tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57761759290745173842024-03-20T05:45:50.637-04:00A Christian MindsetAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-85996617748107606082016-02-05T11:10:00.000-05:002016-02-05T11:10:13.957-05:00<div style="border-image: none;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello and I'm glad you stop by. A Christian Mindset has moved. The link to the new site is <a href="http://www.achristianmindset.org/">www.achristianmindset.org</a>. I hope you check out the site. Thank you for your interest and I hope to build a spiritual relationship with you in the near future. Regardless may the grace of God and the peace of Christ shine brighter each day of your life.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-8681604603772078272015-12-28T18:45:00.000-05:002015-12-28T18:45:02.518-05:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s
Eternal Resolution<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etsdW-g-KL0/VoHEPbh8c7I/AAAAAAAAFGY/qSUZKG-zLIs/s1600/So-when-Jesus-had.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etsdW-g-KL0/VoHEPbh8c7I/AAAAAAAAFGY/qSUZKG-zLIs/s400/So-when-Jesus-had.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christ’s death, resurrection,
and ascension are God’s eternal resolution. When Jesus cried out “It’s
finished” <b>(John 19:30)</b> the final
piece in God’s plan fell into place. This completes God’s Holy Trinity where the
believer has an unshakable foundation for
eternal life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every New Year people make resolutions. They set goals and
plan for better things. Their efforts start strong
and often run out of energy soon afterward.
And what they thought was hope turns out to be wishful thinking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I use to have trouble keeping New Year resolutions. They weren’t
achievable because I set them too high. My life was grounded in pride and full of grandiose ideas.
Fantasy was the definition I attached to hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No wonder my reaction to broken resolutions ended with
resentments. Every time my expectations didn’t turn out to my satisfaction I
became bitter. And those behaviors show my life without God’s saving grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It wasn’t until God saved me, I found the real resolution. When
God rescued me and introduced me to Christ my life took on a profound change.
Everything I understood about life wasn’t right since I lived in darkness away
from God’s truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christ brought light to my eyes and has been teaching me how
to live in God’s will. And this experience leaves me no excuses not to pick up
my cross and walk in Christ’s footprints.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBu8sT3kanM/VoHEUpd7rTI/AAAAAAAAFGg/xQNygpDzEvk/s1600/Trust-in-the-Lord-with.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBu8sT3kanM/VoHEUpd7rTI/AAAAAAAAFGg/xQNygpDzEvk/s400/Trust-in-the-Lord-with.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The trouble with New Year’s resolutions is leaving God out of
the equation. Every time we don’t include Christ in our decisions the outcome doesn’t
turn out to our liking. God has commanded us to turn to Him for everything <b>(Proverbs 3:5-6). </b>So the problem isn’t
making personal goals, but how we understand the way God wants us to follow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s resolution isn’t an annual solution. Saving faith is a daily
and sometimes an hourly reliance on Christ. Sin doesn’t take time off, nor does
God’s enemy stop trying to destroy His creation. We can’t afford to be
complacent and lose focus on the gift God has given us. Our faith must be active. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4hZCfGeCYM8/VoHECn_ZAbI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/TUKuqQK7EV8/s1600/But-his-delight-is-in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4hZCfGeCYM8/VoHECn_ZAbI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/TUKuqQK7EV8/s400/But-his-delight-is-in.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the best ways of keeping ourselves in God’s favor is a constant meditation on His word <b>(Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:2).</b> God doesn’t
force Himself on us. He has given us freewill and by placing Him first we understand the real purpose of our wills. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Without the Holy Spirit,
we are separated from Christ, and our
souls are heading for eternal trouble. Don’t be mistaken God is watching the
earnestness of our faith. Remember, God knows our hearts <b>(1 Samuel 16:7)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDXi7CKMdfE/VoHD9FwalTI/AAAAAAAAFGI/aEKEVMaZiZs/s1600/But-the-Lord-said-to.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDXi7CKMdfE/VoHD9FwalTI/AAAAAAAAFGI/aEKEVMaZiZs/s400/But-the-Lord-said-to.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The biggest change that occurs from trusting Christ is gaining
His wisdom. We don’t have the spiritual knowledge in overcoming sin. Left to
our resources, we can’t resist the lusts
of the world. But Christ does and by abiding in
Jesus, we tap into His strength. And through living in Christ’s body, we understand it’s better to plan for God’s
eternal resolution than one center in preference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So the next time you set goals, pause and seek Christ guidance.
It’s God’s eternal resolution we should consider before making decisions.
Everything we do must be for His glory! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-63814561596737315302015-12-25T12:46:00.000-05:002015-12-25T12:46:20.894-05:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Merry
Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxjRQes5WPA/Vn2AgzLAeTI/AAAAAAAAFE8/13C7COzVURQ/s1600/nativity-scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxjRQes5WPA/Vn2AgzLAeTI/AAAAAAAAFE8/13C7COzVURQ/s320/nativity-scene.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christmas has arrived. The madness of finding a parking space,
standing in long checkout lines, going to parties and decorating the house with
ornaments has ended. Preparing the Christmas meal is the last item on the list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The world’s message of Christmas is full of pride, prestige and
extravagance. It’s a glorification of a man and a recognition for personal achievement.
God’s enemy (Satan) uses this lifestyle to entice weak souls and corrupt their
hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The greatest significant
testimony to Christ’s birth is the way God guided the three wise men to
Bethlehem. God called on them to travel
to Christ’s birthplace and worship the King of Israel. Their faith in God was
strong since they dropped what they were doing to follow the Lord’s command.
And their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh showed they were men of high
stature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God is remarkable. He has allowed humanity the privilege of
connecting with His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Father’s final plan began in
the manger where baby Jesus lay. God stopped using prophets hundreds of years
before implementing this eternal plan. We are fortunate to receive His generous
gift. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No human is superior to another in God’s house. Every day we
have an excellent opportunity to stay in
God’s favor by picking up our cross (regardless of personal sacrifice) and walk
with Christ. Christmas made this possible. Our Father’s grace has eternal
rewards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christmas paved the way for you to take your place in God’s
kingdom. Remember, without Christ the entrance is closed. So join me and set
aside a few minutes of private time and give God praises for Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Merry Christmas and I love you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-25000153242968678522015-12-24T14:51:00.001-05:002015-12-24T14:51:38.708-05:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God
the Creator<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">It’s not surprising the
world rejects God’s message. The evidence of God is everywhere. Our Creator has
left His mark on every continent, body of water and throughout the universe.
Humanity gives it best shot in denying those facts and dismisses God’s creation
of the heavens and the earth. But God is never absent for He is living. Take
notice around you and savor God’s undeniable energy.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eVvmnKOhg-M/VnxL1FAojlI/AAAAAAAAFCI/UgeHojyj9go/s1600/genesis-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eVvmnKOhg-M/VnxL1FAojlI/AAAAAAAAFCI/UgeHojyj9go/s400/genesis-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Most scientists can’t
accept God as the Creator, so they cling to evolution as the answer. Here they
argue life came out of mutation and blinded themselves from physical DNA
proving life is from creation. Evolution can’t offer the ingredients required
to bring forth life. It does not create organisms that reproduce, preserve and
repair themselves. Even as believers, it’s hard to fathom the depth of God’s
mighty forces.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">When we take an honest
look at evolution, its flaws are magnified. It doesn’t hold up to its
definition. People who live by the evolution code believe life derive out of
it. They fail to understand mutations don’t generate new organs. Mutations can
make changes within cells, but don’t produce new cells.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Doctor Werner Gitt,</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">a director and professor at the German Federal Institute of
Physics and Technology, answered this
question. Can new information originate in a living organism through mutation?
