tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48246143253635779472024-03-18T21:43:58.910-06:00ACTS 2:42 - The Fellowship of the BelieversThey devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-10019319500749001472012-09-25T11:10:00.003-06:002012-09-25T11:10:46.234-06:00Green but Dead<a href="http://8thday4life.com/2012/09/23/green-but-dead/">http://8thday4life.com/2012/09/23/green-but-dead/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-57102253797105983762012-08-03T08:25:00.001-06:002012-08-03T08:25:06.565-06:00What would God say?<p><a title="http://www.graceisforsinners.com/what-he-would-say/" href="http://www.graceisforsinners.com/what-he-would-say/">http://www.graceisforsinners.com/what-he-would-say/</a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-66082558901272022682012-07-05T11:30:00.001-06:002012-07-05T11:30:33.022-06:00Great reminder…<h3>One Thing I Tell My Kids Daily - <a title="http://inspiredtoaction.com/2012/07/one-thing-i-tell-my-kids-daily/" href="http://inspiredtoaction.com/2012/07/one-thing-i-tell-my-kids-daily/">http://inspiredtoaction.com/2012/07/one-thing-i-tell-my-kids-daily/</a></h3> <blockquote> <p><font style="background-color: #ffff00" face="Comic Sans MS">“<strong>Did you know God has a Great Adventure for you?</strong>”</font></p></blockquote> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-71547464518429567812012-06-13T17:12:00.002-06:002012-06-13T17:13:22.005-06:00The 1 Lie the Devil Always Tells<a href="http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2012/06/the-1-lie-the-devil-always-tells/">http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2012/06/the-1-lie-the-devil-always-tells/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-58826669643208338342012-06-05T11:36:00.001-06:002012-06-05T11:36:27.881-06:00<p><img src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543553_341823912553056_177362194_n.jpg" width="551" height="415"></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-7554555807263999612012-06-05T10:03:00.001-06:002012-06-05T10:03:41.587-06:00Lori found this on Pinterest<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pEaCbTeQsdM/T84t08YqHUI/AAAAAAAAB0U/yuHtSpKXatk/s1600-h/how%252520loved%252520you%252520really%252520are%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="how loved you really are" border="0" alt="how loved you really are" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ceUeQwzWaZk/T84t3DmC4jI/AAAAAAAAB0c/L8olVeUttzE/how%252520loved%252520you%252520really%252520are_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="152"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-80635660658442818872012-06-04T21:47:00.001-06:002012-06-04T21:47:28.412-06:00<p><img src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/556644_439844532699844_897779585_n.jpg"></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-74875590152984060572012-06-04T12:32:00.001-06:002012-06-04T12:32:53.699-06:00Sunday, June 3, 2012<p><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">We met at Wes and Pam’s place. Noah was a little under weather. Jordan was having a pyjama day. Teri and Ray were not able to make it. Vana was here and kept the teens on their toes with all her great questions. It was a good day. :)</font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">My notes are kind of sketchy for this lesson because we kept going off on rabbit trails and having interesting discussions.</font> </p> <p>1. What was the basis of Paul’s confidence in the Christians in Rome? <ul> <li>Johanna – “1 they were full of goodness and knowledge and able to instruct each other”</li> <li>Nicole – “1. they were good”</li> <li>Vana had issue with the concept of “instruct each other”. So we worked on that idea for a bit. What did it mean? And then it was asked “what happened from what we see happening here in the NT to what we have today?” We see the people sharing their lives, their God stories… passing them down from generation to generation. We don’t see this much any more in the greater Christian culture/religion. We have cherry picking the verses of Scripture, but nothing personal being shared. I offered that we moved from being families to institutions with religion. And in the religion we stopped having encounters with God, because now we had a person as a go between… a person (“professional Christian”) who we went to with our questions and would get word for word Scripture answers, those expected “boxed answers”. I see the need for God’s people to share more of their personal experiences with God and let go of what is <strong><u>expected</u></strong> as answers and lifestyle and choices Christians are burdened with in todays world.</li> <li>I don’t remember exactly how we got on the concept.. but I think we were talking about how we no longer fit into the typical church going people box. And someone threw out that we are now “Free Range Christians”. We all had a good laugh about that. </li></ul> <p>2. List some of the things God has accomplished through Paul’s life. <ul> <li>Johanna – “He preached Christ from Jerusalem to Illyicum”</li> <li>Nicole – “2. he brought lots of people to Him”</li></ul> <p>3. What things have you seen God use your life for? <ul> <li>Johanna – “3. I don't know :\”</li> <li>Nicole – “3. .....”</li> <li>Pam – “the forming of this community we now find ourselves in. I remember back in 2007 when I had been reading about home churches and Lori saying that they would be interested in being part of one. My response was I was not going to be starting a home church!!! And Wes pointed out that it started with a group reading a book and the it took off from there.”</li> <li>Wes shared that being part of Teri’s journey when she finally realized that God loved her, and seeing that weight lifted off her and the revitalization Teri had with her new found freedom and revelation. It was was such an awesome thing to be a part of.</li><!--EndFragment--></ul> <p>4. Why did Paul prefer not to minister where others had already ministered? Was this a wise decision? <ul> <li>Johanna – “4 because he didn't want to start with someone else's teaching. Didn't Jesus say something about one sowing and another reaping? The idea of going where no one else has preached has its merits because no one gets missed. So yes”</li> <li>Nicole – “4. ...”