tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894703760011283452024-02-19T06:44:09.540-08:00God Is...Welcome to New Kingdom blog about how our everyday issues & situations relate to our relationship with God through our understanding of Theology. The Blog is simply titled God is... because we believe God is Love and love encompasses all things. Thank you for coming by and joining us on our journey we pray that your life may be enriched by something that is posted and shared here.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.comBlogger412125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-35180990379063091192015-12-03T18:13:00.001-08:002015-12-03T18:16:40.145-08:00Stepping out of my comfort zone...Into the faithful unknown!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://anempowerednewyou.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/comfort-zone1.gif?w=300&h=201" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://anempowerednewyou.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/comfort-zone1.gif?w=300&h=201" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: magenta; font-weight: normal;">It is with great amazement and joy that I find myself writing this today, almost two years. I truly believed that I had contributed my all and would not return to add to it. As time would tell here I am one more time, giving truth to the title for Today :Stepping out of my comfort zone...Into the faithful unknown. Living, Loving and Serving in Chicago is indeed amazing and as awarding as it is challenging. Nevermore so than the recent weeks filled with rallies, protest, firings and some positions being left void because of morality and elected officials doing the right thing. (prayerfully) All of the above mentioned supports the title for today's blog. Amid the chaos of this wonderful blue collar driven city, I find myself being driven/ forced out of my comfort zone, both emotionally and spiritually. Not knowing positively where I am being pushed to I have resigned to go with the flow faithfully into the unknown, trusting that God through the Spirit has already aligned all I need to positively effect change, evoke peace, and provide comfort to a city on the brink and a country reeling in despair. I have prayed for God to give me a proactive plan, coupled with a strategic agenda to combat the social and negative (isms) that affect our society. I remain steadfastly faithful that God will do just that enabling all who will hear to fight head on against the evils in Chicago and our nation. I believe that Peter and the 11 were given a glimpse of the unlimited power all believers possess in this passage of scripture as they too were forced out of their comfort zones into a place of trusting in God through Jesus not knowing the extent of God's ability.</span></h3>
<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.55em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-22" id="en-NIV-23620" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Jesus Walks on the Water<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23620Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23620Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23620R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23620R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<h3>
<span class="text Matt-14-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">Matthew 14:22-34 (NIV) </span></span></h3>
<span class="text Matt-14-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-23" id="en-NIV-23621" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23621S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23621S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Later that night, he was there alone,</span> <span class="text Matt-14-24" id="en-NIV-23622" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-25" id="en-NIV-23623" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-26" id="en-NIV-23624" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23624T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23624T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>they said, and cried out in fear.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-27" id="en-NIV-23625" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span>But Jesus immediately said to them: <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Take courage!<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23625U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23625U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> It is I. Don’t be afraid.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23625V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23625V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-28" id="en-NIV-23626" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-29" id="en-NIV-23627" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>“Come,”</span> he said.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-29" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-30" id="en-NIV-23628" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-31" id="en-NIV-23629" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“You of little faith,”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23629W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23629W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span>he said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“why did you doubt?”</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-32" id="en-NIV-23630" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">32 </span>And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-33" id="en-NIV-23631" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">33 </span>Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23631X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23631X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-34" id="en-NIV-23632" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">34 </span>When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-35" id="en-NIV-23633" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">35 </span>And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him</span> <span class="text Matt-14-36" id="en-NIV-23634" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">36 </span>and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23634Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23634Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and<u> all who touched it were healed.</u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-14-36" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Thank you God, for the encouragement that I have received today, through your scripture. Reminding me that when I step out of my comfort zone (the boat of daily routine) and trust in you, the winds of life (negative people /situations) will not prevail but allow me to be abler to reach many on your behalf offering healing to the individual, the community and indeed all who will hear and believe. Thank you lord, for being the guiding example. Amen </span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-48240325019331709772014-04-08T08:13:00.001-07:002014-04-08T08:13:28.936-07:00The Honest Christian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSThTqpgS5vOWKbn-OlNKYsWhITzIzDErzL3hE-nsF9eykHrJI1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSThTqpgS5vOWKbn-OlNKYsWhITzIzDErzL3hE-nsF9eykHrJI1" /></a></div>
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Luke 19 </h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)</div>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NRSV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h3>
<span class="text Luke-19-1" id="en-NRSV-25724"><span style="color: purple;">Jesus and Zacchaeus</span></span></h3>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="text Luke-19-1"><span class="chapternum">19 </span>He entered Jericho and was passing through it. </span> <span class="text Luke-19-2" id="en-NRSV-25725"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. </span> <span class="text Luke-19-3" id="en-NRSV-25726"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. </span> <span class="text Luke-19-4" id="en-NRSV-25727"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. </span> <span class="text Luke-19-5" id="en-NRSV-25728"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>When
Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus,
hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” </span> <span class="text Luke-19-6" id="en-NRSV-25729"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. </span> <span class="text Luke-19-7" id="en-NRSV-25730"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” </span> <span class="text Luke-19-8" id="en-NRSV-25731"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Zacchaeus
stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I
will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I
will pay back four times as much.” </span> <span class="text Luke-19-9" id="en-NRSV-25732"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. </span> <span class="text Luke-19-10" id="en-NRSV-25733"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”</span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="text Luke-19-10"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10">In today's text the people of Jericho had the nerve to become angry with Jesus decision to stay at Zacchaeus home, because most of them were "good" Hebrews and followers of Jehovah who would never be caught <b>PUBLICLY</b> in the company of a sinner like a lowly tax collector. </span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10">Today being a tax collector or working for the IRS is not frowned upon unless it's after April 15th. However in Jesus time Hebrew followers of God did not have to pay tax for religious reasons unless it was forced upon them which was considered horrible and sinful against God.</span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10">However as we continue to read the passage we see a truly eye-opening revelation. It's revealed that Zacchaeus, the presumed tax collector sinner was actually more righteous and honest of a person than the rest of the citizens of Jericho. Zacchaeus was so thirsty just to see Jesus that he climbed a tree, he was so eager to fellowship with Jesus that he welcomed Christ and his whole group into his home. Zacchaeus was so solicitous for a relationship with Jesus and a life change that he immediately gave an offering of half of all that he owned to the marginalized. </span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10">Wait and there's more, the truest revelation comes next when Zacchaeus reveals that he has not defrauded anyone and if he have ever cheated anyone out of anything let them come forward and he will pay them four times more. WOW! Because of all of this he is offered salvation and a chance to become a believer, the one whom people thought was dishonest was indeed the honest Believer/Christian.</span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10">As Christians this type of passage should inspire us to stop and think especially about those whom we judge and place labels on, we might be judging a Zacchaeus, we might be labeling the honest Christian. What would that say about us? Would we then be like the citizens of Jericho?</span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10">Dear God, thank you for challenging us and inspiring us to be better servants of you. Encourage us to inspire others. Amen.</span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10"><br /></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10">Be Well, Love Pastor Sirchester</span></div>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Luke-19-10"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-52651203243242436702014-04-07T09:33:00.000-07:002014-04-07T09:33:12.894-07:00Let others see the difference in you... <div class="heading passage-class-1">
<a href="http://www.threadless.com/imgs/products/708/636x460design_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.threadless.com/imgs/products/708/636x460design_01.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a><h3>
<u>Let Others See The Difference In You...</u></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;">1 Peter 1:22 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NRSV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<span class="text 1Pet-1-22" id="en-NRSV-30379"><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>from the heart.</span></span><br />
<span class="text 1Pet-1-22"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1Pet-1-22">Can I just be real....? Thanks I will. Over my life I have been hurt and have even had my heart broken by many peoples actions, painful words, gossip and hatred. The awful truth is that in most cases these were people who called themselves faithful Christians, family members and close friends. Sometimes the people that hurt you the most are the people closest to you. After being truly crushed a few years ago I decided that I would never hurt anyone and it became one of my life long endeavors to love and heal, so that no one else would have to feel hurt like I experienced. Therefore it tears me apart inside to this day when I see others hurting loved ones, family members and Kingdom members.</span><br />
<span class="text 1Pet-1-22"><br /></span>
Today's verse taken from Peters first letter to the Church reminds us to Let Others See The Difference In You. Since we are believers and we have been forgiven and reconciled through Jesus, we must let our obedience be shown true by our love for one another. We should be loving deeply from the heart, not the usual surface I love you out of convenience or because of what I aim to gain.<br />
<br />
I have<b> boldly</b> decided to love deeply with a radical and in-accusatory love, a non-judgmental love, a you are deserving of it love and a I love you because of your divine connection to God love. Are you able, are you willing to join in and let the difference be seen in you? Coach John Wooden reminds us that our character is of ultimate importance, <i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."</span></i><br />
<br />
Awesome Creator, please continually inspire your followers to let your true love be seen in us daily. Let us love unashamedly and forgive unapologetic-ally knowing whom we are and how you have called us to live?<br />
<span class="text 1Pet-1-22"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-5825399632626752842014-04-01T06:49:00.002-07:002014-04-01T06:49:30.618-07:00Making the request in the right way!<a href="http://conferenceservices.unl.edu/img/RFS/Request%20Icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://conferenceservices.unl.edu/img/RFS/Request%20Icon.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="text John-14-11-John-14-14" id="en-MSG-11462"><sup class="versenum">John 14:11-14 (The Message)</sup></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="text John-14-11-John-14-14" id="en-MSG-11462"><sup class="versenum">11-14 </sup>“Believe
me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe
that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will
not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way
to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing.