He responded by saying this: "Mutations can only cause changes in existing
information. There can be no increase in information and, in general, the
result of mutations is injurious. New blueprints for new functions
or new organs cannot arise. Mutations cannot be the source of new
information." He understands evolution is limited.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Another scientist
supporting creation comes from Henry Morris. In 1989, he wrote the book <b><i>The
Long War Against God</i>. </b>In this excellent book, he supplies the
facts, separating God’s truth from man’s disbelief on creation. One of Henry’s
points is how evolution theory deceives the mind. He said this:</span><span style="color: #4e4e4e; font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">"Evolution's lie permeates and dominates modern thought in
every field. That being the case, it follows inevitably that evolutionary
thought is basically responsible for the lethally ominous political
developments and the chaotic moral and social disintegrations that have been
accelerating everywhere."</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Mr.
Morris gives a powerful definition of a reprobate mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">God’s unique way of
inventing life is remarkable. Nothing can change His personal signature. Satan
uses evolution to attack God’s word by discounting the first three chapters of
the Bible. In the book of Genesis, it begins with God’s account of creation. It
gives testimony to the way He creates everything including humanity.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">The first 11 chapters of
Genesis are referred to throughout the Bible, Even Christ referred to its
validity on six different occasions.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">The biggest defense God
has against evolution is His Living Spirit. God has given everyone a conscience <b>(Romans
1:18-20)</b>. Mutation can’t explain the soul and this shows us the fallacy
behind its deception. Regardless if a person believes or not God has provided
us the ability to understand right from wrong.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">God’s brilliant
creativity isn’t limited to humans, but is experienced by His other creatures.
The earth is full of fascinating living things attesting to His extraordinary
abilities. Human’s coexists with God’s other creations reaffirms He is the
alpha and omega. People who deny these facts can’t enjoy God’s kingdom.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Salvation crushes
evolution. When we are saved by God, then we understand the truth of our
existence. This secures our inheritance in heaven, for we are given Christ.
Nothing can overtake Christ’s strength and Satan flees, taking with him every
lie, he uses to entice the unstable soul. We are fortunate to have found God’s
mercy. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-88919513227758261752015-12-15T20:27:00.000-05:002015-12-15T20:29:15.028-05:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christmas:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Birth of God’s New Covenant</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christmas is on the horizon,
and it’s a time for celebrating the birth of God’s new covenant. This day is
set aside to remember the birth of Christ. We can’t afford to lose focus on how
significant the manger was to our eternal lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Most of the world during Christmas is caught up in the chaotic
hype of materialism. People are camping
out in parking lots so they will be first in line to buy the latest gadgets.
Stores keeping their doors open later than normal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s easy to get caught up in the Christmas frenzy. God wants
us to have fun. Christmas is a fast pace event. There is so much to get done. Shopping,
to do lists, travel arrangements, family arrivals and excited children are
challenges. It’s a mental and spiritual exhausting experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So let’s pause here and absorb the reason for Christmas?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0UB6IAkX0Xg/VnC9EnGzvxI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/7FFmH47m0EY/s1600/rfva7oapdu_1409419004301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0UB6IAkX0Xg/VnC9EnGzvxI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/7FFmH47m0EY/s320/rfva7oapdu_1409419004301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The events before
Christ’s birth wasn’t typical. First God used Mary an unmarried virgin to carry
Jesus in her womb <b>(Matthew 1:8)</b>. Her
life was at stake. God understood the Mosaic Law for unwed pregnancy was death and
used Joseph <b>(Matthew 1:19-21)</b> to
prevent them from killing her. Here God shows
us His mighty power by providing Joseph and Mary a way out of an impossible circumstance.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then after Christ’s birth another evil threat arose. Three wise men traveled to find Jesus and offer
Him gifts. When they reached Jerusalem and ask where Christ birth took place
the city became troubled over their message. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These men shared God’s new covenant by calling Christ the King
of the Jews, and this got their
attention. Herod, the king, asked these wise men where was Christ’s location. And they shared
the Micah prophecy as the answer <b>(Micah 5:2)</b>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMYkO0QW_Hw/VnC588j-4sI/AAAAAAAAE_E/3w2AngxSAig/s1600/wpid-wp-1418775460369.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMYkO0QW_Hw/VnC588j-4sI/AAAAAAAAE_E/3w2AngxSAig/s400/wpid-wp-1418775460369.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Herod instructed them to find
Him and come back and report His location. But God knew Herod’s heart and had
them bypass Jerusalem on the journey back to their homeland <b>(Matthew 2:12)</b>. Again, God defeated Satan
and saved Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our Father preserved Christmas so we could be saved and enter His
kingdom. Christmas is a time for us to glorify God by giving thanks for the birth
of His son Jesus Christ. Here we get to express our gratitude for the
compassion God has given to us through His only begotten Son. We do this by
worshiping Christ and abiding in His body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God has given us the gift of salvation. So this Christmas, let’s
unite and praise our King Jesus for the promise of our inheritance with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Merry Christmas and may Christ shine brighter each day in your
life. I love</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">you</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-14582701624489360172015-12-13T20:36:00.001-05:002015-12-13T20:36:55.587-05:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dead Faith:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Concealed Sin</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did you know it’s
possible to have faith and leave God out? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many people proclaim
faith in God, but their actions say
otherwise. They speak of God’s word, but lack
the wisdom in living holy. Their lives don’t imitate Christ and in times of distress, they are troubled by God’s silence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is dead faith?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dead faith is a
self-knowledge of God’s words lacking the qualities of a Spirit-filled life. Here the individual leans on its interpretation of God’s will
unaware of the dangers it brings to one’s eternal resting place. Spiritual
intelligence can’t stand up against the evil one. We don’t have the strength
required to fight Satan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">In</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the Epistle of James, we find the Biblical definition of dead faith. Here James
points out that <b><i>faith without works is dead</i> </b>(James 2:20). He emphasized being a
doer of God’s word (James 1:22). Words are meaningless until put into action. Action speaks volume in the kingdom of God.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIKql3YlXCg/Vm4blXFeK2I/AAAAAAAAE90/mKcmquURMgs/s1600/3e6dbd1dd3aa890288858be0c80e7142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIKql3YlXCg/Vm4blXFeK2I/AAAAAAAAE90/mKcmquURMgs/s320/3e6dbd1dd3aa890288858be0c80e7142.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One way dead faith
enters a believer’s life is through concealed
sin. Un-confessed sin is damaging to our spiritual growth. Nothing good comes
from hiding sin. Even though God knows we sin our responsibility is to confess
our transgression. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salvation isn’t a free pass.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We must be <b><i>diligent</i></b>
in our walk with Christ or face eternal consequences. A Christian life is an
example of God’s living Spirit manifested through selfless service to God, Christ, and others. A real believer’s life is
full of good deeds, helping to spread the good news Christ brings to the
faithful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unbelievers watch the
way Christians behave and this makes it imperative for us to back up our words
in action. And a Spirit-filled life
radiates a loving, forgiving and compassionate response to life’s difficult
terms. Spiritual integrity doesn’t use words for its God’s way of attracting
others to a life centered in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holding onto inequity
is unwise for we won’t find God’s mercy (Proverbs 28:13). And a life absent of
God’s mercy is full of <b><i>unnecessary</i></b> pain. Most of our
struggles can be traced back to a hidden
sin. It shouldn’t surprise us that concealed sin causes us trouble. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9nhE1iH4CY/Vm4XrasY_XI/AAAAAAAAE9g/Xjkrc8gwB3w/s1600/d8893f03531be70bcb66a3cb93c3edd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9nhE1iH4CY/Vm4XrasY_XI/AAAAAAAAE9g/Xjkrc8gwB3w/s320/d8893f03531be70bcb66a3cb93c3edd1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">A
secret sin</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is an act of
disobedience. We are commanded to confess our particular
sins (Leviticus 5:4-5). It’s easy to overlook the need of owning up to our sins. We
can’t afford to let disobedience rob us of
our inheritance with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, God has forgiven us, and Christ’s death has taken away sin, but we must be an active participant in
our salvation. Remember, God will judge us according to the way we live
(Ecclesiastes 12:14). And Christ pointed out the need to look at our sins
(Matthew 7:3). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When God saved me, I didn’t understand the value of confessing
sins. Salvation was a great revelation and in my spiritual infancy, this worked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then one day I had
trouble living holy. I couldn’t stop myself from disobeying. My constant prayers and humble approach weren’t paying
off, but God was listening. The Lord answered
and showed me the way to confess sins. It involved confessing to Christ and
asking for the guidance in repenting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The way this works is
simple. One of my biggest stumbling blocks
is pride. So when I realize my prideful
ways I pause and pray to Christ: “I confess to you Christ, my sin of pride. Forgive me for my trespass. What is my
repentance? Your will always not mine.