</li> <li>I think it was a good decision at the time. No one needed to have “competition” in the teaching department in a certain area. And if they spread out, there was hope that all peoples would get to learn about Christ and the good news of freedom he brought to all people. However, I offered that in todays world I might not have the same rule because I have experienced that so many people live under so many false teachings/understandings of who God is and what He wants for his people that many haven’t actually been told the “good news” of Christ. They are victims, prisoners of religious teachings and still need to be set free. People may know the name of Christ and why he came BUT they don’t KNOW him yet.</li><!--EndFragment--></ul> <p>5. What principles of evangelism from Paul’s life could you apply in your life? <ul> <li>Johanna – “5 He encourages a lot... I don't encourage people enough””</li> <li>Nicole – “5. Yeah same as Johanna..”</li> <li>Wes answered with this verse -- </li> <blockquote> <h5><em>1 Corinthians 2:1-5</em></h5> <p><em>New International Version (NIV)</em> <p><em>2 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom <sup></sup>as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.<sup></sup> <sup>2 </sup>For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. <sup></sup><sup>3 </sup>I came to you <sup></sup>in weakness <sup></sup>with great fear and trembling. <sup></sup><sup>4 </sup>My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, <sup></sup>but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, <sup></sup><sup>5 </sup>so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.</em> </p></blockquote><!--EndFragment--></ul> <p>6. What do you think it means to “witness for Christ”? Share your understanding and/or experiences with evangelism. (Either you engaging in evangelism or someone trying to evangelize you.) <ul> <li>Johanna – “6 I have never really talked about God with anyone... I have tried once or twice but it never got very far. Once I got asked about creation and God and I felt very ill prepared”</li> <li>Nicole – “6. to "witness for Christ" is telling people about the Good News”</li> <li>I knew that most people would understand this question as telling people the good news story with the hopes of convincing them or converting them to being Christian. Most people think of witnessing and evangelism this way. But earlier this year I had read something about witnessing that was eye opening for me. What is a witness? The dictionary says – <strong><u>“One who can give a firsthand account of something seen, heard, or experienced.”</u></strong> So I would offer that true witnessing would be sharing with others how Christ has worked in our lives, how we have seen him work in others lives. Sharing what we have experienced, not what we know or can quote from Scripture.</li> <li>So take time to reflect on what YOUR story with Christ is. Seek Him. Pay attention to what God has done or is doing in your life. Ask not – what would Jesus do? but instead look around to see what Jesus is doing now. :)</li> <li>this blog post shared this thought (<a title="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.ca/2012/06/thank-god-for-taco.html" href="http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.ca/2012/06/thank-god-for-taco.html">http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.ca/2012/06/thank-god-for-taco.html</a>) -- </li></ul> <blockquote> <p><em>When I’m honest and use God’s name naturally with unsaved friends, it’s sometimes the very thing that makes them initiate deeper discussions about the Lord. </em><em>Evangelism rarely consists of sharing the whole Gospel at once--something most of us fear because it's usually unnatural. The most effective and most natural way we witness is by talking about God in our everyday conversations.<b> </b><br><b>"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" </b>Colossians 4:6, NIV</em></p></blockquote> <ul><!--EndFragment--></ul> <p>7. Are you reluctant to talk about God with others? <ul> <li>Johanna – “7 depends a bit on the person but I don't think so”</li> <li>Nicole – “7. No I'm not”</li> <li>Paul started out by saying he was reluctant to talk about God with others. He didn’t want to be the one to bring God into the conversation. And I think again when we first hear this question, we think of talking about God to people. But I read the question differently. Are you reluctant to talk about God <strong><em><u>WITH</u></em></strong> people? And I would have to say from what I have observed of people in our community that none of us have trouble talking about God with people. However it is different story to talk TO others about God, where you bring God up in conversation with an agenda on why you are bringing God up. I have seen Christians do this in my past, they talk to someone with the agenda of evangelizing them or trying to convert them or convince them of something.</li> <li>It has been my experience that quite often someone who I am with will bring God into the conversation and I always see this as an divine appointment by the Spirit and I try to be a listening ear for the person and try to figure out why this moment has been orchestrated by the Spirit and what part I am to play in the conversation. Is it just a listening session, is it to share about the freedom and love I know of God, is it to encourage this other person?</li><!