tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63173337123232228682024-02-07T19:45:32.453-08:00The Resurrection And The LifeJesus ChristMessengers In Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16963457474144604210noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317333712323222868.post-53846043240331403372007-02-20T00:02:00.000-08:002007-02-20T00:06:50.713-08:00Come Lord Jesus Come<a href="http://christinahancock.blogspot.com/2007/02/come-lord-jesus-come.html" snap_preview_added="no">Come Lord Jesus Come</a><br />Is this what you want for my life<br />Do i just need to learn the great purpose of sacrifice<br />Do i lay my heart on the lineSo it can be devoured by lions<br />Do i get nothing in return<br />So i can see the ultimate discern<br />Am i the string that holds it together<br /> But feels like it will brake and wont last forever<br />Do i give up what i crave<br />And stand here in the pit to be brave<br />You are the rock that i stand upon during a flood<br />And you did shed your pure sin free blood<br />So tell me Lord what is your desire<br />My heart hurts and burns with love like fire<br />You paid the price for my lack of faith<br />I have dreams of you I'm running this race<br />The world is filled with total disgrace<br />People will fall while the beast they chase<br />I don't want this world full of sin<br />I want to please you and win<br />Conquer the flesh, let my spirit begin<br />Oh Lord fill me with all you have<br />So i can do what's right and make you glad<br />Show me the way to go on this road<br />This place we call earth i call home<br />Let your spirit arise and let my burdens of lack<br />Be taken away off my back<br />I want a love i can not have It's you i need very bad<br />So open my eyes to your heart Lord<br />And let your will be done with so much glory<br />Let me end this disrupted story<br /><br />By: Christina HancockChristina Hancockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12892094662112856473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317333712323222868.post-58871358671967737642007-02-18T23:58:00.000-08:002007-02-19T00:24:43.745-08:00Your The ONEI wrote this to a beat and at the time I felt the Holy Spirit helping me along the way with the words......<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the ONE who set me free</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the ONE who gives me peace</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the Almighty GOD without You there's no me</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the ONE who gave your son</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the ONE who bore the pain</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the ONE who would do it all again</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the bread of life, earths precious device</em></strong><br /><strong><em>the Comforter, Healer the Ultimate Sacrifice</em></strong><br /><strong><em>The Lamb of GOD and his right hand</em></strong><br /><strong><em>who would of knew I am your biggest fan</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the ONE who poured the land with manna in their hands</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Turned a stone to a meal to feed the man</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the Light of the world, the only begotten</em></strong><br /><strong><em>The ONE that for me is so easily forgotten</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the ONE who's gonna fight for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unright</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em>With the two edged sword on a white horse</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your the ONE winning the war for the poor</em></strong><br /><strong><em>When you knock I will open my door</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Dine with me LORD JESUS please</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Allow my mind to focus and be at ease</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Because your the ONE every eye will surely see</em></strong><br /><strong><em>So let me live a life that is for you and not for me</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Give me your grace and mercy,</em></strong><strong><em>let me surrender all to thee</em></strong><br /><strong><em>You deserve all Praise and Glory forever and ever</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Let your will be done, so let it BE!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>By: Christina Hancock</em></strong><br /><strong>Philippians 4:13</strong><br /><strong>I can do all things through Christ which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">strengthens</span> me.</strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong>Christina Hancockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12892094662112856473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317333712323222868.post-4486631727731168252007-02-18T17:37:00.000-08:002007-02-18T17:42:46.450-08:00Temptation of JesusTemptation of Jesus<br /><br />I want to reflect on the following 11 verses from the bible:<br />(I was always puzzled by these 11 verses)<br /><br /><a name="1"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/1.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=1&version=KJV#1"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=1&version=KJV#1"></a><a title="Hymns" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/images.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=1&version=KJV#1"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=1&version=KJV#1"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=1&version=KJV#1"></a><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=1&version=kjv#1">Mat 4:1</a> ¶ Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.<br /><br /><a name="2"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/2.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=2&version=KJV#2"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=2&version=KJV#2"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=2&version=KJV#2"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=2&version=KJV#2"></a><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=2&version=kjv#2">Mat 4:2</a> And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.<br /><a name="3"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/3.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=3&version=KJV#3"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=3&version=KJV#3"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=3&version=KJV#3"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=3&version=KJV#3"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=3&version=kjv#3">Mat 4:3</a> And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.<br /><a name="4"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/4.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=4&version=KJV#4"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=4&version=KJV#4"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=4&version=KJV#4"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=4&version=KJV#4"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=4&version=kjv#4">Mat 4:4</a> But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.