Amen.” This works for any sin and brings
me in line with God’s will. Sometimes I have to wait and listen for the
answers. But Christ never leaves me guessing on what I need to do in making
amends for my wrongs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our willingness to give
God our best effort is crucial to our eternal lives. Christ doesn’t expect us
to be perfect, but wants us to strive for spiritual progress. And our admission
of wrongful behavior opens the door to Christ’s abundant peace. There is no
greater Christian freedom than the one God gives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">A vibrant
faith welcomes self-examination (Haggai 1:5). Concealed sin thrives in darkness
blocking Christ’s light. It’s painful looking at our sinful nature but to grow
in God’s Spirit, we need to know our misconduct. And confessing our findings
makes our faith alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">We
have discussed one way of identifying dead faith. Un- forgiveness, selfish prayers,
and judging others are indicators of a faith unfavorable with God. Remember the
Pharisees had faith but Christ exposed it as dead. Our hope is secured through
a living faith anchored in the body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-52132387981003371912015-11-26T10:47:00.000-05:002015-11-26T10:47:05.274-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrHK-V0-3d8/Vlcmv0USH3I/AAAAAAAAE74/PnZkZn2sSUM/s1600/thanksgiving%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrHK-V0-3d8/Vlcmv0USH3I/AAAAAAAAE74/PnZkZn2sSUM/s320/thanksgiving%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Lost Meaning of Thanksgiving<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have you noticed? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thanksgiving has changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades ago this Holiday meant a time for our country (USA) to
stop and give thanks for the nation. Most businesses closed their doors so they
could spend time with family and express gratitude for each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember a time when walking into a store and saw a big display of Thanksgiving goods. Every
section of the store had many choices to buy
Thanksgiving nick knacks. I felt connected with Thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This tradition still goes on,
but it has lost its punch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today the misuse of Christmas has taken preference. Black
Friday starts on Thanksgiving night. Stores are displaying Christmas stuffs
before Thanksgiving Day. Cities are decorating their streets with Christmas
lights the week before Thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s not surprising this change has occurred. The USA has gone
astray from the spiritual principles their founding fathers set for guidance. They
included God in separating themselves from British rule. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the Bible, we are
taught to be watchful. It warns us how the evil one uses the world to destroy
the godliness of the human soul. Satan uses family destruction against God is.
And the United States government has opened the door for the devil to play
havoc in the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Abortion (1973) and same-sex
marriages (2015) are facts of the unholy direction the United States has taken.
That is a sign of how the Devil uses man laws to abolish the family sovereignty
of God. Those laws have destroyed human life<b> (Exodus 20:13)</b> and God’s intended purpose of marriage <b>(Genesis 2:24)</b>. And no human power can
reverse their devastating consequences. It’s up to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Remember, we are God’s temple <b>(1 Corinthians 6:19)</b>. We are His gift and cannot afford to live
outside His commandments. The narrow way is tough to follow for it takes
abiding in Christ to stay on heaven’s
path. God’s wrath is real. Sodom and Gomorrah reduced
to ashes and the great flood of Noah’s generation wiped out the world
population <b>(2 Peter 2:5-6)</b>. God’s
verdict to disbelief is eternal damnation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God has blessed me with a family full of love. Each year we gather
in Carrollton, Georgia to celebrate Thanksgiving. My family isn’t small. I have
four brothers and four sisters. Mom now eighty-six,
and dad gone ten years. Six of us will be
in attendance along with many nieces and nephews.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Preparation for such a large gathering has many challenges. My
sister-in-law is terrific for she
prepares most of the meal. Her selfless service is wonderful watch. And I
can see God working in her spirit. I’m grateful to be a witness of God guiding her
life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As Christians, we know it’s imperative to place God above
everything. We understand giving thanks to God is daily. Our walk with Christ
is an hour by hour commitment and not reserved for times of emergencies. Faith
without works is fruitless and a setup for disaster.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">May Christ be your guiding Light in these dark times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-71864446608928702602015-11-22T21:27:00.000-05:002015-11-22T21:27:24.876-05:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Evidence
of God’s Living Spirit <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Everywhere we turn the proof of God is obvious. It’s in His creation of humans, other creatures, the earth, and universe. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2c7p3_pk98/VlJ3F7wZAOI/AAAAAAAAE6g/ZJ5l9Re4M3U/s1600/quotescover-JPG-522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2c7p3_pk98/VlJ3F7wZAOI/AAAAAAAAE6g/ZJ5l9Re4M3U/s400/quotescover-JPG-522.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>But the evidence doesn’t stop at His creations.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The underlining reality of God is His divine presence. God
made us in His image and placed His spirit inside our souls. Every human being
is God’s creation, but the choice to experience <b><i>His living Spirit</i></b> is up
to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No one can force God to show Himself. Adam and Eve couldn’t nor Noah, Moses or Ruth. The same for John
the Baptist, the Twelve Disciples and Paul. You can’t, neither can I. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The essence of God is the elegance of His grace. When Adam and
Eve sinned and fell from God’s favor then the way He showed Himself to humanity
changed. This original sin gave birth to faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the Old Testament,
you will find different ways God tried to teach His people faith. Noah’s
generation didn’t understand and found out God’s mighty wrath. The Israelites
continued to struggle with faith and held captive several times for their
indifference towards Him. God used prophets as guides, but to no avail. Their
inability to grasp faith blocked them from God’s Spirit and set in motion His
new covenant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">From the beginning,
God’s plan included Christ <b>(John 1:1-5)</b>.