--EndFragment--></ul> <p>8. If you would like to share… do you remember who shared the gospel message with you? Tell us about your walk with God up to this point in your life. <ul> <li>Johanna – “8 um I've kind of always known about God. I know I accepted Christ when I was 5 and got baptized a while later. I had a lot of trouble with whether or not I was saved and what kind of a "Christian" I was right up until we started coming to fellowship and talking about salvation etc. <br>I've grown a lot in my walk with Christ since then mostly because I nominally proud ra place where I can ask all my questions and they get answers. And now I'm working on keeping up my relationship with God when there is no meeting of our family for that purpose. “</li> <li>Nicole – “8. i don't really know when it happened. it's a thing in my life that has always been there. ”</li> <li>I have had the same experience has Nicole and Johanna. I don’t remember a time in my life without God. In my teens, spectacular testimonies were a big thing at the church I attended. And I questioned whether I was a Christian or not. So when I was at Bible camp I decided to accept Christ, but I did it privately. There were no fireworks or excited feelings. So I figured I must have done it wrong. So next at an evangelical meeting in our town, I went there and when the altar call came I went to the front to accept Christ. I figured I needed to do it publically to make it real. But guess what, still no fireworks nor an emotional response. So after that I figured God didn’t want me. I didn’t know why and I wandered lost (spiritually) for a long time. I never gave up on God, I continued to go to church. I even remember going to a prayer meeting one night at my church. We all went to the front of the church to pray. We stood in a circle and the pastor went around the circle and would stop in front of someone and start praying and prophesying. I remember thinking… “do not stop in front of me!” But he did. I was mortified! But what he said struck me – he told me that God had great plans for me and was going to use me for Him in a mighty way. I was gobsmacked! He was going to what???? Me!? No way! And for many many years… nothing happened. I looked for ways for God to use me but nothing came about. But now looking back, I wonder if maybe these past 4 years or so have been that time my pastor was speaking about. I do feel like God has used me to help people and bring people together and grant me the privilege to have people in my life that I can share my God journey with. For so many years I had no one to be a family in Christ with. I am so thankful for God bringing us all together and I excited to see what else He has in store. <3</li></ul> <p> </p> <ul><!--EndFragment--></ul> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-2134272527134454482012-06-04T09:14:00.001-06:002012-06-04T09:14:50.539-06:00Love<h4><a href="http://inspiredtoaction.com/2012/06/love-is-a-choice/">A video that gives a whole new meaning to love being a choice…</a> -- <a title="http://inspiredtoaction.com/2012/06/love-is-a-choice/" href="http://inspiredtoaction.com/2012/06/love-is-a-choice/">http://inspiredtoaction.com/2012/06/love-is-a-choice/</a></h4> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-21961497313237282502012-06-04T08:55:00.001-06:002012-06-04T08:55:28.533-06:00peace<p><img src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/575072_246085012171443_206058606174084_425720_1376735229_n.jpg"></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-866369695399320242012-06-03T11:17:00.001-06:002012-06-03T11:17:02.576-06:00I read some great posts this morning…<p> </p> <p>1. <a href="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/show-me-your-faith-apart-from-your-works/">Show me your faith apart from your works</a> -- <a title="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/show-me-your-faith-apart-from-your-works/" href="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/show-me-your-faith-apart-from-your-works/">http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/show-me-your-faith-apart-from-your-works/</a></p> <blockquote> <p>- “The English term “faith” carries a range of meanings from trust and confidence to adherence to a set of religious principles. But, in Scripture, faith tends toward the former meaning: a strong trust or confidence in someone. In particular, faith is concerned with trusting or having confidence in God.”</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p>- “In verb form, translators often use the English term “believe.” Today, the term “believe” is often used to indicate a mental assent or agreement.”</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p>- “Those who are saved trust God, and those who trust God are saved. Similarly, those who trust God will demonstrate that trust by their actions, their works.”</p></blockquote> <p>2. <a href="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/that-god-kind-of-love/">That God kind of love</a> -- <a title="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/that-god-kind-of-love/" href="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/that-god-kind-of-love/">http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/that-god-kind-of-love/</a></p> <blockquote> <p>- “the Samaritan’s love was not simply an emotional response, but instead<font style="background-color: #ffff00"> it resulted in action that benefited the other individual</font>. Jesus is saying that this is the kind of love that we should have for anyone that we meet: a love that goes beyond differences and cultural standards and generously gives and serves for the benefit of the other, that is, for the one who should be hated.”</p></blockquote> <p>3. <a href="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/06/trust-and-love-now-what/">Trust and love… now what? Fellowship and discipleship…</a> -- <a title="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/06/trust-and-love-now-what/" href="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/06/trust-and-love-now-what/">http://www.alanknox.net/2012/06/trust-and-love-now-what/</a></p> <blockquote> <p>- “Trusting God results in loving God and loving others. When we love God and love others, that love will be demonstrated in our lives. How is it demonstrated? In Scripture, two terms are used as umbrella terms to describe the “now what”: fellowship and discipleship. Not only are these two a direct response to trusting God and love, they are also related to one another.”</p></blockquote> <p> </p> <p>Good stuff! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bN0qbXdE8fw/T8ucDTsfMqI/AAAAAAAAByw/_mG36SkdypI/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-18333980915878316862012-06-03T08:16:00.001-06:002012-06-03T08:16:01.057-06:00Hmmmm, what do you think?<p><img src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/30469734949056450_SR2Wf7Yd_f.jpg" width="150" height="209"></p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">About 5 years ago I learned that all sins are equal, that there are no sins worse than another. And we have discussed this together before. We as humans like to think that someone else’s sin is much worse than ours. The other day I came across a guy’s blog who says that not all sins are equal. You can read his thoughts here – </font><a title="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2009/09/all-sins-are-equal-in-gods-sight-and-other-stupid-statements/" href="http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2009/09/all-sins-are-equal-in-gods-sight-and-other-stupid-statements/"><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2009/09/all-sins-are-equal-in-gods-sight-and-other-stupid-statements/</font></a><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">. </font></p> <p><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">What do you think?</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-62897867985669225162012-06-03T08:07:00.001-06:002012-06-03T08:07:47.253-06:00Christian Ethics<p><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">from Dave Black’s blog: </font><a title="http://www.daveblackonline.com/blog.htm" href="http://www.daveblackonline.com/blog.htm"><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">http://www.daveblackonline.com/blog.htm</font></a></p> <blockquote> <p><em>the basics of Christian ethics:</em> <ul> <li> <p><em>Be committed to truth and mutual respect.</em></p> <li> <p><em>Watch your words and guard your tone.</em></p> <li> <p><em>Be ready with a positive solution.</em></p> <li> <p><em>Make sure you're using the right weapons. This involves the Word, kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness.</em></p></li></ul> <p><em>Remember: When we attack the person rather than the problem, we are setting ourselves up for disaster. Make sure your weapons don't cause you to sin.</em> </p></blockquote> <p> <p><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">This post shares an experience that showcases what Dave Black wrote about Christian ethics:</font> <p><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">You can read the story here (</font><a title="http://www.wadeburleson.org/2011/06/militant-homosexuals-loving-them-to.html" href="http://www.wadeburleson.org/2011/06/militant-homosexuals-loving-them-to.html"><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">http://www.wadeburleson.org/2011/06/militant-homosexuals-loving-them-to.html</font></a><font color="#9b00d3" face="Comic Sans MS">), and it starts under the heading “<strong><u>The Meeting with the Militant Homosexual Organization</u></strong>” (starts part way down the page). It is a very touching story and it has given me a great lesson on how to love people. This part of the story really taught me –</font> <blockquote> <p><em>“I then said, "To be candid, I don't think I am the one with the agenda. You asked me to meet. You have stated it is your desire to change my mind. You are planning on picketing the church I pastor to convince our people that we are homophobic. <font style="background-color: #ffff00">My only agenda is to get to know you and to love you</font>. <font style="background-color: #00ff00">If you ask me what I believe</font> about homosexuality, which you did earlier in our meeting,<font style="background-color: #00ff00"> I will tell you</font>. But<font style="background-color: #ffff00"> it is beyond my ability to convince you that what I am saying is true. Only God can convince you that what feels so right to you is in reality disapproved of by Him. I am simply called by Heavenly Father to love you where you are and that is precisely what I intend to do.</font>" ”</em></p></blockquote> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-12571149208128706422012-05-31T09:13:00.001-06:002012-05-31T09:13:50.357-06:00Lesson 12 --- LET IT SHINE<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Last lesson for this book! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4QQk70B_qmY/T8eKrROX1PI/AAAAAAAABvk/YGc2g26oL3M/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Go ahead and read Romans 15 and 16. This lesson’s questions focus mostly on <strong><u>Romans 15:14-21</u></strong>.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">** If you want, share about how the positive example of a another believer encouraged you.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1. What was the basis of Paul’s confidence in the Christians in Rome?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">2. List some of the things God has accomplished through Paul’s life.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">3. What things have you seen God use your life for?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">4. Why did Paul prefer not to minister where others had already ministered? Was this a wise decision?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">5. What principles of evangelism from Paul’s life could you apply in your life?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">6. What do you think it means to “witness for Christ”? Share your understanding and/or experiences with evangelism. (Either you engaging in evangelism or someone trying to evangelize you.)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">7. Are you reluctant to talk about God with others?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">8. If you would like to share… do you remember who shared the gospel message with you? Tell us about your walk with God up to this point in your life.