<br /><br /><a name="5"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/5.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=5&version=KJV#5"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=5&version=KJV#5"></a><a title="Images / Maps" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/images.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=5&version=KJV#5"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=5&version=KJV#5"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=5&version=KJV#5"></a><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=5&version=kjv#5">Mat 4:5</a> Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,<br /><a name="6"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/6.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=6&version=KJV#6"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=6&version=KJV#6"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=6&version=KJV#6"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=6&version=KJV#6"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=6&version=kjv#6">Mat 4:6</a> And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.<br /><a name="7"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/7.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=7&version=KJV#7"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=7&version=KJV#7"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=7&version=KJV#7"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=7&version=KJV#7"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=7&version=kjv#7">Mat 4:7</a> Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.<br /><br /> <a name="8"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/8.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=8&version=KJV#8"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=8&version=KJV#8"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=8&version=KJV#8"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=8&version=KJV#8"></a><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=8&version=kjv#8">Mat 4:8</a> Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;<br /><a name="9"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/9.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=9&version=KJV#9"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=9&version=KJV#9"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=9&version=KJV#9"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=9&version=KJV#9"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=9&version=kjv#9">Mat 4:9</a> And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.<br /><a name="10"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/10.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=10&version=KJV#10"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=10&version=KJV#10"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=10&version=KJV#10"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=10&version=KJV#10"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=10&version=kjv#10">Mat 4:10</a> Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.<br /><a name="11"></a><a title="Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tsk_b/Mat/4/11.html"></a><a title="Concordance and Hebrew/Greek" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=11&version=KJV#11"></a><a title="List Available Commentaries" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=11&version=KJV#11"></a><a title="Images / Maps" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/images.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=11&version=KJV#11"></a><a title="Versions / Translations" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/versions.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=11&version=KJV#11"></a><a title="Dictionary Aids" href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/d.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=11&version=KJV#11"></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=11&version=kjv#11">Mat 4:11</a> Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.<br /><br />When I read God's word I find myself asking questions like, why would God do that if He is God? If Jesus is God then why would Satan have tempted Him? If Jesus is God then why does Jesus say the Father is greater than I?<br /><br />Time after time God has revealed answers, that provide the answers, that take away the why to a point I can no longer find a why. This is when you find truth. Truth will bear witness to itself and ultimately divide good and evil like a two edged sword. Let's focus on the temptation of Jesus for now.<br /><br />If I read these 11 verses before I felt as if the devil had some control over Jesus to a degree before Jesus cast him away. These verses may sound like they are saying that the devil had the power to take Jesus on top of a pinnacle and that the devil had some sort of power or control of Jesus. Please pay attention to the first verse:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=Mat&chapter=4&verse=1&version=kjv#1">Mat 4:1</a>¶Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.<br /><br />This verse puts everything into perspective because the verse is clearly stating that Jesus went to Satan to be tempted. Satan did indeed tempt Jesus so that he could know if in fact it was the real Messiah. Satan tempted Jesus in a way that would prove if Jesus was God on earth. Satan does have power but even his power comes from Jehovah GOD. Satan knew the prophecies from the old testament better than any other man on earth but I don't think he knew what the Son of GOD was going to look like before he was born until he was in fact born and actually manifested himself. Jesus Christ manifested himself to the entire world through his death but Jesus manifested Himself to Satan when Jesus went to the wilderness so that Satan could tempt Him. Satan placed Jesus on a pinnacled only because Jesus allowed him too in order that He could manifest to Satan that He was here and He is claiming what is His because He bought and paid for us in full with His innocent blood that poured on the cross for the sins of the entire world.<br /><br />Satan never had any power over Jesus and as it also clearly states that Satan left as soon as Jesus said to go. It is also clear that GOD loves us so much that he brings Himself down to our level so that we can have a real understanding of the truth. In short, these verses are saying that Jesus went to Satan and said it is now time for me to take back what is mine because I am GOD and I have all power over you. Because of the questions Satan asked he knows that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Lord and Saviour. Satan had to become more real with how short his time is at this point. Satan has one passion and that is to take as much of God's creation with him in eternal death as he can. The more he takes the more God hurts. This is the war behind all wars. Most call this the "Spiritual War".