It’s our Messiah who gives us spiritual life so we can live in God’s Spirit.
God made Christ as the sole entry into His kingdom and faith in our Messiah
opens the door to heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Real faith is humbling oneself before Christ. A simple belief isn’t enough for even the
Pharisees believed God’s existence. And Jesus exposed the Pharisees as
disbelievers. So faith goes beyond the knowledge of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Faith is sacrificing personal interest, trusting God’s plan
and living in the body of Christ. By abandoning ourselves over to Christ’s care
without reservations, we receive God’s
grace and the gift of salvation <b>(Ephesians
2:8)</b>. Once God saves us, we are
anointed with the Holy Spirit and experience God’s undeniable presence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now filled with God’s Spirit,
we find an inner strength beyond our own. We are
given the courage to continue picking up our cross, abiding in Christ
and living in God’s will. This keeps us
in God’s Light, and we <b><i>know</i></b>
our suffering doesn’t compare to the way Christ suffered on the day of His
crucifixion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEiDbVoNVbs/VlJ28l0B7AI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/YkbfjmGGMrw/s1600/quotescover-JPG-761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEiDbVoNVbs/VlJ28l0B7AI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/YkbfjmGGMrw/s400/quotescover-JPG-761.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Placing God above everything, loving others, forgiving those
who hurt us and selfless service is the evidence of a Spirit-filled soul. Those
spiritual attributes radiate to others the way God lives in the life of the
faithful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I used to live an unsaved life. Everything revolved around me, and my self-serving
motives dominated my actions. I was a drunkard, womanizer and ungrateful. The
results from living in spiritual darkness killed my spirit and left me
suicidal. I wanted to die, but God
rescued me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Lord saved me, and
I’m forever grateful for His mercy. I no longer live in blindness for Christ
has shown me the eternal light. God’s Spirit
revived my soul, and Christ’s death
washed me clean. The evidence of God’s presence renews my faith and inspires me
to live holy. God leaves me no excuse not to glorify Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The proof of God’s living Spirit is both internal and
external. A life centered in Christ soften the heart
tames the tongue and renews the soul. The actions of a Christian show the
righteousness of God. God is inescapable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-52736870977354097812015-11-09T18:49:00.000-05:002015-11-09T18:49:46.575-05:00<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">Building a Christian Character</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
greatest way to show the world God is alive is centering ourselves in Christ’s
sovereignty. A life anchored in God radiates to others a Spirit full of love,
forgiveness, and selfless service. A real Christian’s character manifest the
way Christ lived when He was here on earth. So it becomes our responsibility to
abide in Christ, pick up our cross and stand firm on God’s word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The
essence of a Christian is for Christ to use His faithful believer as a living
witness to God’s truth. To the believer, this means unity in the body of
Christ. And for the unbeliever, it’s an up close look <b>(1 Peter 2:12)</b> at
the impact God has in relieving the pains of sin. This truth doesn’t speak in
words. It is lived in spiritual action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Building
a Christian character is an essential part of a believer’s conviction. It has
two key components. First, it includes a sanctified life where faith in God
through Christ removes sin and makes us holy. The other is an edified life full
of God’s mercy, grace and a continual willingness to grow more Christ-like.
They are as crucial to a Christian’s life as are air and water are to our
physical survival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sanctification
begins with God’s gift of salvation <b>(Ephesians 2:8-9)</b>. Here, God
has blessed us with His mercy and is pleased with our faith. Glorifying God
through trusting in His word is favorable to Him. God wants to save us and does
if our faith is in Christ <b>(John 14:6)</b>. The Lord preserves our souls
so we can glorify Him in heaven. Without this gift, our room in His house
doesn’t exist, and we end up in the fire of Gehenna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once God
saves us, then He anoints us with the Spirit of truth <b>(John 14:16)</b>.
God uses the Holy Spirit as undeniable proof of His existence. You will know
the time it happens for the purity of God’s presence is overwhelming,
astounding and extraordinary. Satan can’t match the indescribable love God
brings to you. This is a transcending soul changing experience with heavenly
rewards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s the
Holy Spirit that unites us to God and Christ as one and completes the Trinity.
Here we become spiritually whole, and our souls spared from God’s wrath. God is
astonishing and allows us a way out of sin and into His eternal care. And the
original sin, Adam and Eve committed washed clean through the baptism of
Christ’s resurrection <b>(1 Peter 3:21)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">God’s
grace is remarkable, and that motivates us to improve our spiritual lives. A
willingness to grow under spiritual lines is the backbone of edification.
Humility plays an integral role in a holy life. One quality of an edified life
is staying teachable and being humble means we learn from Christ’s divine
wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Alone we
can’t overcome sin. Our willpower is useless for we don’t have the spiritual
muscle required to win the battle over evil. Satan is cunning and uses subtle
ways to convince us to walk away from God. This is the reason we can’t afford
to become complacent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Complacency
is being satisfied with our current spiritual progress unaware of hidden
dangers. Evilness is a patient foe waiting for an opportunity to destroy us and
by staying spiritually stagnant the door to disaster swings open. One of the
greatest defense against our adversary the devil is to continue strengthening
our dedication to Christ. Jesus has defeated evil and for us to have His
protection means we must be diligent in our Christian actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now we
have a general understanding of the characteristics of building a solid
Christian foundation, then we can see the need to continue to improve. And God
makes His affection so irresistible we want to continue building our eternal
lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Isn't God incredible!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cJQm3x25rg/VkEuLBa5vaI/AAAAAAAAE5s/eammu5ezP9w/s1600/james-1v19-27-hearing-and-doing-3-638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cJQm3x25rg/VkEuLBa5vaI/AAAAAAAAE5s/eammu5ezP9w/s400/james-1v19-27-hearing-and-doing-3-638.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-29979659124348606452015-11-04T17:50:00.000-05:002015-11-04T17:50:32.235-05:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Courier New";">Embracing Christ</span></b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Embracing
Christ begins at the cross. An acknowledgment of the Crucifixion of Jesus isn</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t enough for understanding its relevance. We have to absorb
His reason for suffering. Here we need to concede to our innermost selves the
eternal significance of Christ’s death. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"> Faith in Christ goes beyond proclaiming His
existence. Yes, spreading the Gospel of Christ is essential, but we <b><i>must </i></b>go
further. We need to anchor our mind, heart and spirit in God</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s will. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">(James 4:8) </span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Failure