You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines
of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will
be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in
this way, I’ll do.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="text John-14-11-John-14-14" id="en-MSG-11462">This morning I am requesting some things from God, things for my life, my wife, our family and our ministry. As I pray and reflected this morning, I was reminded to make the right request and make them in the right way. Many times preachers and teachers twist the scriptures and the words of Jesus found in John 14:14. Where Jesus instructs the believers then and now that anything we ask in his name we will receive. While this is <b>100% true</b>, we must ask for things that are in accordance to God's will, this is what I call making the right request. Then when we ask for things according to God's will we are invited to ask in Jesus name, this is what i call making the request in the right way. Family trust that God wants to bless each one of us, but take time and focus on what God really want's to give you and then make your request known to the Lord. Remember God is not a genie who grants unlimited wishes, but our awesome creator who wants us to live out our created purpose.</span><br />
<span class="text John-14-11-John-14-14" id="en-MSG-11462"><br /></span>
<span class="text John-14-11-John-14-14" id="en-MSG-11462">Be Well, Pastor Jackson</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-71224077784429954652014-03-28T07:59:00.001-07:002014-03-28T08:12:04.046-07:00Reach for your True Blessing<h1 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h1>
<div class="display-passages passages-single" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div class="content-wrapper" style="float: left; width: 731px;">
<div class="content-col" style="margin-right: 230px; min-height: 300px;">
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style">
<a href="http://megnocero.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/endless_blessings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://megnocero.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/endless_blessings1.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a>Today I am sending you encouragement, and the blue print to being truly blessed. Psalm one is the blueprint.<br />
<b><i> </i>1) Be careful who you surround yourself with. </b><br />
<b>2) Be careful of what you let rent space in your mind.</b><br />
<b> 3)Be sure to gauge your production. </b><br />
<b>4) Be sure not to waste time on unlike minded people. This is the key to unlocking a truly blessed life.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%202&version=NIV" style="color: #b37162; display: inline !important; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; height: 25px; letter-spacing: -0.2em; line-height: 0.5; text-decoration: none;" title="Go to Psalm 2">New International Version (NIV)</a></div>
<div class="passage-wrap" style="float: left; margin-top: 15px; width: 501px;">
<div class="passage-left passage-class-0" style="display: inline; float: left; width: 501px;">
<div class="passage version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h3 class="psalm-book" style="font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Ps-1-1" id="en-NIV-13941">BOOK I</span></h3>
<h4 class="psalm-book" style="font-size: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Ps-1-1">Psalms 1–41</span></h4>
<h3 style="font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Ps-1-1" style="color: #cc0000;">Psalm 1</span></h3>
<div class="poetry" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-1-1" style="color: #cc0000; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">1 </span>Blessed is the one<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13941A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-1" style="position: relative;">who does not walk<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13941B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> in step with the wicked<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13941C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-1" style="color: #cc0000; position: relative;">or stand in the way<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13941D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> that sinners take<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13941E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-1" style="position: relative;">or sit<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13941F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> in the company of mockers,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13941G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-2" id="en-NIV-13942" style="color: #cc0000; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>but whose delight<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13942H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span> is in the law of the<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13942I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-2" style="position: relative;">and who meditates<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13942J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span> on his law day and night.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-3" id="en-NIV-13943" style="color: #cc0000; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>That person is like a tree<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13943K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span> planted by streams<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13943L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span> of water,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13943M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-3" style="position: relative;">which yields its fruit<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13943N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> in season</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-3" style="color: #cc0000; position: relative;">and whose leaf<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13943O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span> does not wither—</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-3" style="position: relative;">whatever they do prospers.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13943P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-1-4" id="en-NIV-13944" style="color: #cc0000; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Not so the wicked!</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-4" style="position: relative;">They are like chaff<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13944Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-4" style="position: relative;">that the wind blows away.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-5" id="en-NIV-13945" style="color: #cc0000; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>Therefore the wicked will not stand<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13945R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span> in the judgment,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13945S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-5" style="position: relative;">nor sinners in the assembly<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13945T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> of the righteous.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-1-6" id="en-NIV-13946" style="color: #cc0000; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>For the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> watches over<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-13946U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span> the way of the righteous,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-1-6" style="position: relative;">but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.</span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-1-6" style="position: relative;">Be well, Love P.J.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-67639137298575288092014-03-27T06:22:00.002-07:002014-03-27T06:22:28.049-07:00A Loving Reminder<a class="passage-parallel-button" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%203&version=MSG;NIV" rel="nofollow"></a><div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Titus 31-11 </h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
The Message (MSG)</div>
</div>
<h3>
<span class="text Titus-3-1-Titus-3-2" id="en-MSG-12673">He Put Our Lives Together</span></h3>
<div class="first-line-none chapter-1">
<a href="http://freyelementary.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54eecb7b48834019b028b070c970b-pi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://freyelementary.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54eecb7b48834019b028b070c970b-pi" height="320" width="214" /></a><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span class="text Titus-3-1-Titus-3-2"><span class="chapternum">3 </span><sup class="versenum">1-2 </sup>Remind
the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready
to lend a helping hand. No insults, no fights. God’s people should be
bighearted and courteous.</span></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span class="text Titus-3-3-Titus-3-8" id="en-MSG-12674"><sup class="versenum">3-8 </sup>It
wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of
sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on
our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving
Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing;
we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out
of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior
Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our
relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life
to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span class="text Titus-3-8-Titus-3-11" id="en-MSG-12675"><sup class="versenum">8-11 </sup>I
want you to put your foot down. Take a firm stand on these matters so
that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the
essentials that are good for everyone. Stay away from mindless,
pointless quarreling over genealogies and fine print in the law code.
