tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71532413160560131312024-03-05T02:21:20.438-08:00But God ....But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever ~ Psalm 73:26DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-38968629244971697592023-06-29T09:12:00.004-07:002023-06-29T09:12:49.052-07:00Response<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqRRWVARicUqlZV7WrCrXfrfBnNCgsJJewDEcF90tWLuDWiBTZ517X5oZjv0eC-soGZdZKXTWP8r11Fg1UfwsPI6gcKZhNmzDtQcmPHujog4G8_gmGwKO1FILy4X2HyBGtu_GYtwSto3mWw1ExDukq8PVIQi5ei9-An7EWf0ImnayZjiZEW7-g6ieioc/s530/Response.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="530" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqRRWVARicUqlZV7WrCrXfrfBnNCgsJJewDEcF90tWLuDWiBTZ517X5oZjv0eC-soGZdZKXTWP8r11Fg1UfwsPI6gcKZhNmzDtQcmPHujog4G8_gmGwKO1FILy4X2HyBGtu_GYtwSto3mWw1ExDukq8PVIQi5ei9-An7EWf0ImnayZjiZEW7-g6ieioc/s320/Response.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Still working through Ps 119. As I read yet again the verses and acknowledge each time "You/Your" (God) is mentioned, I am taking careful notice of the Psalmist's response. He dips his quill in the ink and writes out over 150 responses. To You, God and Your word, "I seek, know, mediate, and have life." He continues with "I will never forget, love, follow, obey, and call with all my heart." Yes, ours is indeed a life of response. It is a leaning in</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #101517; font-size: small; text-align: start;">—</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small; text-align: start;">for more. What a most beautiful cycle. God is. I respond.</span></span></div><br /><p></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-32908916170144589942023-06-19T11:45:00.004-07:002023-06-19T11:45:40.691-07:00Sin is self-serving self-focus<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhblDXTQGFRaOZYneOL_7gvldgzjR42D6_hx0k8qnhZijPoXYL78UHvMT6WBWFWJpEZ9ZP-6wLIDsLyYCMekRD0BQgmUKx6ko_0KnUpcijq20_3B8LwWFkh_Ko-GaZTgmlbMPMSuRY3-8K4YpqgKWozoJBTrGivQm7FmSX7DfkOVVpGaE7B5veDD2y_w/s940/Advantage%20-%20IG%20slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="940" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhblDXTQGFRaOZYneOL_7gvldgzjR42D6_hx0k8qnhZijPoXYL78UHvMT6WBWFWJpEZ9ZP-6wLIDsLyYCMekRD0BQgmUKx6ko_0KnUpcijq20_3B8LwWFkh_Ko-GaZTgmlbMPMSuRY3-8K4YpqgKWozoJBTrGivQm7FmSX7DfkOVVpGaE7B5veDD2y_w/s320/Advantage%20-%20IG%20slide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ouch!</div><br /><p></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-6476452606403265312022-10-19T11:46:00.000-07:002022-10-19T11:46:10.716-07:00The Sovereignty of God<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_a23KLmMyRk3ab79Nok4-PdqMzBuw2d-iya4WLr4rZRWHslYSbtBAbEAo5eeBR0DaeZ-EpTc451F5AU21WDi27lmN0ocXZW_DX9rj1RSZsnfZa-ziqDveCNeLzY1IMhOWu6jOE8V8SPfmGo0pX9F05UJZob5vdqNqkVelNBfPwhEj9ZJt6NkgQBL/s1200/Jonah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_a23KLmMyRk3ab79Nok4-PdqMzBuw2d-iya4WLr4rZRWHslYSbtBAbEAo5eeBR0DaeZ-EpTc451F5AU21WDi27lmN0ocXZW_DX9rj1RSZsnfZa-ziqDveCNeLzY1IMhOWu6jOE8V8SPfmGo0pX9F05UJZob5vdqNqkVelNBfPwhEj9ZJt6NkgQBL/s320/Jonah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Jonah is a great illustration of the Sovereignty of God. God spoke. Jonah ran. God provides visual aids to get Jonah’s attention (disastrous storm, throwing sailors, puking fish, plant, worm, and a scorching east wind). “You can do it My way or My way.” It is always God's way. The Sovereignty of God.</p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-133343396935554222022-10-03T09:34:00.001-07:002022-10-03T09:34:22.885-07:00Expectation with Prepared Anticipation<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtQ1b47GBaKWdwWhS8Q9IFBUQyMNJAxo7aDFOJckjs8d1LxM2LkaDMHgGDxwsUqaV8WvXzf4S7MQ7j8MmrSEQ3OlJ2e65iePoHXN7pgsF-BVoagMUabHbPfM6jo1H2_3_5Uo9PIR8Jst68xU_7pVLwg20xpCwMGUI4qqHpOkRV2uavwNmfYmIvGRg/s950/1000_F_278703358_uuEOKwWyligVTK6QzFW37EPEhbSn4CDo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="950" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtQ1b47GBaKWdwWhS8Q9IFBUQyMNJAxo7aDFOJckjs8d1LxM2LkaDMHgGDxwsUqaV8WvXzf4S7MQ7j8MmrSEQ3OlJ2e65iePoHXN7pgsF-BVoagMUabHbPfM6jo1H2_3_5Uo9PIR8Jst68xU_7pVLwg20xpCwMGUI4qqHpOkRV2uavwNmfYmIvGRg/s320/1000_F_278703358_uuEOKwWyligVTK6QzFW37EPEhbSn4CDo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">30 Second Encouragement</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;">: In the mid-1800's, in a small town in Ohio, they were experiencing a major drought. A young pastor awoke one Sunday morning compelled to pray (yet again) for