in doing so prevents us from receiving the Lord</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s gift of salvation.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Christ
left us this warning:</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the
kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew
7:21)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">God</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s will is simple and
requires an up close and personal commitment to Christ. Abiding in Christ takes
endurance, self-control, and vigorous
action. It’s giving Christ our full attention by setting aside time each day
and embracing His holiness. This means
placing our personal commitments on hold and humbling ourselves before Him. Peter understood the urgency of devotion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">It</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s easy to lean on Christ
during good times. But the world is full of temptations, injustices, and unsaved souls. Sometimes life
doles out troubles we are incapable of handling alone. </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Loss
of a job, the death of a loved one and physical illness are everyday occurrences in life. Difficult people,
being hurt by others without cause and
rudeness are encounters we can</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t avoid. And without Christ’s intervention our lives get
worse. </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Our
response to those tough parts of life is
where God looks at our faithfulness and takes notice. The real trial comes when
we put forth the spiritual effort and
still suffer. Here our trust in God through rigorous faith pays a spiritual reward. We need to remind ourselves, our eternal inheritance came through Christ’s pain. <b>(1 Peter 1:3-7) </b></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Every
time we overcome problems with Christ</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s help our ability to live righteous
increases. Christ removes the weakness of the flesh and strengthens our souls. The mercy of Christ renews our spirits and
keeps us thirsty to continue drinking from His eternal well. </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">The
greatest way of preventing the evil one from taking us away from God is to
center our lives in Christ</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s body. Satan flees from God, for he knows Christ has conquered
sin. Embrace Christ and watch the devil run for cover. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">(James 4:7)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">Salvation in the flesh isn</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t the end of suffering, but knowing the freedom God supplies in times of tribulations. We are directed
to rejoice in our pain giving glory to Christ for saving our souls. Embracing
Christ in the midst of troubling circumstances is favorable to God. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">(1 Peter 4:1-2)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">God
will release us from suffering, but we
need to be patient and remember He works in mysterious ways. Our Father <b><i>never</i></b>
leaves the faithful in darkness and keeps His promises. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hT_7DHBywpU/VjqBneaAMPI/AAAAAAAAE3I/pw_vxvMgFZw/s1600/6153699_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hT_7DHBywpU/VjqBneaAMPI/AAAAAAAAE3I/pw_vxvMgFZw/s400/6153699_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">God
makes embracing Christ is so satisfying it becomes our number one priority. We
lose interest in selfish things and become selfless servants eager to give than
receive. Our lives become useful, meaningful and whole. And we understand the
spiritual condition of our souls outweighs our personal interests. </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">The
best way I can testify to the peace God brings in times of suffering is the
death of my dad. I was grief stricken and overwhelmed with sorrow. Here I faced
the reality of losing a loved one. Christ
took my hand and walked me through the negative emotions. The Lord eased the
pain and freed me from the chains of sadness. God</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’s grace sustained me, and I’m forever grateful for His compassion. </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New";">We have discussed suffering
as a way to embrace Christ. Many more opportunities are available. Pain isn</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’t
the only way. The Bible is full of scriptures directing our actions to conform
to God’s will. Through the Holy Spirit, we know Christ is real. God makes sure He is alive. Embracing Christ isn’t mastered for it’s a daily effort in preparing
ourselves for heaven. </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49-bTjVL8eo/VjqIhxZPA9I/AAAAAAAAE3k/1ARM_MjhkhY/s1600/draw-near-to-god-james-4-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49-bTjVL8eo/VjqIhxZPA9I/AAAAAAAAE3k/1ARM_MjhkhY/s320/draw-near-to-god-james-4-8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-32980567524102523622015-10-25T19:14:00.000-04:002015-10-25T19:14:26.120-04:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Undeniable
Faith </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The great fall of Adam
and Eve set in motion God’s plan for faith as the way to regain His grace. When
they disobeyed God’s command, everything
changed. They became ashamed and hid from God. Guilt entered the picture and fear
overtook their conscience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When sin entered Adam and Eve’s heart, those same effects are still felt today. We can’t ignore or
escape this truth, and it’s through faith
we discover God’s gift of salvation. <b>(Ephesians 2:8) <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Adam and Eve came face to face with God’s displeasure. We too
are in the same predicament. Our sin is the same. In God’s eyes, we are born
into sin <b>(Romans 5:12-14)</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ogS1wcTNtXA/Vi1Bc6Gt23I/AAAAAAAAE0c/pnt9ZAdWzrc/s1600/quotescover-JPG-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ogS1wcTNtXA/Vi1Bc6Gt23I/AAAAAAAAE0c/pnt9ZAdWzrc/s400/quotescover-JPG-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But the
Lord’s love for humanity is remarkable and through the bloodshed of His Son we find our way out. Faith in Christ is our
responsibility and unlocks the wisdom to stay on the narrow way. <b>(Matthew 7:13-14)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God established faith as
an act of exerting our wills over to His merciful grace. He wants us to want
Him above everything and waits for our walk in faith to do the talking. Through
humility, we become open, receptive and
conscious of His presence. Seeking Christ in everything we do, say or think is
humbling ourselves before God. Christ lives in God’s will and to know Him is
living in the Spirit of truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the Old Testament,
the Lord used prophets as guides in identifying real faith. The Israelites struggled with the faith required to stay in His
favor. They didn't understand the essence of this precious and eternal act of
glorification. Their lack of faith caused them immense suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
faith is favorable to God?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A faith centered in trust and exemplifying His holiness. It’s a
faith showing the world the inner
strength He provides in turning away from sin. A strong endurance to stay spiritual in the midst of deception, wickedness, and the hurt caused by other
sinners. And Christ holds the key to a faith acceptable to God. No other faith
can grab the Lord’s attention than the one placed in Jesus. <b>(John 14:6)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qbMqkKs6Xuo/Vi1LDYzN2iI/AAAAAAAAE1U/kSYyvp_6_vQ/s1600/vinyl_decal_jesus_said_to_him__i_am_the_way_the_truth_and_the_life_9ed86ba2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qbMqkKs6Xuo/Vi1LDYzN2iI/AAAAAAAAE1U/kSYyvp_6_vQ/s400/vinyl_decal_jesus_said_to_him__i_am_the_way_the_truth_and_the_life_9ed86ba2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Faith is the fundamental principle connecting us with God’s
kingdom. An active faith is abiding by God’s command, regardless of personal sacrifice.