<br /><br />I will follow up with this posting explaining how God answered my prayers and searching for the following question: Is Jesus GOD? Many times God will give us our answers when we very well least expect it but it is always at the perfect time. Besides, what other way could it be. Today I was praying on my wife. It was while my eyes were closed and I was praying for her silently that at the end of my prayer I saw the answer of why satan would tempt Jesus. For me this just didn't make sense to me before. But now it seems so simple and so clear. Please feel free to post your comments on this subject and praise God that we have this ability at this time to share Jesus Christ with each other. We love your Lord and know that you are worth so much more than we can ever offer because you already provided the ulitmate sacrifice through your power and love forever and ever. AMEN.<br /><br />Glory to GOD,<br /><br />Kerry Dale Hancock Jr<br />messenger in CHRIST<br /><br />Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.Messengers In Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16963457474144604210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317333712323222868.post-90813063283246007722007-02-16T18:47:00.000-08:002007-02-18T18:00:55.478-08:00Love is Holy, Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprp-YBrR1lsCtGPqLsJWJVeWTmnudHzQZbo_mANdecinUFwcgDfrSww6kwU285b35XAaj4NLsipY6I-uhhV6BbKEuE264C3H-vFrCR4jWbVxKZSH-VYp2HJBAgFzr4xaArxl5LVPSBgz1/s1600-h/GARDEN_TOMB_BURIAL_SPOT_OF_JESUS_TB_N042200.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032337591680332162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 174px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprp-YBrR1lsCtGPqLsJWJVeWTmnudHzQZbo_mANdecinUFwcgDfrSww6kwU285b35XAaj4NLsipY6I-uhhV6BbKEuE264C3H-vFrCR4jWbVxKZSH-VYp2HJBAgFzr4xaArxl5LVPSBgz1/s200/GARDEN_TOMB_BURIAL_SPOT_OF_JESUS_TB_N042200.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" >by Carletta D. Jemison</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)font-size:130%;" ><i><span style="font-size:+0;"><br />Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen</span></i></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)">. Hebrews 13:20-21</span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)"></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)font-family:lucida grande;" >The Garden Tomb</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" > </span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255); FONT-STYLE: italicfont-family:lucida grande;" >www.bibleplaces.com</span><br /></span><span style="color:black;"><!--[endif]--></span> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)">Love is Holy, Part 2</span></span></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">God is love.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Love is holy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Love knows what is appropriate.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">According to 1 Corinthians 13:5, love "[d]oth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;...."</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">God's love knows how to operate in the varied circumstances and relationships of life.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">When His love is operating in us, we will experience that same wisdom in operation.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">God's love knows how to flow between the husband and wife who are yielded to His power rather than their own.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">God is love and God is holy.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">The love between husband and wife is holy because of the covenant of marriage.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">God honors godly marriage.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">He is in it.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">God's love between the husband and wife yielded to Him bows to the limit of marital exclusivity.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">They guard their hearts and minds against all breaches or intruders, keeping themselves true to one another before Him.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">God's love knows how to flow through parents who are yielded to Him.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">After all, He is Father God.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">He knows something about having the highest expectation for a child only to have him make other choices.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(Remember Adam and Eve!)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">In fact, as God's love works in the parents, a lot of what the children are taught is caught through their observations of how the parents interact with each other and with them.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Godly parents protect their children and allow them to grow up rather than forcing them out without the proper tools because they want their lives back.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">God's love, the same love that grants marital liberty, gives boundaries to the expression of love between unmarried men and women.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">God is love and God is holy.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">When, then, the unmarried meet and enjoy Christian fellowship, they do not stumble over or kick against the limits placed on the relationship through God's love, God's lordship over their lives and faith in His wisdom.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">As a matter of fact, they rejoice and thrive in it.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">God's love between friends is rich and true.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">God's love between friends knows what is appropriate because God is love and God is holy.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">The holiness of His love inspires them to act with fidelity, unselfishness to provoke to love and good works. All that would be welcome in His holy, loving presence is theirs to appreciate and enjoy.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Friends don't let friends run amuck!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">God's love is working through yielded teachers and students; employers and employees; church leaders and congregations.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">He's right there to turn our hearts in a holy and loving direction.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">When He isn't holding the reins of our lives firmly in His hand, we see yet another sad result. Love helps us sort through the impossible menu of options and still say, "Lord, I choose You."</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Love secures the boundaries of acceptability, not by brute strength or human will, but by helping our hearts to acknowledge that He is very present and will aid us in how best to handle those in our lives...who belong to Him.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">We loose sight of a sense of appropriateness when He ceases to be our focus.