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">----------</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><strong><em><u>More bible passages on evangelism:</u></em></strong></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Matthew 5:13-16 </font></p> <blockquote> <h5>Salt and Light</h5> <p><sup>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></sup> <p><sup>14 </sup>“You are the light of the world. <sup></sup>A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. <sup>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></sup><sup>16 </sup>In the same way, let your light shine before others, <sup></sup>that they may see your good deeds <sup></sup>and glorify <sup></sup>your Father in heaven.</p></blockquote> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Matthew 28:18-20</font></p> <blockquote> <p><sup>18 </sup>Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. <sup></sup><sup>19 </sup>Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, <sup></sup>baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, <sup></sup><sup>20 </sup>and teaching <sup></sup>them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you <sup></sup>always, to the very end of the age.” </p></blockquote> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Acts 1:8</font></p> <blockquote> <p><sup>8 </sup>But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; <sup></sup>and you will be my witnesses <sup></sup>in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, <sup></sup>and to the ends of the earth.” </p></blockquote> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">2 Corinthians 2:14-17</font></p> <blockquote> <p><sup>14 </sup>But thanks be to God, <sup></sup>who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma <sup></sup>of the knowledge <sup></sup>of him everywhere. <sup>15 </sup>For we are to God the pleasing aroma <sup></sup>of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. <sup></sup><sup>16 </sup>To the one we are an aroma that brings death; <sup></sup>to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? <sup></sup><sup>17 </sup>Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. <sup></sup>On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, <sup></sup>as those sent from God.</p></blockquote> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1 Thessalonians 2:8</font></p> <blockquote> <p><sup>8 </sup>so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God <sup></sup>but our lives as well. </p></blockquote> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1 Peter 3:15,16</font></p> <blockquote> <p><sup>15 </sup>But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer <sup></sup>to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope <sup></sup>that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, <sup>16 </sup>keeping a clear conscience, <sup></sup>so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.</p></blockquote> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-6773482376234980442012-05-30T10:06:00.001-06:002012-05-30T10:06:21.753-06:00Just for a giggle today....<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This is a very good read i think you will all enjoy it luv mom/lynda </span><br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<blockquote type="cite">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b>Subject: </b><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Fw: Shirley & Marcy</b></span></div>
<br /><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Arial;"><div bgcolor="#ffffff" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">
<div>
Subject: Shirley & Marcy<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /><br /> <br />> > <br />> > A good email. This is a good one......<br />> > <br />> > <br />> > <br />> > <br />> > Shirley & Marcy<br />> > <br />> > A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school.<br />> > He didn't want his mother to walk with him.<br />> > She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet<br />> > know that he was safe.<br />> > So she had an idea of how to handle it.<br />> > She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance,<br />> > So he probably wouldn't notice her. She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway,<br />> it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.<br />> > The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew.<br />> > She did this for the whole week. As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs,<br />> > Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.<br />> > Finally she said to Timmy ,<br />> > 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week?<br />> Do you know her?'<br />> > Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.'<br />> > The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?'<br />> > 'That's just Shirley Goodnest ,' Timmy replied, 'and her<br />> daughter Marcy .'<br />> > <br />> > ' Shirley Goodnest ? Who is she and why is she following us?<br />> > 'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the<br />> 23rd Psalm<br />> > with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much.<br />> > And in the Psalm, it says, ' Shirley Goodnest (surely goodness<br />> ) and Marcy<br />> > (mercy) shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess<br />> I'll just<br />> > have<br />> > to get used to it!'<br />> > <br />> > The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine<br />> upon you,<br />> > and<br />> > be gracious unto you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you,<br />> and give you<br />> > peace.<br />> > <br />> > May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always<br />> > <br />> > I know you smiled!<br />> > I sure did, Pass this on<br />> > And brighten someone's day!<br />> > <br />> > Please pray that Shirley & Marcy go with everyone you love</div>
</div>