That gets you nowhere. Warn a quarrelsome person once or twice, but then
be done with him. It’s obvious that such a person is out of line,
rebellious against God. By persisting in divisiveness he cuts himself
off.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Titus-3-8-Titus-3-11" id="en-MSG-12675">Greetings in the name of God our awesome creator. Today's text from the epistle to <b><i>Titus</i></b> is a loving reminder from the Apostle Paul with final instructions to people of faith and the way. It was important then and is still important now that we take time often to stop and remind ourselves of who we are, where we have come from and what God has done in our lives. So that when we step out each day we will be lovingly patient and wise enough to cutoff situations and people who are hellbent on negativity and chaos.</span><br />
<span class="text Titus-3-8-Titus-3-11" id="en-MSG-12675"><br /></span>
<span class="text Titus-3-8-Titus-3-11" id="en-MSG-12675">So today take time to reflect and remember the person and mindset that you used to have. Then praise God for the person and mindset that currently occupies you now. Finally live out your love and understanding so that it may be contagious to others you encounter today.</span><br />
<span class="text Titus-3-8-Titus-3-11" id="en-MSG-12675"><br /></span>
<span class="text Titus-3-8-Titus-3-11" id="en-MSG-12675"><br /></span>
<span class="text Titus-3-8-Titus-3-11" id="en-MSG-12675">Be Well, Pastor Sirchester Jackson </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-4863320107604945942014-03-26T09:54:00.001-07:002014-03-26T09:54:07.752-07:00Why Are You Studying, What Are You Studying?<h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text John-5-31"><br /></span></h3>
<h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text John-5-31">John 5:31-40 (NIV)</span></h3>
<h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text John-5-31" id="en-NIV-26242">Testimonies About Jesus</span></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-31"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26242AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text John-5-32" id="en-NIV-26243"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">32 </span>There is another who testifies in my favor,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26243AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span> and I know that his testimony about me is true.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7YWFmGzImThrLTJTxFsSNIjul7Gz2SqmJTebt51nnA9iD-X-P" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7YWFmGzImThrLTJTxFsSNIjul7Gz2SqmJTebt51nnA9iD-X-P" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-33"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-33" id="en-NIV-26244"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">33 </span>“You have sent to John and he has testified<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26244AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></span> to the truth.</span> <span class="text John-5-34" id="en-NIV-26245"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">34 </span>Not that I accept human testimony;<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26245AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></span> but I mention it that you may be saved.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26245AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text John-5-35" id="en-NIV-26246"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">35 </span>John was a lamp that burned and gave light,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26246AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></span> and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-36"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-36" id="en-NIV-26247"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">36 </span>“I have testimony weightier than that of John.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26247AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></span> For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26247AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></span>—testify that the Father has sent me.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26247AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></span></span> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-37"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-37" id="en-NIV-26248"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">37 </span>And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26248AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></span> You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26248AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></span></span> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-38"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-38" id="en-NIV-26249"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">38 </span>nor does his word dwell in you,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26249AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></span> for you do not believe<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26249AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></span> the one he sent.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26249AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></span></span> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-39"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-39" id="en-NIV-26250"><b><u><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;">39 </span>You study the Scriptures<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26250AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></span> diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26250AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></span> These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,</span></u></b><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26250AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></span></span> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-40"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-40" id="en-NIV-26251"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">40 </span>yet you refuse to come to me<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26251AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></span> to have life.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-40"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-40">Today's text reminds us just to stay focused! We study the bible because the bible points to God through Jesus. Through Jesus we live forever.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-40"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-40"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text John-5-40">Love Pastor Sirchester, Be Well</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-3083703232306550102014-03-24T06:00:00.002-07:002014-03-24T06:12:04.544-07:00Liberating Moments!<h3>
<span class="text 1Sam-16-1" id="en-NIV-7597">1st Samuel 16</span></h3>
<h3>
<span class="text 1Sam-16-1" id="en-NIV-7597">Samuel Anoints David<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thehealthygamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thehealthygamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/freedom.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></h3>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-1"><span class="chapternum">1 </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”</span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-2" id="en-NIV-7598"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-2">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.’</span> <span class="text 1Sam-16-3" id="en-NIV-7599"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-4" id="en-NIV-7600"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Samuel did what the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-5" id="en-NIV-7601"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-6" id="en-NIV-7602"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s anointed stands here before the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><b><u><i><span class="text 1Sam-16-7" id="en-NIV-7603"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>But the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> looks at the heart.”</span></i></u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-8" id="en-NIV-7604"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has not chosen this one either.”</span> <span class="text 1Sam-16-9" id="en-NIV-7605"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> chosen this one.”</span> <span class="text 1Sam-16-10" id="en-NIV-7606"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has not chosen these.”</span> <span class="text 1Sam-16-11" id="en-NIV-7607"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-11">“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-11">Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-12" id="en-NIV-7608"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-12">Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text 1Sam-16-13" id="en-NIV-7609"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 1Sam-16-13" id="en-NIV-7609">On this day of March 24th 1837 Canada gave Black people the right to vote and they were celebrating a liberating moment! All the while right next door in America the relatives of those same Black people were still enslaved in chains. In today's text I want to look at two brothers Eliab and David. Eliab was the oldest of the eight brothers sure to one day gain his fathers blessing and majority of the inheritance, while David was the youngest brother and did not have much to look forward to in the future except working for and serving his brothers. Surely David knew that his portion of the inheritance would be little if any and by default he would look to his brothers for generosity. All of this would become the norm except God! God sends the prophet Samuel to mix things up, God sends Samuel to liberate David from the least among his family to the King of God's people. This transformation does take some time but it happens nevertheless and soon David's liberating moment leaves Eliab behind still serving his father Jesse and still serving in the Kings Army under Saul and then David.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 1Sam-16-13" id="en-NIV-7609">It's Amazing how God can transform our situations because of <u><i><b>where our hearts are.</b></i></u> David indeed had a heart full of love and compassion for all creation. I'll leave you with this</span>...<span class="text 1Sam-16-13" id="en-NIV-7609">what happened to David's youthful heart? After slaying Goliath, viscous pursuits from Saul, troubling conversations with Jonathan and hiding out in caves? What condition is Davids heart in when he later sees Bathsheba in 2nd Samuel 11? </span>John Dalberg-Acton pinned these words "<b>Power</b> tends to corrupt, and <b>absolute power corrupts absolutely</b>. Great men are almost always bad men." Family we must first allow our hearts to be filled with LOVE, secondly we must guard that love always from each and everything that seeks to corrupt it, this will ensure our eternal liberation.<br />
<br />
Be Well, Love Pastor Sirchester<br />
<h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span dir="auto"><br /></span></h1>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-89504737829958629352014-03-21T07:49:00.003-07:002014-03-21T07:49:59.188-07:00What Happens When Things Don't Work Out Like We Planned?<h3>
<span class="text Phil-2-12" id="en-NRSV-29387"></span></h3>
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Philippians 2:12</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNHVEXGXFaSa_4pzKAJjv78M5SDoHKa54XhyphenhyphenGuF3JQHgE5XyXKTg70if4S4ed8tF1aS4cWWtjh_1mhY6MrNWFWnF646RhvDBHNzdJIxMB3qjreSByILURpwf8FztbAFM3HkC1iQih0EzB/s1600/detour.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNHVEXGXFaSa_4pzKAJjv78M5SDoHKa54XhyphenhyphenGuF3JQHgE5XyXKTg70if4S4ed8tF1aS4cWWtjh_1mhY6MrNWFWnF646RhvDBHNzdJIxMB3qjreSByILURpwf8FztbAFM3HkC1iQih0EzB/s1600/detour.png" /></a></div>
<h3>
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)</h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;">12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, <i><u>work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.</u></i></span></h3>