rain—but this time it would be different. He started the service asking God to bring the rain and he continued on with the service. Halfway through, there were sounds of thunder & the rain fell. It was noted later that Charles Finney was (oddly) seen carrying an umbrella to church that morning. His prayer was no different than others who prayed—except </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">he came prepared</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;">. Jesus said (it's in red) to pray with expectation, "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;"><i><span style="color: #050505;">Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened</span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;">" (Matt 7:7-8). </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Expectation with prepared anticipation</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 15px;">. May we open our umbrellas today. Happy Monday.</span></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-17480565736250962762022-07-21T09:19:00.004-07:002022-07-21T09:19:29.794-07:00Theology Thursday - Worship<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CAJYC2LLp0IS8HcqontDdIffjiVIJqtbPDeftrX_5MhZcSUaVu4L3g7NTtxvlDHgsG3pdOZT-y_2bo3pIMvPmPMCVglYmyrwb1Ez4jinwdU5QgvBOj3Ogg-d6apZBcWBOAuHNbLyNSB-hkPcRRD9Vub4V3TpyZGnbWKj7WvmrbBWvWE6CkA6LgbD/s1280/Theology%20Thursday%20Slide%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CAJYC2LLp0IS8HcqontDdIffjiVIJqtbPDeftrX_5MhZcSUaVu4L3g7NTtxvlDHgsG3pdOZT-y_2bo3pIMvPmPMCVglYmyrwb1Ez4jinwdU5QgvBOj3Ogg-d6apZBcWBOAuHNbLyNSB-hkPcRRD9Vub4V3TpyZGnbWKj7WvmrbBWvWE6CkA6LgbD/s320/Theology%20Thursday%20Slide%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">Worship. Sadly, our society has shifted the true design of worship from being solely directed to God - to placing whoever, whatever WE want at the front and center of our adoration. Biblical worship is directed toward—GOD ALONE. It is the "bowing down" in reverence, devotion, attributing glory & honor. "Honor the LORD for the glory of His name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness" (King David - Ps 29:2, NLT). May we be so very aware of what/who we bow down to.</span></div><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></blockquote>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-46067808471020482972022-07-15T09:11:00.002-07:002022-07-15T09:11:43.517-07:00Coram Deo<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1gehtnoT1kta3_jgTOQRMCDzkeoyLgAQ_E8DQFcCi8o90avkXXQDK7QtiOjhSwtEEB8sXDJHPlpsgRzxcy0d43zeTS4P98WA1dLYpe3L1o6TF4XbSKwwQcKiA50jkNKeP_HBP8l3KxQkfQRu9o7WQLlyIEBza__essBq1ef5O1A4_YwnKdhNfshP/s702/104897800_3141499432540135_6968841311537595030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="702" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1gehtnoT1kta3_jgTOQRMCDzkeoyLgAQ_E8DQFcCi8o90avkXXQDK7QtiOjhSwtEEB8sXDJHPlpsgRzxcy0d43zeTS4P98WA1dLYpe3L1o6TF4XbSKwwQcKiA50jkNKeP_HBP8l3KxQkfQRu9o7WQLlyIEBza__essBq1ef5O1A4_YwnKdhNfshP/s320/104897800_3141499432540135_6968841311537595030_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Coram Deo. Latin and basically means "Before the face of God." I cannot imagine what my life would look like if I SERIOUSLY considered this prior to beginning each day, each conversation and each action. Making myself aware that whatever I am doing (reading, watching, listening to) wherever I am going and how I am acting is under the gaze of God. Not with the mindset, "OH, better not—God is watching" but the heart attitude of being so profoundly aware of His sovereignty. That I live my life under the authority of God—to the glory of God. "Coram Deo!"</span></span></div><br /><p></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-83901814496167938672022-07-07T13:46:00.003-07:002022-07-07T13:47:13.408-07:00Biblical Interpretation<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuKNSHTK2M8f6hPj6QpnGUCcvu8Xsij1KlaJpEkg7EQB5Y_OoXJ9kJKC2NtP5l6B6W_8tg5lMYWQmVTaghNwdtB6I1HLhzNmi0apAiOD_OIXoTiABcdDRSWVwhc9wTxoF9MNrRmP1d6bT0KL1JoJ6dwyem9Cqxq5wExPZj5j8btDS53QCkn-9Dfjz/s1280/Theology%20Thursday%20Slide%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuKNSHTK2M8f6hPj6QpnGUCcvu8Xsij1KlaJpEkg7EQB5Y_OoXJ9kJKC2NtP5l6B6W_8tg5lMYWQmVTaghNwdtB6I1HLhzNmi0apAiOD_OIXoTiABcdDRSWVwhc9wTxoF9MNrRmP1d6bT0KL1JoJ6dwyem9Cqxq5wExPZj5j8btDS53QCkn-9Dfjz/s320/Theology%20Thursday%20Slide%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif;">When reading the Bible, there are 2 types of Interpretation: 1st) Exegesis is proper interpretation, the "leading out" of the text, (pulling out the true meaning) conveying the original author's intent (looking at language, culture and the big story). Where 2). Eisegesis is "pushing into" the text. It is concerned with interjecting one's ideas to make a point or reading into the text what they hope to find. May we be intentional with our handling and understanding of the Word of God.