One of the finest examples of faith in action is Abraham. He was a faithful
servant of God. His wife Sarah (unable to bear children) received a miracle
from the Lord and gave birth to Isaac. Then one day God asked Abraham to sacrifice
his son. <b>(Genesis 20:18; 21:1-7)</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Abraham’s love for God was stronger than the
one he had for his son.</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> He didn’t bargain, plead or ask the Lord to
change His command. God took notice of his unshakable faith and spared his
son’s sacrifice. The outcome resulted in God blessing Abraham’s offspring with
a spiritual strength stronger than their enemies <b>(Genesis 22:1-19)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awnZPsJT4Ss/Vi1GoWwfQUI/AAAAAAAAE1A/xgnAnSJV3FY/s1600/quotescover-JPG-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awnZPsJT4Ss/Vi1GoWwfQUI/AAAAAAAAE1A/xgnAnSJV3FY/s400/quotescover-JPG-22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Abraham understood the penalty of disobedience and put aside his
personal feelings. He did as God asked. His faith is incredible and an
excellent model for us to learn the quality of an unwavering trust in God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another great biblical illustration of faith is when Christ
converted the Samaritan woman. In her conversation with Christ, the reality of her sinful ways couldn’t be denied. The truth, Christ
spoke to her changed the way she believed. As the result of Christ’s intervention, she was reborn. <b>(John 4:1-26)</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Apostle John’s account of the Samaritan woman’s talk with
Christ didn’t stop with her miracle. It showed another way of faith. When she returned home and proclaimed Christ, many believed in Him from her spoken truth.<b> </b>Then
when Jesus stayed in their town, many
more believed in Him. <b>(John 4:39-42)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8nesNtcV5g/Vi1LKoy4swI/AAAAAAAAE1c/81jHmPGg48c/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8nesNtcV5g/Vi1LKoy4swI/AAAAAAAAE1c/81jHmPGg48c/s400/hqdefault.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we proclaim Christ as the savior of the world, then God sees our faithfulness. Here we
are losing ourselves in Christ and finding our spiritual lives. We are living in
His Spirit and have gained the freedom from sin. Our faith is on solid ground, and we are no longer afraid of physical
deaths. And our hope is secured for we understand God’s eternal promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How do we
know our faith is real?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Holy Spirit is the answer. God releases His Spirit in the soul of those who believe in Christ. We become embraced with His love and are awakened to His holiness. God leaves no doubt who He is and the Holy Spirit is the proof
of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQr1w794Fgw/Vi1M0V_9zHI/AAAAAAAAE1o/TK-7-XbpNso/s1600/matthew-724_3065_1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQr1w794Fgw/Vi1M0V_9zHI/AAAAAAAAE1o/TK-7-XbpNso/s400/matthew-724_3065_1024x768.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Real faith motivates us to be more Christ-like, and we become disgusted with sin. Our whole outlook on
life changes and we see the world in a Christian way. We rely more on Christ
and less on ourselves. Trials and tribulations become spiritual opportunities where
we enjoy the challenge they bring in strengthening our walk in Christ.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">True faith is developing a passion for Christ and striving to
live holy. It has no room for complacency. Faithfulness is understanding the room for
improvement and accepting the weakness of the flesh. It’s easy to become
complacent and stop growing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A living faith is based on repentance, forgiveness and love. It’s
centered in serious devotion, bible study and selfless serving. Confession of
sin becomes an integral part of a faithful follower. Self-control becomes
automatic and when the flesh fails the believer’s trust in Christ prevails. Take those actions and experience Christ's impact.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBwoSYCpu5w/Vi1UNcR_baI/AAAAAAAAE14/zQwlggsGo0I/s1600/be-amazed-7-728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBwoSYCpu5w/Vi1UNcR_baI/AAAAAAAAE14/zQwlggsGo0I/s400/be-amazed-7-728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In my journey with God the results from living His word have
been astonishing. One incident involved falling victim to a financial scam.
When I first approached by the scammer my response was silence. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then one day while attending church, God commanded me
to take action. The Lord called on me to offer my services. A lady who claimed to be dying
from cancer needed my help. She wanted some help in donating funds to orphanages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I relied on Christ every step of the way for His guidance. My
consultation was with God making sure I was in His will. I ended up sending over
a thousand dollars. When the scam was exposed my reaction wasn’t full of revenge, but centered
in Christian morals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was disappointing, but I understood the value of acting on
God’s commands. I was grateful to give the money and Christ supplied me with a
plan of action to restore my finances. My forgiveness for them was from
the heart and I asked God to fulfill His will in their lives before doing
something for me. I grew closer to Christ and enjoyed the way God used me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Faith goes beyond belief. Each of us has found incredible
strength as the result of trusting God’s infinite plan. Every time we are in
distress and turn to Christ those troubles melt away. Faith in action is our
greatest defense against God’s enemy. Our victory over sin is the direct result
of Christ’s sacrifice and faith is essential in knowing the significance of the
cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-44314242823050136302015-10-18T23:20:00.000-04:002015-10-20T17:43:45.678-04:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Eternal Awakening<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every man, woman, and
child will experience the eternal awakening. It’s not up for debate. God will
judge everyone. The question is where will your eternal destination take place heaven or damnation?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Contained within the Bible is God’s truth, <b><i>warnings</i></b>
and realities of our lives beyond the flesh. Everything we need to know about our spiritual resting place is in God’s book. The Bible is the blueprint
of God’s master plan. Here is where you will find the correct and direct path
to God’s kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCETuOuaI6c/ViRaPggyM-I/AAAAAAAAEz0/WfLM2uDdNQA/s1600/download.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCETuOuaI6c/ViRaPggyM-I/AAAAAAAAEz0/WfLM2uDdNQA/s1600/download.jpe" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s mighty wrath is tough to grasp. The Lord’s love is
unconditional, but His judgment is swift, just and righteous. We are commanded
to fear God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why
should we fear God?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The answer is in the way
God dealt with our ancient ancestors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God closed the Garden of Eden’s gate from Adam and Eve for
disobeying His command. <b>(Genesis 3:
23-24).</b> And in Noah’s generation He wiped out the population for wickedness
<b>(Genesis 7: 1-24).</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;">These two truths</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> are prime examples of the
way God hands out His penalty for disobedience. They are severe and should be
feared. Remember Christ told us to fear the One
who can kill both the body and soul <b>(Matthew
10:28).<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDppexl_spE/ViRYDNTL8HI/AAAAAAAAEzg/gGHbSrRZL08/s1600/matthew-1028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDppexl_spE/ViRYDNTL8HI/AAAAAAAAEzg/gGHbSrRZL08/s400/matthew-1028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The fear of God isn’t meant to make us afraid of Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Wait a minute, I thought fear is a natural instinct to stay
away from an injurious experience.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That is a human definition. But, God isn’t a man. He is the creator,
alpha, omega and the beginning and end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;">Christ is where </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">we find God’s
wisdom and understand good from evil <b>(Genesis
3:22)</b>. This provides us proof to draw
closer to God and fear the results from disobedience. So, fearing God isn’t
fleeing from Him, but knowing the outcome of our defiance has fatal
consequences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--70GYP2xtU8/ViRZdiKv_yI/AAAAAAAAEzs/-qrgWc6yOEg/s1600/KJV_Genesis_3-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--70GYP2xtU8/ViRZdiKv_yI/AAAAAAAAEzs/-qrgWc6yOEg/s320/KJV_Genesis_3-22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Humanity’s eternal destination isn’t a theory. Theories have
no weight or depth and disproved. They
are not reliable and are changed to meet the needs of the collective agreements
among those involved. Science can’t explain the mysteries of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God never changes, is always faithful and lives inside our
spirits. The bloodshed of Christ’s, His Resurrection and Ascension into heaven is real.