<h3>
What happens when thing's don't work out like we have planned? If we are truthful to ourselves then we can admit that there are many times in our daily lives when things do not go as we have planned them to. Every day we make schedules and set plans in motion, some go on exactly as we pictures while others experience major detours. </h3>
<h3>
For those who believe in God and choose to live for God the same detours pop up in our spiritual lives. Each day we awaken truly deciding to walk in righteousness with our creator and then the detours pop up, detours of temptation and sin, detours of anger and vanity. The Apostle Paul writes reminding the Church of Philippi and the Church of today that each and every day we must continue to <u style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red;">"work out your own salvation with fear and trembling".</span> </u> Paul's instruction remains very valid. Each believer must be careful to always strive to be better daily while walking in fear of becoming over confident and arrogant in our salvation. We must also know ourselves enough to walk in trembling avoidance of the things that test and tempt us. </h3>
<h3>
Dear God, gives us the strength to truly look inside of ourselves and be honest with what temps and test us. So that we may be able to work out our salvation daily, enabling us to always walk in righteousness with you. Amen.</h3>
<h3>
Be Well, Love P.J. </h3>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-63707068485632616272014-03-18T12:55:00.000-07:002014-03-18T12:55:21.198-07:00Well Informed Voters... Election Day<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text 2Pet-1-5" id="en-NIV-30485"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> 2 PETER 1 (NIV)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text 2Pet-1-5"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text 2Pet-1-5">5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30485M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-6" id="en-NIV-30486"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>and to knowledge, self-control;<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30486N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> and to self-control, perseverance;<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30486O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span> and to perseverance, godliness;<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30486P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-7" id="en-NIV-30487"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30487Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-8" id="en-NIV-30488"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30488R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span> in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30488S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-9" id="en-NIV-30489"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30489T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30489U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text 2Pet-1-10" id="en-NIV-30490"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: white;">10</span><span style="background-color: yellow;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: yellow;">Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30490V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span> and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30490W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: yellow;"> <span class="text 2Pet-1-11" id="en-NIV-30491"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30491X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></span> of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="text 2Pet-1-11"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Today many informed voters are making there way to polling places and ballot boxes eager to make their democratic mark in selecting their favorite or choice political official. Many people like myself enjoy the opportunity/ right to take part in this system. Voters hope that the candadite they select will have our best interest and concerns at heart. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">God is </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRM4SvcMb9bMFZZ6RgXPAmObxeXIze1aqOMsHwECNfpk3v_OJ2mp5InwAz_RU-61jnRuma5EsPY90a3LeN53y_ARyWNj7iXilKadyIbWActN14vnmUO9VAd6g1jBst_f0tEcODaA_Nuip/s3200/102213a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRM4SvcMb9bMFZZ6RgXPAmObxeXIze1aqOMsHwECNfpk3v_OJ2mp5InwAz_RU-61jnRuma5EsPY90a3LeN53y_ARyWNj7iXilKadyIbWActN14vnmUO9VAd6g1jBst_f0tEcODaA_Nuip/s3200/102213a.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-32903758917593264382014-03-05T04:46:00.000-08:002014-03-05T04:46:00.428-08:00Day of Ashes (Ash Wednesday)<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<a href="http://stjohnsstpaul.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Ash-Wednesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://stjohnsstpaul.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Ash-Wednesday.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><h3>
Job 42 </h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
New International Version (NIV)</div>
</div>
<h3>
<span class="text Job-42-1" id="en-NIV-13924">Job</span></h3>
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Job-42-1"><span class="chapternum">42 </span>Then Job replied to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>:</span></div>
<div class="poetry top-1">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Job-42-2" id="en-NIV-13925"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>“I know that you can do all things;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-2">no purpose of yours can be thwarted.</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-42-3" id="en-NIV-13926"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-3">Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-3">things too wonderful for me to know.</span></span></div>
</div>
<span class="text Job-42-4" id="en-NIV-13927"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-4">I will question you,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-4">and you shall answer me.’</span></span><br /><span class="text Job-42-5" id="en-NIV-13928"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>My ears had heard of you</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-5">but now my eyes have seen you.</span></span><br /><b><span class="text Job-42-6" id="en-NIV-13929"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Therefore I despise myself</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Job-42-6">and repent in dust and ashes.”</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Job-42-6"> </span></span></b>Usually in most Western Ash Wednesday service marks the beginning<br />
of the Lenten season following Fat Tuesday, the Church invites the congregation to come and receive the imposition of ashes, before to receiving the Holy Communion. The ashes are then impositioned (applied) in the shape of the cross on the
forehead of each person, while speaking the words, from dust you are and to
dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19). The words God spoke
to Adam and Eve after they had eaten of the forbidden fruit in the garden leading to the fall and sin of humankind. For us Ash Wednesday's imposition
of ashes reminds us each of our sinfulness and mortality. Therefore each of us needs to repent and and grow closer to God. The cross of Easter reminds us of the good news that through
Jesus Christ crucified there is forgiveness for all sins, all guilt, and
all punishment, which if we choose can lead us to eternal life.<br />
<br />
<b> This day of Ashes what are you repenting for, what are you turning away from?</b> How are you turning and growing closer to God? In the text from Job verse 6, after Job has been questioned by God he responds by admitting his lack of knowledge and guilt. Job has to remember his role as created verse God's role as creator, and he responds by saying he will repent in dust and ashes. Other examples are found in Ester 4, and Ezekiel 27:30 of repenting and mourning through wearing ashes and sackcloth.<br />
<br />
As for me, I wear ashes today to remember the sacrifice that Christ made and the sacrifice that God has called me to make as a Christian. <b>Today for me is one of true repentance for my failures and sin as well as reminder that God has <u>created me for a special purpose which I must continue to press toward.</u></b><br />
<br />
Be Well, Love Pastor Sirchester.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-71091289195751382622014-03-04T09:15:00.000-08:002014-03-04T09:15:15.666-08:00Do we ever play favorites in Church? Share what you think?<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">
James 2</h3>
<div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px;">
New International Version (NIV)</div>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h3 style="font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Jas-2-1" id="en-NIV-30295">Favoritism Forbidden</span></h3>
<div class="chapter-1" style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Jas-2-1"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; font-size: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">2 </span>My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30295A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30295B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text Jas-2-2" id="en-NIV-30296"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in.</span> <span class="text Jas-2-3" id="en-NIV-30297"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”</span> <span class="text Jas-2-4" id="en-NIV-30298"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30298C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> with evil thoughts?</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Jas-2-5" id="en-NIV-30299"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> to be rich in faith<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> and to inherit the kingdom<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span> he promised those who love him?<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text Jas-2-6" id="en-NIV-30300"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>But you have dishonored the poor.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30300I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span> Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30300J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text Jas-2-7" id="en-NIV-30301"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?</span></div>