</span></span></div><p></p><p><br /></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-40458968986425768242022-06-06T09:19:00.001-07:002022-06-06T09:19:26.110-07:00Giants to Slay<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdvhV6fE0y5KFORQ_SS7YKZ1eJYL5D6HFwKhfNCCbQDZrNV7kw88lZKdjXu-T3AQbeQcdae-1KxT5X_knKDwY9Swu1ii9J33r9vTM0aMF1G4HJo5qbjl9YhN0lN0TQ5K4jjEIQHAV2Ks5AOjtJZgAtp4soryVo3S3JmsuqbJ1CHO6h7Y98YBPPl37/s603/stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdvhV6fE0y5KFORQ_SS7YKZ1eJYL5D6HFwKhfNCCbQDZrNV7kw88lZKdjXu-T3AQbeQcdae-1KxT5X_knKDwY9Swu1ii9J33r9vTM0aMF1G4HJo5qbjl9YhN0lN0TQ5K4jjEIQHAV2Ks5AOjtJZgAtp4soryVo3S3JmsuqbJ1CHO6h7Y98YBPPl37/s320/stones.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><p></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Giants to Slay</span></b></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for <b>you are but a</b> youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33, emphasis mine).</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I LOVE the story of David and Goliath. Big nasty dude yelling stupid things about God and God’s people. But one day a boy comes to camp. Goliath continues yelling, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other” (v10). Goliath is not just asking for any opponent; he wants a man. A grown, trained, mature, “give me a challenge” —man. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">There is but one response. David. Scholars believe him to be about seventeen(ish) when he told King Saul “Send me.” Saul’s response basically says, “You are but a boy, an adolescent. The situation is beyond you—beyond what you are.” </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Saul tries to get David to wear his suit of armor. “I cannot go in these” he says (v39). There was no hesitation on David’s part. There was no “give me a minute while I figure this out.” He takes his sling, stick and smooth stones and RUNS toward Goliath. I must add, Goliath’s shield-bearer was out there too (v41). Not so tough now, big guy! David swung his sling, the stone hit the target. Down went the opposing giant of a man. Goliath called for a man. King Saul declares a mere boy. David did what God called him to do. Victory!</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">What is God calling us to? </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">May there be no hesitation in us when we are called beyond what we seem to be. Perhaps too young, untrained, too small. Or possibly too big, or too old. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Chances are we’ll run into a Saul now and then, but don’t let them pull out their measuring stick and attempt to size us up, their assumption has nothing to do with what God can do through us! Let us not begin a wardrobe change, trying to fit into someone else’s stuff. But take up what we know. His word. His presence and RUN toward what God calls us to. I'm sure if you wish to yell, “For Narnia!” God will understand. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We all have giants to slay. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now go.</span></div></div>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-29827696243568409562022-05-29T19:18:00.002-07:002022-05-29T19:19:42.114-07:00Hacked<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6AiRJB1hmJIVjWXIJj3YI1Yt8jbh0RSrELgIUgbjdRvHe8xXXkyKNmFZVgGdKpJD9kRlB-Zud-Dm2UCxjafDLYU7QNJBPEHXNRHXA8rbyivGfSZjaBwv4sVZp3WEFbnxIxe-pulm2fyQZVrXfrtU3hooeoNKleUbO2x3APP3toHtrclonPBWFoTG/s1280/Hacked.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6AiRJB1hmJIVjWXIJj3YI1Yt8jbh0RSrELgIUgbjdRvHe8xXXkyKNmFZVgGdKpJD9kRlB-Zud-Dm2UCxjafDLYU7QNJBPEHXNRHXA8rbyivGfSZjaBwv4sVZp3WEFbnxIxe-pulm2fyQZVrXfrtU3hooeoNKleUbO2x3APP3toHtrclonPBWFoTG/s320/Hacked.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was presented recently (Dallas Theological Seminary "Covenants" class) that our “conscience can not only be seared, but it can also be HACKED” (to use a modern analogy). Agreed! To hack is to gain unauthorized access. It is done creatively, secretively, with hopes of being undetected. We HAVE to get our mind and heart guarded</span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">—</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;">SECURE. It is only done with the Spirit and the word of God! I side with King David, "<i>I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken</i>" (Ps 16:8). Got me the ultimate security system. You?