin-bottom: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">J.P. 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