<span class="text Jas-2-8" id="en-NIV-30302"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </span><span style="font-size: small;">If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourseequality whom loves us. Therefore we must be people of love, justice and equality.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> are doing right.</span></span> <span class="text Jas-2-9" id="en-NIV-30303" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>But if you show favoritism,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30303L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span> you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30303M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Jas-2-10" id="en-NIV-30304" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30304N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30304O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Jas-2-11" id="en-NIV-30305" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”</span><span class="text Jas-2-11"><span style="font-size: 23px;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">also said, “You shall not murder.”</span><span style="font-size: 23px;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Jas-2-12" id="en-NIV-30306"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>Speak and act as those who are going to be judged<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30306R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span> by the law that gives freedom,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30306S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text Jas-2-13" id="en-NIV-30307"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30307T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> Mercy triumphs over judgment.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Jas-2-13"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Jas-2-13">Family remember we serve a God of justice and equality</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-79496433605432768322014-03-03T12:58:00.000-08:002014-03-03T13:00:34.992-08:00What's On Your Mind?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrgkHbkeCoIha8D_4vi4RldPMaGWn0GXREiN1HwP33gDVS6xuZ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrgkHbkeCoIha8D_4vi4RldPMaGWn0GXREiN1HwP33gDVS6xuZ" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finance/Money, Bills, Relationships, Career, Repairs, Family,Health, Afterlife, God, Lust, Desire, Food, Possessions? What's on your mind? In our modern society we are almost force fed various images daily on top of the regular issues and situations we already have to deal with. Thanks be to God who always has a handle on things even when our mind is wondering God remains in control.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are <span style="color: #cc0000;">your ways my ways,” declares the </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Isaiah%2055:8-9" style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" title="Isaiah 55:8-9">Isaiah 55:8-9</a><span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=31" style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" title="New International Version">NIV</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here in Deutero-Isaiah, we see the prophet writing during exile reminding</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the people to remain hopeful and faithful. Isaiah is encouraging the people to trust that God has not left them and despite the current circumstances of chaos, there is a brighter future destined for them from the one who truly provides. God! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes we allow our mind to wonder in the same ways, and God even today uses others to remind us that we must also remain hopeful and faithful. Indeed there is a brighter future destined for you and I also from the one whom truly provides, our Savior GOD!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Loving God, today relax our minds and ease us from the anxieties, worry, stress and various things that take our focus away from you. Allow us to have peace and rest in you, keeping our relationship with you on our minds. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-66157600218570070552014-02-25T13:13:00.000-08:002014-02-25T13:20:30.382-08:00Who's Side Are You On?<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px;">
Joshua 5</div>
<div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px;">
New International Version (NIV)</div>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Josh-5-13" id="en-NIV-5948">The Fall of Jericho</span></h3>
<span class="text Josh-5-13"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5948A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>standing in front of him with a drawn sword<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5948B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”</span><br />
<span class="text Josh-5-14" id="en-NIV-5949"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5949C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> to the ground<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5949D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord<span class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-5949a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+5%3A13-17&version=NIV#fen-NIV-5949a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> have for his servant?”</span><br />
<span class="text Josh-5-15" id="en-NIV-5950"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>The commander of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.”<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5950E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> And Joshua did so.</span><br />
<span class="text Josh-5-15"><br /></span>
<span class="text Josh-5-15"><br /></span>
While watching the movie Gangs of New York, there is a scene towards the end where different groups are praying to God. Each group has their own agenda and is asking God to be in their favor and grant them victory over the enemy.People all around the world pray this way daily for victory in certain areas. Some pray to win the war others pray for wealth, health or self. Many times we pray not realizing that our prayer might bring sorrow or pain to others yet we remain convinced that God is on our side.<br />
<br />
<br />
The truth of the matter is that God remains on the side of justice, love and truth<span style="font-size: 16px;"> .We must always remember this as we pray. </span><br />
<span class="text Josh-5-15">In the text Joshua ask whom side are you on and the reply is neither. God can not be wooed or corrupted.Therefore our job is to make sure that we are always on the right side. The right side of God and the right side of justice, love and mercy. This is a lesson Joshua quickly learned and we must apply daily.</span><br />
<span class="text Josh-5-15"><br /></span>
Be Well, love PJ.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-10793514900314631402014-02-24T08:25:00.001-08:002014-02-24T08:25:36.372-08:00Your steps were ordered before your birth...<a href="http://www.dmconfidential.com/wp-content/uploads/Steps-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dmconfidential.com/wp-content/uploads/Steps-up.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Your steps were ordered before your birth, have you been following them? </span><br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Jer-1-4">Jeremiah 1:4-9 & 29:11</span></h3>
<h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Jer-1-4" id="en-NIV-18951">The Call of Jeremiah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</span></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Jer-1-4"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>The word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came to me, saying,</span></span></div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Jer-1-5" id="en-NIV-18952" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>“Before I formed you in the womb<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18952G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span> I knew you,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Jer-1-5" style="position: relative;">before you were born<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18952I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span> I set you apart;<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18952J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Jer-1-5" style="position: relative;">I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18952K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span>”</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="top-05" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: -0.5em;">
<span class="text Jer-1-6" id="en-NIV-18953"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>“Alas, Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,” I said, “I do not know how to speak;<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18953L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span> I am too young.”<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18953M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Jer-1-7" id="en-NIV-18954"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>But the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.</span> <span class="text Jer-1-8" id="en-NIV-18955"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Do not be afraid<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18955N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> of them, for I am with you<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18955O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span> and will rescue<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18955P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span> you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18955Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Jer-1-9" id="en-NIV-18956"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> reached out his hand and touched<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18956R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span> my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18956S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span></span><span class="text Jer-1-10" id="en-NIV-18957"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>See, today I appoint you over nations<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18957T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> and kingdoms to uproot<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18957U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span> and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Jeremiah%2029:11-13" style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" title="Jeremiah 29:11-13">Jeremiah 29:11-13</a><span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=31" style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" title="New International Version">NIV</a></span><br />
<br />
Today take some time out and reflect on your life, opportunities and decisions. Take a mental picture of the course of you life and determine if you are following the path God has placed before you. If you are press forward, if your not take note of what you need to do to get back on course and do some navigational course correction.<br />
<br />
Be Well, Love P.J.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-41976497210279338072014-02-20T08:13:00.001-08:002014-02-20T08:15:59.838-08:00Tired of Potholes? <div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #5c1101; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.illinoisobserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ChicagoPotholes-660x330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.illinoisobserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ChicagoPotholes-660x330.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></h3>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h3 style="font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Ps-32-1" id="en-NIV-14357"><span style="color: #20124d;">Psalm 32 (NIV)</span></span></h3>
<h4 style="font-size: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Ps-32-1"><span style="color: #20124d;">Of David. A <i>maskil.</i></span></span></h4>