</span></blockquote>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-76472409574703763932012-05-30T07:51:00.001-06:002012-05-30T07:51:31.249-06:00Love people, not projects.<p>I think this blog post will fit in with this week’s lesson as well. I will post the new lesson tomorrow. </p> <p><a title="http://www.theveryworstmissionary.com/2012/05/love-people-not-projects.html" href="http://www.theveryworstmissionary.com/2012/05/love-people-not-projects.html">http://www.theveryworstmissionary.com/2012/05/love-people-not-projects.html</a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-80402012918965213692012-05-29T19:46:00.001-06:002012-05-29T19:46:58.019-06:00This saying will fit in with lesson 12…<p><img src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/389251_395875733787855_145537805488317_1092253_542266989_n.jpg"></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-83363160971799613252012-05-28T12:03:00.001-06:002012-05-28T12:03:50.424-06:00Sunday, May 27, 2012<p><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eA4narr2wyE?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We spent the weekend at Paul and Lori’s. We dragged our new ‘baby house’ there to give it a test run for the weekend. Plus there was Josh’s 17th birthday party and their garden to plant. It was really nice to get away for the weekend.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6lt-KpOIc80/T8O91moiRnI/AAAAAAAABuA/CJy0hHXnzJ0/s1600-h/100_4736%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100_4736" border="0" alt="100_4736" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dv7jMx4OplQ/T8O92XqNziI/AAAAAAAABuI/qetqxxA1wn8/100_4736_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></font></a><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"> </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zvo3T4h2Exw/T8O93gySFtI/AAAAAAAABuQ/Rq5knDxpl5c/s1600-h/100_4740%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100_4740" border="0" alt="100_4740" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x8g2Lo8F7_U/T8O94c8r7uI/AAAAAAAABuY/ix5h-6xH8r8/100_4740_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></font></a><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gN6qfp2rXVE/T8O95qfjdzI/AAAAAAAABug/P-91_3pz9Rg/s1600-h/100_4747%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100_4747" border="0" alt="100_4747" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4MxZI5_7uVc/T8O96aTSUsI/AAAAAAAABuo/HK837qrsvxc/100_4747_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></font></a><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"> </font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q4EiYgfuhMw/T8O98DRMQLI/AAAAAAAABuw/o3jPw7Ia55c/s1600-h/100_4754%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100_4754" border="0" alt="100_4754" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9piFh8BwiMA/T8O98upkK8I/AAAAAAAABu4/mMOG9pA0Tzk/100_4754_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></font></a><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PafxClHt7R0/T8O99nETLnI/AAAAAAAABvA/FGv9Fb9EVBg/s1600-h/100_4767%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100_4767" border="0" alt="100_4767" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tmh6NWWEx-0/T8O9-P85RrI/AAAAAAAABvI/M0DYFlk-oGU/100_4767_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></font></a><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9mNpeC8W77A/T8O9_Uc4x4I/AAAAAAAABvQ/7VRX-vBiB8g/s1600-h/100_4770%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100_4770" border="0" alt="100_4770" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2EbRwrEjFVw/T8O9_yskClI/AAAAAAAABvY/qAe9zfc3t-8/100_4770_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">This week we tackled lesson 11, the definition of acceptance, and Deanna opened up about some of her reservations about acceptance, feeling loved, being judged, feeling unloved and more. It was a really great afternoon. And after all that we tackled a large platter of bbq ribs. :)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Here are the few notes I took this week:</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">- read Romans 14 and discussed</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">- Paul shared how he sees the word “righteous” now… “it is how God sees me, not anything I do or how I view myself”</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">- We discussed the idea of pleasing God. Lori had said that we cannot please God, and Jordan raised his eyebrow in question to that statement. He had a hard time swallowing that we cannot please God. So we discussed back and forth and I think what we came up with was that without Christ, we cannot please God. (If somebody has more memory about how this discussion went, please chime in in the comments section. Thanks.)</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">- Paul shared (I think to do with the above discussion) that, “I don’t do things to gain God’s love, I do things because I love God.”</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">- Wes said we needed to continue to read into chapter 15 because it pertained and wrapped up what was being taught in chapter 14.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Lesson 11 questions:</font></p> <p><strong><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">1. What issues caused division amongst the believers in Rome?</font></strong></p> <ul> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Johanna – “1 Eating/not eating certain foods, What was clean/unclean, which days are holy, etc.”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Nicole – “1. ditto Johanna”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Lori – “judging others”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Josh – “difference of opinion”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Jordan – “eating”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Jordan – “petty arguments”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Paul – “Holy days”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Paul – “disputable matters”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Wes – “wrestling with Jewish law”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Lori – “are you doing it right? are you doing it like me?”</font></li></ul> <p><strong><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">2. How did Paul counsel the Roman believers to deal with these issues?</font></strong></p> <ul> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Johanna – “2 Respect each others boundaries, Don't deliberately do things that go against what your fellow believers believe.”