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">The more we look to others, the world system, political correctness, error-laden splinter groups or the will of the flesh, the more the pendulum of our lives swings to the beggarly elements so ready to enslave us to those things of which we will be eternally ashamed.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">His limits provide boundaries along the path that leads to His best.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Did not Jesus say, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(John 14:6)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Why are the boundaries necessary?<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">God has a specific thing in mind for His children.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">He wants our lives to be strewn with blessings, the evidence of His presence.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Psalm 16:11<br />Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">He wants us, like the skilled matador, to side-step the pitfalls of life.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">2 Peter 1:4<br />Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">His limits ensure that we reach our wealthy place...that place of the promise fulfilled.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Psalm 66:12<br />Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Perhaps you have listened to other voices concerning what is appropriate.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Now, you are unable to look up for shame, despair and heaviness.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">But "[t]o day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts."</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(Hebrews 4:7)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Do not resist Who He is or what He offers another moment.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">He is your God and Jesus Christ is His Son who speaks to you today.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Acknowledge today that you have stepped away from Him.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Admit that you need Him.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Allow His words and eternal Love to wash over your life.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">He now calls you back to the path of life in Him.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000000;">At the Altar:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">If you have never acknowledged God, you can do so now and He will receive You.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Take His hand, now.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Father, I never realized how much I need Your love, but now I come asking you to be my Savior.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Forgive me of every sin I have committed.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Teach me Your ways and lead me in Your righteousness.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Create in me a clean heart.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Now, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and teach me to hear and follow You in all things.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Amen</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Maybe you have been on the religious scene.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">You might even be a regular at church, but haven't allowed God's holy love to move you to obedience and commitment.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Yield now to the compelling love of God drawing you to Himself.<o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >Lord, I ask that your grace be upon me as I bow in repentance.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >I have sought to do it m</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >h and teach me Your ways.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >Thank you for turning my heart fully to follow you in all things.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">Amen.</span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(204,153,51);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Rejoice and take comfort in His words to you:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">John 6:37<br />All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >Lord, I ask that your grace be upon me as I bow in repentance. I have sought to do it my way.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >I have listened to everyone except you.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >My life is a mess and I'm not going to blame anyone else for it.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >Remove my tendency to stray from You and take Your place as Lord of my life.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >Refresh my weary heart with Your Holy Spirit.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" > </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">Lead me into all truth and teach me Your ways. Thank You for turning my heart fully to follow You in all things. In Jesus' Name, Amen.</span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:180%;">Reading the Psalms!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">As you read through the 150 chapters of the Book of Psalms, you'll soon discover that many of the things you feel and experience are shared in the text.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>If you read 5 chapters each day, you'll read through the entire Book of Psalms in a month.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">I can hear you!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>You're already reading Proverbs!<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Well, read the Psalms during your lunch break, during the drive to or from work.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>You might want to start your day with the Psalms.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(204,153,51);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">We thank God for you and believe that He is drawing you to Himself.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Remember:<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>There is no substitute for Him.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">Please write us at </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">CarJem@gmail.com</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p><span style="color:#000000;">We love hearing from you!