<div class="poetry" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="text Ps-32-1" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">1 </span>Blessed is the one</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-1" style="position: relative;">whose transgressions are forgiven,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-1" style="position: relative;">whose sins are covered.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14357A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-32-2" id="en-NIV-14358" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Blessed is the one</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;">whose sin the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> does not count against them<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14358B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;">and in whose spirit is no deceit.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14358C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="text Ps-32-3" id="en-NIV-14359" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>When I kept silent,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14359D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-3" style="position: relative;">my bones wasted away<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14359E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-3" style="position: relative;">through my groaning<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14359F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> all day long.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-32-4" id="en-NIV-14360" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>For day and night</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-4" style="position: relative;">your hand was heavy<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14360G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span> on me;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-32-4" style="position: relative;">my strength was sapped<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14360H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-4" style="position: relative;">as in the heat of summer.<span class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14360b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+32&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14360b" style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="text Ps-32-5" id="en-NIV-14361" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>Then I acknowledged my sin to you</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-5" style="position: relative;">and did not cover up my iniquity.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14361I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-32-5" style="position: relative;">I said, “I will confess<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14361J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-5" style="position: relative;">my transgressions<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14361K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span> to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.”</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-32-5" style="position: relative;">And you forgave</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-32-5" style="position: relative;">the guilt of my sin.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div class="poetry" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;">Living in Chicago you get accustomed to the arrival of climatic winter weather followed by the pothole invasion. Each and every year navigating your way around potholes while driving becomes a sport of Olympic proportions within the city. Eventually the weather will change, the snow will melt and one day before the end of summer (most of) the potholes will be filled just in time for winter to come again. </span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;">In today's text David is singing to God confirming how blessed he is to be forgiven and a child of God. Just like every year in Chicago I know the potholes are coming, I also know that at times I will have potholes of sin pop up in my life. David reminds us that it's God who forgives the potholes of sin in our lives, when we go to God in humble repentance. The good news is that God forgives immediately and completely, and eternally. We don't have to wait for the seasons or weather to change nor does God leave any hole unfilled.</span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;">What potholes of sin are you awaiting God to fill in your life, is today your day to invite God to come in and fill the potholes? God is the ultimate sin cover-er all we must do is call on God and ask. God is waiting!</span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;">Be Well, Pastor Sirchester</span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-32-2" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-67013507055434241242014-02-18T12:23:00.003-08:002014-02-18T12:23:53.794-08:00Remaining Positive<a href="http://lymeinside.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/pos-2.jpg%3fw=490" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lymeinside.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/pos-2.jpg%3fw=490" height="400" width="298" /></a><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Romans%208:38-39" style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" title="Romans 8:38-39">Romans 8:38-39</a><span style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=31" style="background-color: #eee8dd; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" title="New International Version">NIV</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Remaining positive in our world is one of the hardest things to do. We live among constant pessimist, tragedy, fear and turmoil. Yet we know they we should live optimistic lives. Many of us wake up daily with the decisive mindset that "Today Will Be A Good Day", somehow between waking up and returning home events transpire that have entirely shifted our mindset, leaving us depressed and disillusioned. Knowing this we must find strength in something that enables us to still live optimistic and positive lives despite what the world hurls at us daily. We must find something key to our remaining positive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our text today is taken from Paul's letter to the Church in Rome. Apostle Paul reminds us that even when the world seems to get the best of us during times when death is at our door and when we are broken, stressed or penniless it not over. To remain positive, remain convinced that even though what we see is disheartening remember that God is always with us. Because God is always with us and is never separate from us, we understand that everything we go through God goes through. Every negative and hurtful situation God is in the midst and will bring us safely through. This should remain our bedrock plumb-line to enable us to remain positive in the face of adversity. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Because I am convinced of God's everlasting love and loyalty for me, every day is a positive one. Despite what the day may bring and even my own failures I am convinced that God is</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> invested in my success. Family I invite you to do the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Be well, love Pastor Sirchester.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-47928622643746670082014-02-12T05:23:00.003-08:002014-02-12T05:23:35.660-08:00Everyone won't understand!<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3oqPnRhIj5AdfJH5BGTlpAzhIIN4jr3D3lVjq-cZtJB0ZTxvlxzOcGdR1CzwLf47aX9rpLGIyOzOQ4vc5eCHu57nlsONARYy49CwCCvBoWNsKjk8Yjz9iFFIp-yO_Q7tFTHgvflQt-dQ/s1600/Bethlehem+Inn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3oqPnRhIj5AdfJH5BGTlpAzhIIN4jr3D3lVjq-cZtJB0ZTxvlxzOcGdR1CzwLf47aX9rpLGIyOzOQ4vc5eCHu57nlsONARYy49CwCCvBoWNsKjk8Yjz9iFFIp-yO_Q7tFTHgvflQt-dQ/s1600/Bethlehem+Inn+2.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a><h3>
<span style="color: #660000;">1 John 3 </span></h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
<span style="color: #660000;">New Living Translation (NLT)</span></div>
<div class="txt-sm">
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="passage version-NLT result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<div class="top-1 chapter-1">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text 1John-3-1" id="en-NLT-30541"><span class="chapternum">3 </span>See
how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and
that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t
recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.</span> <span class="text 1John-3-2" id="en-NLT-30542"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>Dear
friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us
what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be
like him, for we will see him as he really is.</span> <span class="text 1John-3-3" id="en-NLT-30543"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text 1John-3-4" id="en-NLT-30544"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.</span> <span class="text 1John-3-5" id="en-NLT-30545"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him.</span> <span class="text 1John-3-6" id="en-NLT-30546"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.</span></span><br />
<span class="text 1John-3-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-3-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-3-6">Johns words for reflection this morning remind me that everyone won't understand or get our lifestyle as children of God. We will always encounter people on both side of the spectrum and everywhere between. We will encounter people who expect us to be perfect and others who will question our devotion to God in worship, praise and daily life. This is because as John says we "recognize that we are God's children" so there is something different about us. While we are not perfect we aspire to live a life free from sin and of love. The fact that we devote time to spend with God and abstain from things that would cause us physical or spiritual harm we still live fun and fulfilling lives. </span><br />
<span class="text 1John-3-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-3-6">Today as we walk outside our homes to face the world, remember who you are and whose child you are. When others approach you making decisions about who you are based on your faith recall today's reflection, and remind yourself that everyone won't understand us or our way of life.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-3-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-3-6"> P.S. Still take a moment to witness, testify or spread words of encouragement and evangelism with whomever you encounter.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-3-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-3-6">Be. Well, Pastor Sirchester. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-67263569476807077022014-02-11T12:20:00.002-08:002014-02-11T12:21:51.320-08:00Your mind is a terrible thing to waste!<h3>
<a href="http://attractionmarketingbiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/innermind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://attractionmarketingbiz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/innermind.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span class="text Eph-4-17" id="en-NLT-29250">Ephesians 4:17-23 (NLT)</span></h3>
<h3>
<span class="text Eph-4-17">Living as Children of Light</span></h3>
<div class="first-line-none">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span class="text Eph-4-17"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.</span> <span class="text Eph-4-18" id="en-NLT-29251"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>Their
minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives
because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against
him.</span> <span class="text Eph-4-19" id="en-NLT-29252"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><span class="text Eph-4-20" id="en-NLT-29253"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.</span> <span class="text Eph-4-21" id="en-NLT-29254"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,</span> <span class="text Eph-4-22" id="en-NLT-29255"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.</span> <span class="text Eph-4-23" id="en-NLT-29256"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.</span> <span class="text Eph-4-24" id="en-NLT-29257"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Eph-4-24"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-4-24">Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus and is instructing them to remember who they are and from where they have come. The apostle urges the church not to conform to the popular and public acts of sin commonly committed by others but to remember the fresh truth they have learned from Christ Jesus. In other words Paul is challenging the church to use their minds and rely on their common sense to guide them in their daily lives. Brothers and Sisters we are also called to do the same, especially in a society that tells us instant gratification should be our goal. We must not be swayed by popular music, television ads nor public perceptions of acceptability. Our moral and social plumb-line must remain based in Christ.</span><br />