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Wes – (in his best New York gangster voice) – “forget about it!”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Pam – “meet people where they are in their journey with God. If they say that today is holy, then take the time to celebrate the holy day with them.”</font></li></ul> <p><strong><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">3. What is the key point Paul made in this passage?</font></strong></p> <ul> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Pam – “accept one another for where each is on their journey with God”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Jordan – “don not judge others or do things to make them stumble”</font></li> <li><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Johanna – “3 If someone believes that Certain things are holy or unholy we should respect that and not cause a fight over it, in the interest of keeping the church together”</font></li></ul> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">AND it was about this time that we followed a rabbit trail in our discussions and did not get back to the questions but yet when we read the last few questions out loud we saw that we had answered them in our own way throughout our rabbit trail. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I don’t have much for notes at this part of the discussions but we did start the rabbit trail with the question – what does acceptance mean? Does it mean that I approve of all a person chooses? Can I accept a person but not approve of their choices? What does acceptance look like?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Wes came up with this statement – “When an issue/choice/topic destroys the relationship between people, acceptance has left and judgement has taken its place.” So from that we can see that acceptance preserves the relationship. We can accept a person for who they are, and have relationship with that person, but it does not mean we agree to all their choices, opinions or actions.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">From here we had a very revealing discussion that seemed to revolve mostly around Deanna but was very informative to everyone there. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">This morning Vana posted a poem, I am sure that was inspired by our conversations yesterday. (</font><a title="http://sundreone.blogspot.ca/2012/05/safe.html" href="http://sundreone.blogspot.ca/2012/05/safe.html"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">http://sundreone.blogspot.ca/2012/05/safe.html</font></a><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">)</font></p> <h5 align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Safe </font></h5> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">So many people<br>Have entered my life<br>Some having consoled me<br>With some, came strife</font></p> <p align="center"><br><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">But each person<br>That I have met<br>Taught me something<br>On that, you can bet<br></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">They have taught me<br>Compassion, peace<br>Tolerance and restraint<br>Giving me a new lease<br></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I may not agree with<br>All the things that are said<br>Each person will state<br>Their pleasures or dread<br></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">The best I can do<br>At any given spell<br>Is to listen openly<br>At what they may tell.<br></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">If it is discussed with love<br>Acceptance and grace<br>Then there is nothing<br>That anyone can't face.<br></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">A community is safe<br>Where one is not judged<br>No matter what the situation<br>An inkblot or smudge<br></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">People that have entered<br>As I look on my past<br>Teaching me lessons<br>That I hope will last.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">And then this morning I listened to the latest podcast from The God Journey. It fit right in with our latest lesson and discussions yesterday. It is called “With You, God Is Pleased!” Here is a description from their website:</font></p> <blockquote> <p align="left"><em><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">“Both the cruelty of the world and the conformity demands of religion teach us to live inside a shell of our own self protection and only present to others the illusion we think they want to see. Shame and fear combine to make us feel lost and isolated in the world, unable to be who God simply made us to be. Wayne and Brad find themselves talking about how God is not waiting for us to crawl out of our brokenness before initiating relationship with us, but that the Incarnation itself testifies to his desire to crawl into our shell with us, and as he wins us into his affection, to invite us out of it without fearing how others might respond. He has always been pleased with his creation and seeking to win it back into his wholeness.”</font></em></p></blockquote> <p align="left"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I encourage you to listen to it. (</font><a title="http://thegodjourney.com/2012/05/25/with-you-god-is-pleased/#comments" href="http://thegodjourney.com/2012/05/25/with-you-god-is-pleased/#comments"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">http://thegodjourney.com/2012/05/25/with-you-god-is-pleased/#comments</font></a><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">)</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Here are a couple of things I wrote down while listening:</font></p> <ul> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">what will the power of acceptance do in a person’s life?