</span></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-71971934910960197012022-04-24T07:43:00.003-07:002022-04-24T07:51:37.308-07:00Found<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jZc-uGdFd37lTu6Y1SdEa-eBSXFZPNLXIzOnLBODgMdiJwEdfgC88_g8T34dWCJNPa84YAcj-188ZIthvqB0I0gkcKJ3k6dWXd9nYzy2CIcUMQF601vKlDJuZE9CsP8ALB8oExHjJa7U8fW7POH_Bi4XVBtbXdIaV93QHStDgcJ3vzwaT1zgXfg3/s862/found.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="862" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jZc-uGdFd37lTu6Y1SdEa-eBSXFZPNLXIzOnLBODgMdiJwEdfgC88_g8T34dWCJNPa84YAcj-188ZIthvqB0I0gkcKJ3k6dWXd9nYzy2CIcUMQF601vKlDJuZE9CsP8ALB8oExHjJa7U8fW7POH_Bi4XVBtbXdIaV93QHStDgcJ3vzwaT1zgXfg3/s320/found.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">I recently read the statement, "God reveals Himself to a people that aren't even looking for Him." I thought about that for days. Thinking of the “in and out” relationship the people of Israel had with God. Soon I placed myself in the <i>people</i> category. Frankly I too wasn't looking for God at the age of sixteen, but yet there HE WAS! I was lost and didn't know it. Found by a God I wasn't even looking for. God tells the folks through Isaiah, "<i>I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me</i>” (Isaiah 65:1). </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Remember good old Abe? He settled in the land of Haran, God told him to move on and go to a land He would show him. Abram wasn't looking to move let alone looking for God. Abram was busy, looking elsewhere, he wasn't looking for God. Yet there He was—looking at Abram. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">How many of us too weren't looking? We were busy elsewhere. <i>Thank You God</i> for making Yourself known, seen and heard. Thank You that even when we weren't aware of our lostness, YOU revealed Yourself. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Found.</span></span></p></blockquote><p><br /></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-78993797221399415492021-12-10T19:17:00.001-08:002021-12-10T19:17:51.487-08:00Full-stop, Turn Aside<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOt6A_yulaTZqS73ryhKeJd7F6fDL_WbOAwOI_bCiY9AwltNF3M-JWCg0ypO_ReHJpUvyKyQku1N3fm5S5SRSCwcaMipYVKgE5Fil0kQhyphenhyphenxgKjOos6jVDGFkBY51pn_7q0J47xSMCdvA/s612/istockphoto-1274392440-612x612+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="612" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOt6A_yulaTZqS73ryhKeJd7F6fDL_WbOAwOI_bCiY9AwltNF3M-JWCg0ypO_ReHJpUvyKyQku1N3fm5S5SRSCwcaMipYVKgE5Fil0kQhyphenhyphenxgKjOos6jVDGFkBY51pn_7q0J47xSMCdvA/s320/istockphoto-1274392440-612x612+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Moses & the burning bush</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"> (Exodus 3). Moses is out with the flock when he saw a bush on fire, but not being consumed. Curious, he thinks he should go to investigate. When Yahweh saw that he "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">turned aside to look</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">"—it was then He called to Moses from within the bush and ultimately commissions him. God waited. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">He waited until Moses gave Him his full attention</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px;">. This one-on-one, God with Moses (from the flame) sets the narrative for the rest of Exodus, God was in the flame. Moses trusted the flame. May we too, not keep God waiting—offering full stop, "turn aside." It is here that God speaks. Here, we take off our sandals, this place is holy, God’s presence—God’s word.</span></span></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-89697382599644692482021-09-13T14:43:00.001-07:002021-09-13T14:43:16.617-07:00Cause to Pause<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoPD7Gtf3qI8jnYUHBboId0YEI9Fu_V_AQTnRSDuSvmaS066ICgVI9KeR-2-A_dwCZLe_UyLfR_OMQLubFGDExOd_iHA8I6D8a8noCob-mZ7K5C2YmzK4zzoE0WV3uLjMCV162hcwRBA/s989/117736801_3304845302872213_2628728081754604751_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="989" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoPD7Gtf3qI8jnYUHBboId0YEI9Fu_V_AQTnRSDuSvmaS066ICgVI9KeR-2-A_dwCZLe_UyLfR_OMQLubFGDExOd_iHA8I6D8a8noCob-mZ7K5C2YmzK4zzoE0WV3uLjMCV162hcwRBA/s320/117736801_3304845302872213_2628728081754604751_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In our current culture we raise and wave the banner of God's love, which is SO worthy to do so. But we often forget our God is so HOLY. May we echo the Pastors' words in Hebrews; "<i>Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire</i>." (12:28-29). That alone is cause to pause. Reverence and awe.