<span class="text Eph-4-24"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-4-24"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-4-24">I pray your day is unbelievably amazing. Love P.J. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-38892716885438870772014-02-10T16:27:00.001-08:002014-02-10T16:27:24.369-08:00Are you ready to sit at the adult table?<span class="citation" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="citation" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="citation" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">1 Corinthians 3:1-9 </span><span class="citation" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;"> (NRSV)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3:1 And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3:2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready,</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3:3 for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations?</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3:4 For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely human?</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3:5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3:7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3:8 The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3:9 For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbdx3BTDXmbmIp-rWp94Lb-emgoLWHSD9FWcVrZrV6Cv-rszyz7J9S-lEj8FYVzhqZU43WGdPxeC-qgqhqP4uUSwnjP9ryUxTB0ovBPieYR1cpp9t7XhDhj3zNLwzLPOsjq9zr2Mjb6Yf/s1600/the+adult+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbdx3BTDXmbmIp-rWp94Lb-emgoLWHSD9FWcVrZrV6Cv-rszyz7J9S-lEj8FYVzhqZU43WGdPxeC-qgqhqP4uUSwnjP9ryUxTB0ovBPieYR1cpp9t7XhDhj3zNLwzLPOsjq9zr2Mjb6Yf/s1600/the+adult+table.jpg" height="400" width="346" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Vividly I remember family gatherings and holidays with more food and deserts then could be humanly consumed by any amount of people lees than an army regiment. As a child anyone under 16 would have to sit at the children's table. Gathering after gathering as I grew older what used to be a fun experience began to seem like an sentence of incarceration. By the time I was 14 I begged my grandmother to allow me to sit at the adult table. Her reply was that I was not yet ready to take my place at the adult table. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">I had a conversation recently with a disgruntled churchgoer, whom was upset because of all of the arguments, backdoor conversations and undermining of leadership in the church. His plea reminded me of Apostle Paul's words to the church of Corinth shared above, and furthermore allowed me to reflect on my grandmothers words in my youth. I understand Paul and my grandmother essentially saying the same thing and asking the same question. For many church members the desire to lead ministries, boards and hold positions of authority are warranted. However we must be ready to sit at as well as head those tables. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">My grandmother knew that I was not ready to sit at the adult table, not because I was not big enough or able to eat without messing up the good tablecloths. I was not ready to sit at the adult table because I could not yet </span></span><u style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><i>productively participate</i></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> in the adult conversations and issues. Paul posed the same question in verse 4, when he ask why are you fighting and arguing among one another over small issues even to the point of who is better, more accurate and most holy as it pertained to him and Apollos. Paul counts such behavior as childish in God because it is God who has called all according to God's purpose. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Paul invites us to grow into accountability and spiritual maturity in God, by focusing on the big picture of where truth growth and order comes from. True growth and order does not come from the praise team, preacher, or Sunday school teachers. It comes from God. So why waste our time having childish fits on who is the best and brightest among our church. Instead let's decide to prepare ourselves to sit at the adult table and begin to have adult conversations as leaders of the church. Then our language will change and our love will increase. We will began to settle issues with compassion and lead in a new evangelistic and developmental way for the body of membership. Where each and every ministry has nothing but the best teachers and leaders among us, because we are all the best among us, because we are all one TEAM.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Are you ready to sit at the adult table? I know that I am. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Dear God grant us the wisdom to come together as one body on one accord, lead us and guides us into spiritual maturity so that we can work on your behalf kingdom building.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Be well, P.J.</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-67291299469632415342014-02-07T09:33:00.001-08:002014-02-07T09:35:26.185-08:00Theft Protection Plan<a href="http://www.devconsecurity.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Home-Security-Fortress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.devconsecurity.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Home-Security-Fortress.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Let those who love the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NIV&search=Psalm%2097:10" title="Psalm 97:10">Psalm 97:10</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=31" title="New International Version">NIV</a><br />
<br />
<br />
In a recent conversation a collage of mine was speaking about how he has never been afraid when doing God work in the streets of Chicago. He mentioned brushes with gang members, visits into project crack houses and tense prison situations. Immediately Psalm 97 came to mind as I was reminded that as servants of God we have the best theft protection plan. In a society where we are so caught up and concerned with protecting our stuff, we purchase on-star systems for our cars, ADT security alarms for our houses, bank vaults for our money, software protection for our computers and even travel protection when on trips. When I look at it all I am amazed at how much money we actually spend on protection.<a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/09/09/the-cost-of-keeping-your-home-safe" target="_blank"> "Overall, Americans spent about $20.64 billion on home security systems in 2011, the most recent figures available, according to the business research firm MarketsandMarkets. And the industry is expected to continue to grow to $34.46 billion by 2017." via http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/09/09/the-cost-of-keeping-your-home-safe</a> I understand the need to be safe and protect the things we love, but we invest so much time and money in things that don't make us better people. God is the one who protects, loves and keeps us. Wouldn't we grow closer to God and one another while making a bigger impact on our world by investing more in the marginalized people among us.My point is that we have the power through God to curtail crime and theft in our communities but we have to be willing to sacrifice for one another and give to those in need eliminating the desire to steal for survival. I choose to put more time and energy in trusting God as my theft protection plan and loving my neighbor from this day on.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your weekend. Love P.J. <br />
<br />
*I understand some people steal out of greed and various other issues. This blog is only directed at those who steal out of necessity and in order to survive in society.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-25779121438134953422014-02-05T10:28:00.001-08:002014-02-05T10:28:47.590-08:00The Good Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f17/Icedragon38/thomas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f17/Icedragon38/thomas3.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
Prayerfully each and every person takes time out often to reflect on their heritage both genetically and spiritually. However in America this month extra emphasis is placed upon the African American experience as February has been dedicated as Black History Month.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lately I have been reflecting on the struggles of people of color over the last 4000 plus years. I am constantly amazed at the resiliency, drive, and intellect of these people. They were indeed special and stubborn to the point of insanity, which is exactly how one would have to be in order to survive and prosper. <b><i>These amazing people of color were cut from a different cloth, they were indeed made of the good stuff! </i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
You have to be made of the good stuff to endure death, rape, lynchings, public hangings, constant racism, poverty and never-ending humiliation. Look at a quick list of these people who had to endure: Job, Jabez, Mordeci, Phebe, Mary mother of Jesus, Harriet Tubman, Fredrick Douglass, Pres: Lincoln & Kennedy, Gandhi, MLK, Malcolm X, Medger Evers, John Brown, Mandela, Harold Washington, Jesse Owens, and <b><i>Jesus</i></b>. Yes indeed they were made from the good stuff. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The great news is that you and I are also cut from the same cloth, we too are made with the same passion, endurance, and love as those listed above. Paul's words in the letter to the Philippians reminds us that we are made of the good stuff from God. Even though we might not see it completed in us yet, we soon will. Paul instructs us to keep on striving and working, keep on loving and enduring because our confidence and trust in God is key to the revelation that we are going to receive about whom we truly are.<br /><h3>
<span class="text Phil-1-3" id="en-NIV-29365"><span style="color: purple;">Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span class="text Phil-1-3"><span style="color: purple;">Thanksgiving and Prayer</span></span></h3>
<span style="color: purple;"><span class="text Phil-1-3"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>I thank my God every time I remember you.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29365G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Phil-1-4" id="en-NIV-29366"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29366H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> with joy</span> <span class="text Phil-1-5" id="en-NIV-29367"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>because of your partnership<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29367I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> in the gospel from the first day<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29367J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> until now,</span> <span class="text Phil-1-6" id="en-NIV-29368"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29368K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> until the day of Christ Jesus.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-1-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-1-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-1-6">Brothers and Sisters regardless of your current situation, the pain, loss, or suffering you are enduring now. Please remain confident that you are made of the good stuff and God is working on completing you and I. So that when God is finished with us the world will be changed and made whole.</span><br />
<span class="text Phil-1-6"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-1-6">Be Well, Love P.J.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-63730424700648759902014-02-04T10:40:00.001-08:002014-02-04T10:41:21.617-08:00The Need For Your Lighthouse!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ak3.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/553312/preview/stock-footage-lighthouse-projecting-a-beam-of-light-into-vast-darkness-of-stormy-ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ak3.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/553312/preview/stock-footage-lighthouse-projecting-a-beam-of-light-into-vast-darkness-of-stormy-ocean.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
Lighthouses were invented out of necessity. In ancient times people would light fires along coast lines to emit light, later they began to light these fires on platforms and hills to increase visibility. Eventually the Lighthouse was built to mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous barriers and allow safe passage from sea to land, the lighthouse was needed to direct the people from the dangerous waters of the sea safely home. why is this important, lets look:<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span class="text Matt-5-13" id="en-NIV-23248">Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)</span></h3>