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,153,51); FONT-STYLE: italic">Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)">. Jude 1:24-25</span></span></p>Carletta Jemisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05830770407077866226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317333712323222868.post-75777161788065868172007-02-14T16:56:00.000-08:002007-02-18T17:58:32.636-08:00Love is Holy<div style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); TEXT-ALIGN: leftfont-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;color:#cc9933;" >Carletta D. Jemison</span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><span style="color:#cc9933;"><br /></span><br /></span></div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen</span>. Hebrews 13:20-21</span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /></span><img style="FONT-FAMILY: lucida grande" alt="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/CARLET~1/LOCALS~1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" /></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Love is Holy</span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#000000;" >The Bible tells us a few remarkable things about God:</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >1 John 4:8</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >He that loveth not knoweth not God; for </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >God is love</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >.</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >1 Peter 1:16</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Because it is written, Be ye holy; for <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">I am holy</span>. </span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#000000;" >John 1:1</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#000000;" ><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">the Word was God</span>.<br /><br />From these three scriptures, we can begin to see that:<br /><br />God is love. God is holy. We can say that the love of God is holy, since God is holy. We can also say that God's word is holy, since He Who is holy is the Word.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">What does it mean to be holy? A person who is holy is available for the Master's use. God said:</span><br /></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="color:#000000;">“Wherefore </span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >come out from among them</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,…”</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-size:130%;" >(2 Corinthians 6:17)<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Why does God want His people to be separated unto Him?</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">He wants to use you and me!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">He uses us to:<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Hebrews 10:24<o:p></o:p><br />And let us consider one another to <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">provoke unto love and to good works</span>: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Matthew 5:16<o:p></o:p><br />Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">When God’s holy love has free course in your life, He can use the way you live, the way you respond to life’s ups and downs to provoke the hard, unbelieving hearts around you to love.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">He can use the way you give, so humbly and sweetly, to provoke the self-indulgent people around you to do good works.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">When the light of God shines in your life, your good works cause others to give God the glory.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">What is a good work?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Philippians 2:13<o:p></o:p><br />For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A good work is the will of God.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">As a result of God’s work in us, we do His will and what pleases Him.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">A good work, then, has its root in God.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">A good work is not something we do to look good or because of pressure someone else puts on you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">God wants to use you to bring forth good works.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">If ever we needed good works in the earth, it is now!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I can’t do my will and God’s will at the same time unless I submit my will to Him and learn to delight to do His will.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Then we can say with the psalmist, Prophet David:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Psalm 37:4<o:p></o:p><br />Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Job 22:26<o:p></o:p><br />For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Job 27:10<o:p></o:p><br />Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Psalm 1:2<o:p></o:p><br />But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Psalm 40:8<o:p></o:p><br />I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">When Job began to be discouraged, he said:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Job 34:9<o:p></o:p><br />…It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">But David shows us that training the spirit to focus on God brings peace.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Psalm 94:19<o:p></o:p><br />In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">God’s love helps us to follow His will rather than our own. The more we pursue our own interests and pleasures, the less satisfaction we find in those things. This same tendency spills out into our relationships. We spend so much time seeking our own will, we expect others to seek our will too! Man was not made to be worshipped. Father, teach us to love one another and worship You.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p>1 Corinthians 2:9-10</o:p><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">1 Corinthians 13:5-7<o:p></o:p><br />[Charity d]oth not behave itself unseemly, <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">seeketh not her own</span>, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Love’s reward comes from the Father.</span><o:p><span style="color:#000000;"> Our attempts to find fulfillment apart from Him are empty.<br /></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">James 1:17<o:p></o:p><br />Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Hebrews 11:6<o:p></o:p><br />But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">True faith originates in our love of God rather than the intensity of our pursuit of what we want or see.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Galatians 5:6<br />For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">faith which worketh by </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(51,0,0)">love</span>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">We love because God first loved us.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(Romans 5:8) We love because He, Who is in us, is love.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">The love He has planted in our hearts can never be depleted. The love we muster up to "tolerate" others is soon depleted. (Thank God!)<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Love is not manipulation.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Managing and handling every situation apart from the Holy Spirit is a work of the flesh and is the result of fear.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">2 Timothy 1:7<o:p></o:p><br />For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">1 John 4:18<o:p></o:p><br />There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Love is not obligation.