</div><br /> <p></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-86451614726710737732021-09-12T11:02:00.001-07:002021-09-12T11:02:05.186-07:00Holy Expectation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Yc4aT_4VdYX64IrN4eFHbTWY2f2iCUHgjKU48922i2ZDE6BhrekxxcTobLNR_RykpzULpsu1l8DcjdQHIRRIazD1CXmSKONzJVCjvoOh_ITPbp2URfqP954VKp1ZzSgxpYzNYnH6Jhg/s885/Ps+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="885" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Yc4aT_4VdYX64IrN4eFHbTWY2f2iCUHgjKU48922i2ZDE6BhrekxxcTobLNR_RykpzULpsu1l8DcjdQHIRRIazD1CXmSKONzJVCjvoOh_ITPbp2URfqP954VKp1ZzSgxpYzNYnH6Jhg/s320/Ps+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><b>30 Second Bible Study</b>: King David wrote, "<i>Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation</i>" (Psalm 5:2-3, NIV). Scholars believe David wrote this when running from his "wanting to de-throne the King" son, Absalom. David didn't just pray, he leaned in. He leaned forward. Anticipating God's response. He did so in the morning - early. May we too lean in with such eagerness. First thing. <b>Holy expectation!</b> Happy Sunday. <p></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-61127627659115654182021-09-10T15:13:00.001-07:002021-09-10T15:13:41.062-07:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjJM_UlMi-Glh0h8fy7ZAFzqLB_3_tf0osGWGYahh-hZeL4Bes9OVtHOvjwFYsEezJ_Zu7mQ3yP0WZP8Fm8a04PBpbspRN6T_uk7_hJ4oCbTkxGy3_yF4cu0DJkcylIZ37i1n1rt9uH0/s1050/241763402_4443780235645375_7763386381942229632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1050" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjJM_UlMi-Glh0h8fy7ZAFzqLB_3_tf0osGWGYahh-hZeL4Bes9OVtHOvjwFYsEezJ_Zu7mQ3yP0WZP8Fm8a04PBpbspRN6T_uk7_hJ4oCbTkxGy3_yF4cu0DJkcylIZ37i1n1rt9uH0/s320/241763402_4443780235645375_7763386381942229632_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm wondering. Where are our older folks? 50+ in age? Why don't we see them on the platforms anymore? Paul wrote "<i>Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus</i>" (Phil 1:6). That good work is NOT done yet. God said, "<i>Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you</i>" (Is 46:4). God sustained. God is still sustaining. They have something to say, wisdom to share - to encourage, to teach.</span></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-14757579003167865172020-11-11T11:55:00.001-08:002020-11-11T11:55:20.030-08:00Do It Afraid<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3d99q8ACJ9P5cGCQE-h7GYmmn3QGxcY1Xof9Om-QT2ywUTfYi8_8w5Qdp4VXyKB2-TeNQFkpy3bqLlcol8r-eNCRzwUcVHXNmigFMw5vm5gmO5tHgE0W8AbNBZ9DxETBGHRRfM0IHH4/s1280/do+it+afraid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3d99q8ACJ9P5cGCQE-h7GYmmn3QGxcY1Xof9Om-QT2ywUTfYi8_8w5Qdp4VXyKB2-TeNQFkpy3bqLlcol8r-eNCRzwUcVHXNmigFMw5vm5gmO5tHgE0W8AbNBZ9DxETBGHRRfM0IHH4/s320/do+it+afraid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: start;">Multiple times we read in the bible, “</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: start;">Do not be afraid</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: start;">." Afraid of people. Afraid of circumstances. Afraid of what people will say and do. Each instruction speaks to the fear – yet – continues with instruction. Sometimes we must “Do it afraid!” Stepping out in faith does not mean there is not some level of fear. Apprehension. Pause. We cannot, must not allow fear to paralyze us. To Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Elijah, "<i>Do not be afraid</i>." Hezekiah "<i>He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him </i>(2 Ki 18:6) Yet it was told him "<i>Do not be afraid</i>" (19:6). And to Daniel "<i>Do not be afraid</i>." (10:12). And Stephen giving his speech, (Acts 7) I’m sure his heart was racing. Were they men of faith? Yes. They did it afraid, in and through the fear. Do it afraid.</span></div><br /> <p></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-77771832947870008872020-10-14T10:59:00.007-07:002020-10-14T10:59:59.703-07:00Quietly<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d-q8M_yF6saJLp368a0d2Z5uqs44-5XmRiZ7ZpM1lUsN5_UNcc-dAjprp44var5sKYoKjVd2p4ByerJ2w08dyOZAVriXVOwrxJI6oKGqV6Yy6qsxepOSDMjXrmyl7h9jAdNnmflSuIs/s973/Wait+quietly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="973" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d-q8M_yF6saJLp368a0d2Z5uqs44-5XmRiZ7ZpM1lUsN5_UNcc-dAjprp44var5sKYoKjVd2p4ByerJ2w08dyOZAVriXVOwrxJI6oKGqV6Yy6qsxepOSDMjXrmyl7h9jAdNnmflSuIs/s320/Wait+quietly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let all that I am wait QUIETLY.