<h3>
<span class="text Matt-5-13"><span style="color: red;">Salt and Light</span></span></h3>
<span class="text Matt-5-13"><b><span style="color: red;"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>“You
are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can
it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be
thrown out and trampled underfoot.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23248Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><span class="text Matt-5-14" id="en-NIV-23249"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>“You are the light of the world.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23249R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.</span> <span class="text Matt-5-15" id="en-NIV-23250"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>Neither
do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on
its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23250S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Matt-5-16" id="en-NIV-23251"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>In the same way, let your light shine before others,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23251T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> that they may see your good deeds<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23251U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> and glorify<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23251V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> your Father in heaven.</span></span></b><br />
<span class="text Matt-5-16"><br /></span>
In today's text from the Gospel of Matthew Jesus reminds of our usefulness to God and to one another. Often times people speak of the Christian experience as one that is only purposeful when praising and worshiping God. While quite the contrary is true, God created us not just to sit and praise God but to also be a beacon of light in the darkness of the world. God crested us to be lighthouses illuminating the path to God inviting all to follow.<br />
<br />
Therefore as Christians we have a two part call, we are called both to praise and servant hood. We serve God and each other. We stand as symbols of God's guiding light in this world because we have already been saved by God. Can you remember when you once noticed the light of another believer while you were stranded on the sea of our world. We have all at one time or another seen the light of God shining in someone or how else would we find our way home to Jesus. I trust that if you have been watching the television or reading the news about the turmoil that our world is in, you agree that there is need for our lighthouses perhaps more today then ever before.<br />
<br />
Today as you reflect upon this scripture recall the words and melody to the children's spiritual "This Little Light of Mine" and sing in in your heart all the day long, for you never know who is in need of seeing your light today! There is a need for your lighthouse. Be Well, Love Sirchester.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
little light of mine<br />
I'm going to let it shine<br />
Oh, this little light of mine<br />
I'm going to let it shine<br />
Hallelujah<br />
This little light of mine<br />
I'm going to let it shine<br />
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-52851520269046333472014-01-29T06:43:00.001-08:002014-01-29T06:50:05.811-08:00Imagining the Possibilities!<span class="bnote">Do you remember your youth? Who did you want to be, and where did you want to go? What did you want to make of your life? I remember wanting to be everything from Spider man, the President and a Zookeeper. I wanted to live in a palace and stay up as late as I could eating all of my favorite foods daily. Back then I had a vivid imagination. As an adult I have at times found myself suffering from what many adults suffer from; the reality of too many broken expectations. This reality has led to the demise of our ability to imagine the possibilities of this life. Instead we become content and comfortable in our current situations, leaving the imagining to the children.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://worldwide.hyundai.com/worldwide/images/corporate/n_img_brandslogan01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://worldwide.hyundai.com/worldwide/images/corporate/n_img_brandslogan01.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="bnote">Regardless of our age God calls us to always keep imagining the possibilities for our lives and our ministries. Websters dictionary defines possibilities</span> as: <b>abilities or qualities that could make someone or something better in the future. </b>This just means that there are some things in store for our future that are yet to be developed and revealed. Our job is to cultivate the soil within us by imagining what's to come and seeking God's will during the process. While on Safari in South Africa, our group informed our tour guide of all the Lions and wildlife that we expected to see. Then we asked if we would encounter all of them on our trip and our tour guide responded saying "I can not promise you that you will see every animal or wildlife species, but the <b>possibilities are great</b>!" Family God has great things in store for us all we must do is keep on imagining the possibilities.<br />
<br />
By now some of you are probably wondering where is the word of God in this devotion, and rightly so. let's look to 1st Chronicles 4:9-10. (NIV)<br />
<br />
<div class="top-05">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><i><span class="text 1Chr-4-9" id="en-NIV-10395"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez,<sup> </sup>saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.”</span> <span class="text 1Chr-4-10" id="en-NIV-10396"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>Jabez
cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and
enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so
that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="top-05">
<br /></div>
<div class="top-05">
<span class="text 1Chr-4-10" id="en-NIV-10396">Here in Chronicles among the midst of family list and genealogical lines</span><span class="text 1Chr-4-10" id="en-NIV-10396"> in chapter four we pause for two short verses to see about this person named Jabez who stood out. He stood out because he was honorable despite having a painful birth, living a painful life and having to live with all of this pain every time someone called his name. He endured all of this because his name Jabez meant sorrow, trouble and pain. Even dealing with all of that Jabez still was able to imagine the possibilities that God had for him, and he cried out to God. Just like Jabez when we are honorable and imagine the possibilities that God has for us, when we call on God to bless us and increase us God responds.</span></div>
<div class="top-05">
<br /></div>
<div class="top-05">
<span class="text 1Chr-4-10" id="en-NIV-10396">I pray that today each of us takes time out to read chapter 4 of 1st Chronicles and then spend some reflection time in holy imagination with God exploring all of the heavenly possibilities that God has in store for us on earth. </span></div>
<div class="top-05">
<br /></div>
<div class="top-05">
<span class="text 1Chr-4-10" id="en-NIV-10396">Be Well, love love pastor Sirchester. </span><span class="text 1Chr-4-10" id="en-NIV-10396"></span><b><i><span class="text 1Chr-4-10" id="en-NIV-10396"><br /></span></i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389470376001128345.post-81791861866691680922014-01-28T07:22:00.000-08:002014-01-28T07:22:16.006-08:00The Closer I get to you<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Psalm 15 New International Version (NIV)</h3>
</div>
<br />
<span class="text Ps-15-1"><b>A psalm of David</b>.</span><br />
<div class="poetry">
<div class="line">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="text Ps-15-1"><sup class="versenum">1 </sup><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, who may dwell in your sacred tent?</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-15-1">Who may live on your holy mountain?</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: red;"> </span><div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="color: red;"><span class="text Ps-15-2" id="en-NIV-14090"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>The one whose walk is blameless,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-15-2">who does what is righteous,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-15-2">who speaks the truth from their heart;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-15-3" id="en-NIV-14091"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>whose tongue utters no slander,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-15-3">who does no wrong to a neighbor,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-15-3">and casts no slur on others;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-15-4" id="en-NIV-14092"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>who despises a vile person</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-15-4">but honors those who fear the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-15-4">who keeps an oath even when it hurts,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-15-4">and does not change their mind;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-15-5" id="en-NIV-14093"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>who lends money to the poor without interest;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-15-5">who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: red;"><span class="text Ps-15-5">Whoever does these things</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-15-5">will never be shaken.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
When I read David's words from Psalm 15, immediately I began hearing the chorus from Roberta Flacks hit song the Closer I get to<b> </b>you<b>:</b><br />
<div class="ringtone">
<a href="http://th04.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2013/312/2/e/face_to_face_by_machiavellicro-d6tgpa0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://th04.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2013/312/2/e/face_to_face_by_machiavellicro-d6tgpa0.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a><div id="cf_async_880638854">
<div data-id="creative_5" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block;">
<table style="-moz-border-radius: 4px; -webkit-border-radius: 4px; border-radius: 4px; border: 0; height: 50px; table-layout: auto; white-space: nowrap; width: 100%;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: 0; height: 40px; padding: 10px; width: 40px;"><br /></td> <td style="border: 0; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><br /></td> <td style="border: 0; height: 40px; padding: 10px; width: 40px;"><br /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<b>"The Closer I Get To You"</b></div>
<span class="feat">(feat. Donny Hathaway)</span><br />
<i><b><br />
The closer I get to you<br />
The more you make me see<br />
By giving me all you've got<br />
Your love has captured me.</b></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Psalm 15 reminds me of how close I've grown to God over the last few years, and even more so of how much closer I want/ need to get to my savior and creator. While Roberta Flack's song was a love song to people, <i><b>Psalm 15 for me is a love poem to God.</b></i> One that I can sing, read and pray all day long. Just like David I want to dwell in God's presence, live righteously and in truth. The fact of the matter is the closer that I get to God my life becomes better and as a direct result I become a better person. Do you long to get closer to God, to guard your tongue and to be able to discern better? If so, I invite you to read and pray Psalm 15 throughout the day and be encouraged knowing that it pleases God when we make an effort to grow in relationship to our King of Glory.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763;">Dear God today, enable us to stretch our own limits and go on a growth spurt, growing abundantly closer to you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Be Well, Love P.J.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725888261516214614noreply@blogger.com0