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Obligation is another poor substitute for love…another work of the flesh.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Love is not a compulsion (knee-jerk response).</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Obligation makes everything a responsibility, a duty, or a requirement.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Love comes from God’s nature of giving.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">John 3:16<o:p></o:p><br />For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Love does not spring forth from frustration.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Frustration can mean irritation or annoyance.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Love is not easily provoked to irritability.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(1 Corinthians 13:5)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">On the other hand, frustration can mean prevention, hindrance, blocking or obstruction.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">1 Corinthians 13:7-8(a)<o:p></o:p><br />[Love b]eareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Charity never faileth</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Manipulation, obligation and frustration are imposters!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">We must know the difference.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">All imposters bring their victims into captivity to sin. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Galatians 4:9<o:p></o:p><br />But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">All imposters use three means of bringing us to ruin:<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">1 John 2:16<o:p></o:p><br />For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255); TEXT-ALIGN: centerfont-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Unholy Trio</span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255); TEXT-ALIGN: centerfont-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">The lust of the flesh<o:p></o:p><br />The lust of the eyes<o:p></o:p><br />The pride of life<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p><span style="color:#000000;">James 1:13-14<o:p></o:p><br />Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">You see, love does not act inappropriately or unseemly.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(1 Corinthians 13:5)<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Let’s look at love again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255); TEXT-ALIGN: centerfont-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Love is holy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255); FONT-FAMILY: lucida grande; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255); TEXT-ALIGN: centerfont-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">God is love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><div style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255); FONT-FAMILY: lucida grande; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255); TEXT-ALIGN: centerfont-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">God is the Word.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p><span style="color:#000000;">How does love measure up in your life?<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Did someone offer you lust, calling it love?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Did you “love” that outfit so much that you were willing to do anything to get it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Is being the boss so important that you have joined forces with those who are opposed to everything you really believe?<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Jesus says:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p><span style="color:#000000;">Matthew 11:28-30<o:p></o:p><br />Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The love of God will flow through a meek heart.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Jesus will teach us how to be available to Him <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">moment by moment</span>, now just when we feel like it.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">When we are available to Him, we will avoid the pitfalls that every imposter digs for those who refuse His love. If you are tired of the imposters' love, pray this prayer: </span><span style="color:#000000;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0);font-family:lucida grande;" ><br /></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)" face="lucida grande"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)">Yes, you can ask God to save you, and He will!</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Lord Jesus, come into my life and save my soul from the power of sin. Forgive me of the sins I have committed. Wash me of every stain sin has left. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right and steadfast spirit in me. Teach me Your ways. Lead me and guide me into all truth. Thank you for saving me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Romans 10:6-9</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:+0;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(204,153,51);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">He will free you from every imposter and reveal the True Love of the Father in and through you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">Father in the Name of Jesus, I am weary with the world's kind of love. Many imposters have hurt me, and now, they taunt my memories with things You never intended for me. I call You Lord over every situation, circumstance and relationship in my life and I believe that the same way You raised Jesus Christ from the dead You will raise me up victorious over the things that have terrorized me. Thank You for the power to turn from every imposter to the True and Living God, through Jesus Christ.</span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Read the Book of Proverbs each day!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:lucida grande;" ><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">There are 31 chapters in the Book of Proverbs. If you read the chapter that corresponds with each day of the month, you will continually read through Proverbs. Keep a journal of the questions you have. Ask God to answer them. Note the things you learn, too.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Do you have questions or comments? Contact us at:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">CarJem@gmail.com</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">We love hearing from you!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(204,153,51); FONT-STYLE: italicfont-size:130%;" >Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(204,153,51)"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever</span>. Amen. Jude 1:24-25</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:+0;"><br /></span>Carletta Jemisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05830770407077866226noreply@blogger.com0