God makes His presence, </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">ind</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">isputable</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">, undeniable and everlasting.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Holy Spirit, a remarkable union between God and us, is the entry into heaven. Nothing in the world can offer matches God’s incredible presence. The overwhelming love,
serenity and spiritual energy God releases is a profound awareness of His sovereignty.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Faith is crucial in our Christian walk. Without it, we can’t
become God-conscious. But the Bible warns us about
the improper use of its purpose. Apostle James preached on <b><i>dead faith</i></b>. He emphasized
faith in
action by being doers of the word.<b> (James 1:21-27; 2:14-26)</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zoe6qXGiU9w/ViRRsom9DdI/AAAAAAAAEy4/PjvOTL1dzP0/s1600/change-or-die-68-638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zoe6qXGiU9w/ViRRsom9DdI/AAAAAAAAEy4/PjvOTL1dzP0/s320/change-or-die-68-638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Quoting scripture is not enough. Knowledge of Christ is a good
start, but it won’t be enough for finding the wisdom to live with Him. The
way to be a doer is to exert our efforts in applying the commands of God’s
word. We have to react to life’s terms in a holy way so others can witness
Christ’s way of dealing with a hostile world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">An excellent example of a <b><i>living faith</i></b> comes from the Apostle Peter <b>(2
Peter 1:5-11). </b>Here Disciple Peter listed seven Christian principles to
stay active in faith and grow in our walk with Christ. They are Christ’s
commands and lead to unshakable faith. Besides their fruits, they help keep us renewed in God’s spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John the Baptist pointed out the urgency of repenting <b>(Matthew 3:2). </b>And repentance allows
Christ to cleanse our souls. Here John shows repentance as a crucial action in
entering God’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yaDoWFfQ4ms/ViRg2HKKGEI/AAAAAAAAE0E/bVIXRdf0F5Y/s1600/quotescover-JPG-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yaDoWFfQ4ms/ViRg2HKKGEI/AAAAAAAAE0E/bVIXRdf0F5Y/s320/quotescover-JPG-23.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Repentance goes beyond words. It begins with confession and
ends in making amends to God for the sin we commit. Even though God has
forgiven us through Christ, it doesn’t
mean we have a free ride. The Lord is watching the Christian action we take in
turning away from sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Real repentance is a change in sinful behavior. Once we admit
to God the evilness we did in front of Him, then we have to make corrections.
The key to changing our sinful nature is self-discipline, perseverance and
reliance on Christ’s strength for the courage to live holy. If we don’t repent, then, we can’t expect to receive God’s mercy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I struggle in my walk with Christ. Sometimes I leave Christ
out and make unwise decisions. This is
the subtle way pride works in my life and feeds other sinful desires. Here is
where the evil one is working hard to take root and keep me away from God. The
way out of this wicked cycle is seeking
Christ daily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDxCj2OdXqY/ViRVXr2jloI/AAAAAAAAEzU/NDthlUO_Uew/s1600/download34151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDxCj2OdXqY/ViRVXr2jloI/AAAAAAAAEzU/NDthlUO_Uew/s1600/download34151.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My reactions to sin, glorifying God and abiding in Christ are
proportionate to my final resting place. The Holy Spirit allows me to know the
right steps to take in staying in God’s favor.
Whether I’m active or complacent in faith,
my fate is in God’s judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bible has many other scriptures explaining the right way
of following God’s will. Christ is our
intercessor. We will have to stand before God and let Him decide our destiny. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-41487139101745433612015-10-10T16:08:00.000-04:002015-10-10T16:08:04.943-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SidKuOGndM8/VhlWuxL5GCI/AAAAAAAAExc/nG-2n-7uZ2w/s1600/Christ-Crucifixion-Elements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SidKuOGndM8/VhlWuxL5GCI/AAAAAAAAExc/nG-2n-7uZ2w/s320/Christ-Crucifixion-Elements.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Great Divider</span></b> </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Old Testimony is
full of scripture showing God’s plan for
bringing great division in the world. In those days,
every Prophet and miracle God used wasn’t enough for them to stay firm on His
word. The Lord needed another way for His truth to stand out and prepared the
world for Christ. God made Christ the sole heir to
His Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus is the ultimate Authority on
God’s law.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ, the great divider
unites us with our inheritance to God. When Christ lived on earth, people had problems
grasping His sovereignty. They expected the Messiah to crush the Roman’s rule
and lead them to another promised land.
Their focus was on how God delivered His mercy in the past, and it blinded them from the Lamb of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ made it obvious He
wasn’t the peacemaker. One reason for Christ’s division is in Matthew’s gospel. Jesus said this: “<b>Do not think that I came to earth to bring peace on earth, I did not
come to bring peace but a sword.” (Matthew 10: 34) <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The sword Jesus brought
is God’s justice for disobeying His commands. God gave Christ the power to put
right His people and shine light on His word. Christ’s wisdom stunned those
believers and made them uncomfortable. Jesus came to separate the truth from
the false. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here is where God established
one of His holy reason for being in the flesh. Jesus identified the family as a
place of separation and used love as its reason. <b>(Matthew 10: 35-37)</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7fR1CGU7KE/VhldAqFNkYI/AAAAAAAAExs/6Zva1Ii9M50/s1600/salvation-slideshow-28-728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7fR1CGU7KE/VhldAqFNkYI/AAAAAAAAExs/6Zva1Ii9M50/s400/salvation-slideshow-28-728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ pointed out the
love of Him is greater than one’s love for any family member. To love others
more than Jesus is a sign of unworthiness. Real self-esteem results from one’s
love for Christ. God values our lives, and His greatest manifestation of our
worth comes from loving Christ. The Christian reality of loving Christ first
is our affection for family glorifies God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember, we are God's
creations and are given His trust in helping Him to create. Wow, God allows us
to be partners with Him! Now if this truth isn’t enough to convince me to love
God above everything, then I need to
reevaluate my conviction? My eternal
destination rests upon my love for Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus disclosed the
enemy has no boundaries and exists in the family. Satan uses abortion,
contraception, same-sex marriages and
artificial stimulation as the means to destroy the family. The destruction they
bring is undeniable and aimed at abolishing our genetic connection to God. Satan
is cunning and knows God cherishes the family,
so he attacks its moral fiber. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJrM2iBM1PM/VhldLGexpII/AAAAAAAAEx0/-ntW0qmhuZw/s1600/gods-blueprint-for-marriage-breaking-the-cycle-of-pain-23-728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJrM2iBM1PM/VhldLGexpII/AAAAAAAAEx0/-ntW0qmhuZw/s400/gods-blueprint-for-marriage-breaking-the-cycle-of-pain-23-728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ’s next two
commands <b>(Matthew 10: 38-39)</b> are
action steps. First, Jesus tells us to pick up our cross and follow Him. Then He
tells us to lose our life for His sake. Again the Messiah places our worth on
abandoning ourselves over to Him or faces
eternal consequences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seeking Christ takes
daily action, and our experiences with
hidden obstacles are proof of this truth.