</font></div></li> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yesterday Deanna had shared that in our community we talk a lot about love and being happy and it irritates her. I don’t remember where we went with that discussion but in this podcast Wayne shares an experience about being in Russia, in a room full of believers, and they are all talking in Russian and he cannot understand and feels left out. As I was listening to Wayne share this experience I thought of Deanna’s statement yesterday about how all this “love” talk irritated her and wondered if it was like Wayne in that room… she is part of the community but doesn’t feel like she belongs, like she is left out and doesn’t understand, and does not feel like she has experienced this love we are talking about all the time.</font></div></li> <li> <div align="left"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">In the podcast, this thought was shared – that our interactions with others either leave us like we they have been “life giving” or leave us with the feeling we have been shut down. I think this tied in with what Wes said about acceptance or judgement.</font></div></li></ul> <p align="left"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">And that is all I have for you at the moment. Loved our discussions yesterday. I am appreciative of Vana’s role right now, she is able to ask questions and “poke” my kids in a way that would not be well received from me. And I have seen Deanna open up with Vana that has been great to see. Thanks Vana! </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Time to take on the day. I am off to town to take mom for her Mg infusion today. TTYL </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-50512973539134129832012-05-25T17:29:00.001-06:002012-05-25T17:29:00.789-06:00WHAT IF I AM NOT CHOSEN?<p><a title="http://lovingsimpleliving.com/2012/02/what-if-im-not-chosen/" href="http://lovingsimpleliving.com/2012/02/what-if-im-not-chosen/"><font size="5">http://lovingsimpleliving.com/2012/02/what-if-im-not-chosen/</font></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-1164538736140630612012-05-25T00:11:00.001-06:002012-05-25T00:11:16.920-06:00Lesson 11<p><font size="5">We did not get around to discussing lesson 11 this past Sunday, so I won’t post the last lesson of the series till next week.</font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-14952377824933431272012-05-24T17:35:00.001-06:002012-05-24T17:35:58.076-06:00perfect love<h6><font size="5">Perfect love is perfect self-forgetfulness. Hence where there is love in a home, unselfishness is the law. Each forgets self and lives for others. ~ J.R. Miller</font></h6> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-17354170508356696612012-05-20T08:25:00.001-06:002012-05-20T08:25:54.164-06:00This picture made me think of Paul this morning.<p><img src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/416971_289395187795505_120919957976363_668706_855745199_n.jpg"></p> <p>He (Christ) must increase, but I must decrease. JHN 3:30 ESV<br>God, more of Jesus, less of me. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-30174796149431721362012-05-19T07:57:00.001-06:002012-05-19T07:57:38.037-06:00:o)<p><img src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543724_10150854513094001_248822244000_9811168_433155307_n.jpg" width="560" height="355"></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-53423214706566091682012-05-18T09:50:00.000-06:002012-05-18T09:50:09.509-06:00Considering prayer for my next topic....after reading these tidbits from Ann Voskamp's blog....<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f4e9; color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px; text-align: left;"> </span><strong style="background-color: #f6f4e9; border: 0px; color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/?p=10444" style="border: 0px; color: #54aab6; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">If one’s not praying regularly, it’s only because something else is regularly loved more than God.</a></strong>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f4e9; color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px; text-align: left;"> </span><strong style="background-color: #f6f4e9; border: 0px; color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Prayer becomes what we live when we want to get hold of God, not just get a hold of what we want.</strong>
<br />
<strong style="background-color: #f6f4e9; border: 0px; color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: #f6f4e9; border: 0px; color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And real prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind but about finding God’s heart — and letting His heart change my mind.</strong>
</strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: #f6f4e9; border: 0px; color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: #f6f4e9; border: 0px; color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Without prayer, we have nothing in common with God</strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Without prayer — we have no fellowship, no relationship, no worship. But when we enter into prayer, He enters into our thoughts and then we have much in common and the conversation never ends and we have our heart’s real desire — </span><em style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">communion with Christ.</em>
</strong></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: #f6f4e9; border: 0px; color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></strong></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">I'm praying about it ....</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #171212; font-family: Bookman, Palatino, Georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4824614325363577947.post-27881511869323208882012-05-18T07:51:00.001-06:002012-05-18T07:51:09.422-06:00Preparation, Spontaneity, and the Work of the Spirit when we Gather<p><a title="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/preparation-spontaneity-and-the-work-of-spirit-when-we-gather/" href="http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/preparation-spontaneity-and-the-work-of-spirit-when-we-gather/"><font size="5">http://www.alanknox.net/2012/05/preparation-spontaneity-and-the-work-of-spirit-when-we-gather/</font></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0