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.." Wow, what a challenge. If you are like me, I tend to always be fiddling with stuff. Crackling - noisy stuff. Stuff that is full of complaint and self focused. Yes, I am noisy. May I lay it all down and come to God empty handed (best plan for a noise-less encounter). Quietly.</span></div><br /> <p></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-87779823003942384862020-10-13T10:51:00.001-07:002020-10-13T10:51:07.166-07:00Guarding<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FYz04uMdG6baw7FzMaBi16JMvjGvSK-ZfwTxdyXpjkTTJQXDI-RNYLawtBXQDXKWIIh3AK8A1YcTPshcK8tgc-GcUDggoqtVSkOq8Gk8H88hWUIlezJsdP13pGJFqWmK7GNQvTZLj9M/s730/Guard+your+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FYz04uMdG6baw7FzMaBi16JMvjGvSK-ZfwTxdyXpjkTTJQXDI-RNYLawtBXQDXKWIIh3AK8A1YcTPshcK8tgc-GcUDggoqtVSkOq8Gk8H88hWUIlezJsdP13pGJFqWmK7GNQvTZLj9M/s320/Guard+your+heart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">30
Second Bible Study</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">: "<i>Above all else guard your
heart, for everything you do flows from it</i>." (Pro 4:23, NIV). Besides, paying close attention and
learning good judgment and not losing sight of wisdom, (context of the Proverb)
we are to guard, we are to protect our heart. Our heart (our inner man; our
mind, will and emotions) is vulnerable. It HAS to be protected. Guarding is a
God quality, "<i>You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble..</i>." (Ps 32:7a)
And not to mention, (but I will, because I NEED it) “<i>Set a guard, O LORD over my
mouth, keep watch over the doors of my lips</i>." (Ps 141:3). Guarding and protecting is a shared
responsibility, God does His part and WE do ours. Guarding.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-74719655622750077482020-10-06T16:44:00.005-07:002020-10-06T16:44:54.217-07:00Your Listing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf3lkZL__x0Pjvk3wFezgzVAMiOeSUdPr-UW99Q-98czCZG1lQQ1lgwCWGEH-2K_erJCjqArlszHIq45VuEzOw8xU82j6ybSBlh3fI-shQ6ooWed8Mh2muB0yO7OfSxCrUdTFCf7757M/s691/119915069_3415689521787790_7250605586669875495_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="691" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf3lkZL__x0Pjvk3wFezgzVAMiOeSUdPr-UW99Q-98czCZG1lQQ1lgwCWGEH-2K_erJCjqArlszHIq45VuEzOw8xU82j6ybSBlh3fI-shQ6ooWed8Mh2muB0yO7OfSxCrUdTFCf7757M/s320/119915069_3415689521787790_7250605586669875495_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Esther 'sacrificed' - she went before the king to speak on behalf of her people without an invitation (punishable by death) she survived and the King granted her request. Ruth 'loved' her mom in law and followed her to a new country, people, God and found Boaz (King David's great-grandparents). Martha 'served' those who studied at Jesus' feet. Hannah 'prayed' for a child and believed God to provide (thus Samuel). Mary 'believed' the angel and summitted her will to being Jesus' mom. Miriam 'danced' and lead others in worship as they left Egypt and escaped the Egyptian army.</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What will be YOUR listing...</span></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-37656974344782501432020-09-23T09:51:00.002-07:002020-09-23T09:51:30.857-07:00Write It Out<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD20MDOMHZ4PL-cO3T4JWo2jpcmmbNqiLqJ1DvwtHqEEMBQo_oD2N6S_8ZiSU30FJJFekr3G-rU3zoVva8O2lEmR4nwN6GFIhAG9VVlQX884SE8281VXS1yF5oFfMA0PuzlM5ckT_xd0/s1280/Write+it+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD20MDOMHZ4PL-cO3T4JWo2jpcmmbNqiLqJ1DvwtHqEEMBQo_oD2N6S_8ZiSU30FJJFekr3G-rU3zoVva8O2lEmR4nwN6GFIhAG9VVlQX884SE8281VXS1yF5oFfMA0PuzlM5ckT_xd0/s320/Write+it+out.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">When studying a portion of scripture (Or a book of the bible) what better way to ponder the words than reading and writing. Keep an "It is written" journal. Write it out word for word. AND, if you write it in cursive, it may be 'code' for future days. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: start; vertical-align: middle;" title="wink emoticon"><img alt="" class="CToWUd" height="16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjYFcUWAQgz2WFthqMU-R841sNh7J5FCGzQhnpXZIF8Tn9b72c1c22TbPeC8dtX0mUJCtNKkA57aZX7ouIjwngiGC7J96CmDtA4v0Rql1zXPiSRytYn_NAS4tgMMoYkRsq9u6QPAC-8tOsrC1Qgv6GQVIBi1kInw5xZETHsSxr1zgFG=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /> The kings of Israel were commissioned to "write for himself on a scroll a copy of the law." (Deut 17:18). Write it out.</span></div><br /><p></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-34205293670105858062020-08-17T08:39:00.003-07:002020-08-17T08:40:17.978-07:00Consuming Fire<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFBzY8CEdk8PQ1g2j8oIXzzGAyQ6iJ3V0-5u77iKWgXwiP-f01kSexfNcyJ84WH1utyBPXXEVDjHleINpZFRD6hAqU9sTwaO1La3DkBq7vohkdSi0HCScD8e845qUZzks0mby5ywR7jc/s989/Free+fire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="989" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFBzY8CEdk8PQ1g2j8oIXzzGAyQ6iJ3V0-5u77iKWgXwiP-f01kSexfNcyJ84WH1utyBPXXEVDjHleINpZFRD6hAqU9sTwaO1La3DkBq7vohkdSi0HCScD8e845qUZzks0mby5ywR7jc/w320-h145/Free+fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">"The Lord is a </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Consuming Fire</b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> ("Esh Oklah" in Hebrew, Deut 4:23-24) who will ultimately destroy whatever is opposed to His holiness. He is also a Jealous God, who loves us completely and who, therefore, demands our wholehearted response. If we love Him, we can be confident of His mercy, and our own zeal will make us jealous for God's honor and glory." (Excerpt from my morning devotional, "Praying the Name of God" by Ann Spangler). In our current culture we raise & wave the banner of God's love, which is SO worthy to do so. But we often forget our God is so HOLY. May we echo the Pastors' words in Hebrews; "</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire</i><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">." (12:28-29). In reverence and awe.</span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p></blockquote></blockquote>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-46006773720226358802020-08-12T09:13:00.000-07:002020-08-12T09:13:04.220-07:00Recognizing Him<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpgr3Z6xwbgTFl-Nq5_zUOxcUXcNr4ckdguug7DVU2RBLZ7icEG-00twm07i1_1RJScs78_4rTzN5dsMfiKdOPAsho4njjSu6jqbozSS0ME7vrauAa6z6DLC9xRR8okQpG_NjkUDpo-I/s1084/Breaking+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1084" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpgr3Z6xwbgTFl-Nq5_zUOxcUXcNr4ckdguug7DVU2RBLZ7icEG-00twm07i1_1RJScs78_4rTzN5dsMfiKdOPAsho4njjSu6jqbozSS0ME7vrauAa6z6DLC9xRR8okQpG_NjkUDpo-I/w400-h231/Breaking+bread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="_4yxo" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">30 SECOND BIBLE STUDY</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Luke 24 (following the resurrection) - Jesus walks with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, they were (divinely) kept from recognizing Jesus (For a time / for a purpose). Once in the home of the disciples, "</span><span class="_4yxp" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">As they sat down to eat, He </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Jesus)</span><span class="_4yxp" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"> took the bread and blessed it. Then He broke it and gave it to them.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">" (v30) Continuing, "</span><span class="_4yxp" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suddenly, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">..." (v31). It was NOT the custom that the guest would serve the bread, but Jesus did. (COULD IT BE) as He pulled up the sleeves of His cloak, they saw the nail prints on His wrists! THERE! Do you see it! (Divinely seeing) recognizing Jesus! May we too be aware and see what He puts in front of us, recognizing Him. (Point to Ponder). Happy mid-week or for some of us, Happy 2,435 day of 2020. </span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; white-space: pre-wrap;" title="wink emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf6/2/16/1f609.png" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /></span></div><p></p>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-5812307548669029572020-08-11T11:09:00.003-07:002020-08-11T16:36:18.629-07:00The Trees of Our Life<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcgKiq92Pe6L-l79gxNR7g61iDUVQQawNLNjNrTn22nW0K9ifLdRvvuWE1dXzrHuiIagS_ryeBdY_DQjnRDCfG3DGq6XkD0HhogCAlmtbQpnq8VtCQ7exJB0KmCx-gA5pUSEWdLAdRME/s800/tree+for+Mr+Z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="800" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcgKiq92Pe6L-l79gxNR7g61iDUVQQawNLNjNrTn22nW0K9ifLdRvvuWE1dXzrHuiIagS_ryeBdY_DQjnRDCfG3DGq6XkD0HhogCAlmtbQpnq8VtCQ7exJB0KmCx-gA5pUSEWdLAdRME/w400-h231/tree+for+Mr+Z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;">What a beautiful analogy of God's provision. Even as the words came to those in exile, "</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD.</span><span style="color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope</span><span style="color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;">." (Jer. 29:11, NLT). The same principle was true for Zacchaeus - God gave him a foot up. His plans for </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-weight: 600; white-space: pre-wrap;">YOU </span><span style="color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;">are set, implemented and in process. May we look for, appreciate and be thankful for the 'trees' in our life. (Image credit: Unknown, but fabulous).</span></span></div><p></p></blockquote><div class="adL"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></div><div class="yj6qo"></div>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-56142334501522118082020-07-22T09:08:00.003-07:002020-07-22T09:08:57.389-07:00Fascinating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fascinating: God is referred to primarily as "<i>LORD God</i>" in Gen 2, then opening in Chapter 3. But, Eve following the example of the serpent, in their conversation, does not (will not) call Him LORD (YHWH - known as the covenant name of God). They refer to Him only as <i>God</i> (Elohim, which is great, but in this context minimizes Him). What an example to us. The enemy of our soul will attempt to get <i>US</i> to minimize our God as well. Make Him less than He is - attempt</span></span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> to remove covenant. We will NOT conform to such a thing!</span></span>DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-54850402841172447222020-07-16T08:45:00.001-07:002020-07-16T08:45:54.722-07:00Stand Still<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Theologian Blaise Pascal wrote in 1660, "Hence it comes
that men so love noise and movement." (OH, in the 1600's THAT was
NOTHING!) We know NOISE and MOVEMENT these days. To Job was said, "<i>Stand
still and consider the wondrous works of God</i>." (37:14). Stand up,
stand still in order to hear better and in reverence of what might be said; and
with silence, that it might be the better received and understood. May we
too take pause, stand still - tune out the noise and consider God!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153241316056013131.post-22324289430237360132020-07-13T09:36:00.000-07:002020-07-13T09:36:41.985-07:00The Valley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">This week at Bible study, we are looking at Psalm 23:4. David writes of walking “<i>through the darkest valley</i>.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Valley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Isn't it interesting, that we strive for the mountain tops, but once there, we turn and gaze back down at the now declared 'beautiful' valley below? Charles Spurgeon said, "We find that most men confess that God is God of the hills, but they forget that He is also Lord of the valleys." Even though we long for the mountain tops, there <i>is</i> beauty in the valley. It is THERE that the waters flow down to. It is from the valley that we can only look <i>up. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Valleys are to be <b>explored </b>(Deut. 1, spies come back with good report). They are a place to <b>wage war </b>(1 Sam. 17, David & Goliath). Valleys are for <b>freshwater</b> (Gen. 26, Isaac's servants dig 3 prosperous wells). A valley is a place of <b>rebuilding </b>(2 Chron. 33 Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall). There is <b>victory </b>in the valley (Judges 6 & 7 Gideon over the Midianites, 2 Sam. 8 David’s victories). Valleys mark <b>boundary lines</b> (Joshua 18, division of the land). Valleys are a place for <b>dwelling</b> (Gen. 26:17).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Valleys are not to be feared, or just to be admired from the mountain top; life basically happens in the valley. May we not always be looking beyond our valley but learning and
exploring and thriving<i> in</i> the valley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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DeDehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151851200202754305noreply@blogger.com0