God gives us a daily reprieve and waits for us to turn to His guidance and
protection. Without trusting Christ, we
are weakened and make it easy for God’s enemy to permeate our spirits. Our
eternal lives are at stake, and imperative
to have God’s grace in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Humility is a prime
example of losing ourselves in Christ. A humble life is a selfless existence
and the key to unlocking the essence of
God’s favor. Pride flees from spiritual submission for it can’t stand Christ. Humility
opens a channel so God can fill our hearts with His Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another place Christ
brought great division was amongst the spiritual leaders. The Messiah was
candid with them and never stopped correcting their self-righteous ways. God
exposed their prideful deeds. They couldn’t digest this unpalatable reality and
plotted Christ’s death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pURPnAM55t0/Vhlrlm5Nr0I/AAAAAAAAEyc/cFh0wFpUyHo/s1600/hqdefault%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pURPnAM55t0/Vhlrlm5Nr0I/AAAAAAAAEyc/cFh0wFpUyHo/s400/hqdefault%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ used brutal
honesty to put God’s truth in the face of the scribes and Pharisees. The entire
23<sup>Rd</sup> Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel is
directed at their wrongful interpretation of God’s Law. They used their
understanding instead of living in the
purity of God’s word. Jesus exposed them as unbelievers and divided them from
the divine doctrine. Their reaction to Christ’s truth resulted in killing Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus called the
scribes and Pharisees hypocrites. Christ, backed up this claim by naming a list
of their prideful sins. They balked at His accusations and couldn’t accept
being challenged by a man. Here God was in front
of them, but they didn't notice Him. They tried to test Christ by asking Him tricky questions about the law, but Jesus showed them God’s way and
crushed their false faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Lu2douJvYU/Vhlelq9TPgI/AAAAAAAAEyA/uDr3kOifECw/s1600/NASB_Matthew_23-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Lu2douJvYU/Vhlelq9TPgI/AAAAAAAAEyA/uDr3kOifECw/s400/NASB_Matthew_23-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The separation Christ
has brought to my life is remarkable. Part of my past involved agnostic
beliefs, sexual immorality, alcoholism and self-seeking attitudes. This
lifestyle was unmanageable, unreliable and unholy. I caused emotional, mental,
spiritual and sometimes physical harm to those in my path. My conscience was
nonexistent and my spirit was dead. I wanted to die!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then one day I heard
God’s call. That day was the end of my unsaved life and the start of a Spirit
filled life centered in Christ. I am grateful to share this with you today. T</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he power of Christ is extraordinary. Glory to God!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My Christian awakening continues
to evolve and my spirit is renewed daily. One truth, Christ has shown me is
knowing part of my family is lost. I don’t know God’s plan for them, but their
beliefs are not right. My prayers to God is for Him to do His will in their
lives before doing something for me. I place their souls in Christ’s hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have discussed a few
ways Christ separates good from evil. The Gospels are full of Christ’s wisdom of
right and wrong. It’s our responsibility to understand, believe and honor those
truths. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ division is
simple. It happened the day He shed His blood and took on the sins of the world.
Jesus defeated Satan and opened God’s door. God is available to anyone who loses
their life in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What effect has Christ’s division made
on your life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEptcwKZrhw/Vhlr0Oyka6I/AAAAAAAAEyk/xPcNCxdLibg/s1600/John-129-takes-away-the-sin-of-the-world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEptcwKZrhw/Vhlr0Oyka6I/AAAAAAAAEyk/xPcNCxdLibg/s320/John-129-takes-away-the-sin-of-the-world.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-9053101507674227962015-10-01T22:50:00.001-04:002015-10-01T22:50:28.758-04:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our
Holy Purpose<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What is our holy purpose? Obedience? An active faith? Spreading
the Gospel? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Those are a few of God’s attributes and essential to our Christian existence. Without them,
we stop growing in Christ's image. They are the byproducts of God’s divine plan.
But they are <b><i>secondary</i></b> to the Lord’s most precious desire-<b><i>glorification</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our
primary purpose is to glorify God through walking in the footprints of Christ</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;">This is</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> our top priority and the focus
of eternal life. God delivered Christ to the world and completed His eternal
plan. The Lord made Christ the entrance to His kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our eternal destination rests upon building an unshakable
trust in Christ. This means seeking the
Messiah with our minds, bodies, and
souls. Lukewarm faith avail us nothing,
but abiding in Christ glorifies God, and
we become sanctified. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s impossible to worship
God without the cleansing Christ brings to our sinful lives. Jesus is the bread
of life. We cannot afford to miss the mark for God is watching the way we seek
Christ as our savior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We must glorify Him or face eternal damnation. This may sound harsh, but God rejects those who
mistreat Him. The Bible is full of God’s justice to those who don’t give Him glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the Old Testament and during Noah’s generation the power of
God’s glory is displayed. It took the Lord’s wrath to rectify the wickedness of
that era. Evilness had reached an epidemic where God had to take drastic action.
Here, God showed Noah His mighty justice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Lord took away the life of every human except Noah’s. In
those times, Noah’s faith glorified God, and the Lord used Him to repopulate the earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s hard to imagine God did such a thing. He did, and the Book of Genesis recorded the great
flood. The Lord made sure that future humans understood the penalty for not
giving Him glory. God makes glorifying Him imperative to our salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O27w-08hUFw/Vg3sHVk7JTI/AAAAAAAAEw0/khAh5bgTm9s/s1600/il_340x270.689927382_mo4g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O27w-08hUFw/Vg3sHVk7JTI/AAAAAAAAEw0/khAh5bgTm9s/s320/il_340x270.689927382_mo4g.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Another excellent biblical account backing up God’s
displeasure is when the Lord called on Moses. The Lord gave Pharaoh several
chances to show Him glories by releasing His people. God took away the life of Pharaoh’s
son before he unwilling succumbed to God’s glory.
Either by choice or consequence, God’s always gets His glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The greatest example of God’s glory is in the New Testament. It came in His New Covenant through His
resurrected Son Jesus Christ. Here, God rose Christ from the dead and showed
His glory to the real believers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Most of those people witnessing Christ painful death didn’t
realize God’s display of Glory. They watched Christ shedding His blood waiting
for a sign, but didn't understand the real meaning of His sacrifice. Even Christ’s faithful followers had trouble
grasping it, but when Christ rose from the dead, they saw God’s glory was at
hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The moment Christ spoke and showed Himself to Mary Magdalene
God’s glory is fulfilled. She knew it was Jesus and rejoiced in His name. And
from this point forward Christ became the way to glorify God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I try my best to worship
God daily. To live my life in Christ’s sovereignty is a challenge. Every day I try
to steal God’s glory and my spirit suffers. It happens in subtle ways, and the villain is pride. During the day
Christ steps in and reminds me of this and gives me a chance to humble myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjzLxXN3M4w/Vg3tC9J4c-I/AAAAAAAAExI/So0vn1iHTbM/s1600/the-secret-58-728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjzLxXN3M4w/Vg3tC9J4c-I/AAAAAAAAExI/So0vn1iHTbM/s400/the-secret-58-728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m grateful to have the opportunities Christ presents in
correcting my wrong behavior. The “Spirit of truth” makes my suffering well
worth the pain, for I know it’s for my good. And I shed a tear when I absorb
what the Lamb of God did the day He died. I have a long way to go on staying in
God’s spirit, but His promise of heaven motivates me to continue seeking.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A life centered in Christ radiates to the world the essence of
God’s glorious attributes. In our private relationship with God, we are given an
unconditional abundance of love, forgiveness and selflessness. Then, as the
result of abiding in Christ the courage to take those same holy principles to believers
and unbelievers glorifies God in our righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The list of ways to glorify God is limitless. Christ holds the
keys and will unlock those ways to the faithful. Each day is a fresh start. An opportunity
to give God glory. Let’s unite and continue giving God, His precious desire-<b><i>glorification</i></b>! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-49180357087017335722015-09-20T18:22:00.000-04:002015-09-20T18:22:14.947-04:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The Simplicity of God’s Will</span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CsL-OhL4Dsw/Vf8nhI2hbYI/AAAAAAAAEvM/aVX8RsxSRfo/s1600/imagesSalvation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CsL-OhL4Dsw/Vf8nhI2hbYI/AAAAAAAAEvM/aVX8RsxSRfo/s1600/imagesSalvation.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Sometimes it’s easy to overlook
the simplicity of God’s will. Our human tendency is to complicate matters. We
wonder if we’re on the right track or question our worthiness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">God created us out of unconditional
love. The Lord finds us worthy enough to be saved. And He simplified His will by
introducing His Son Jesus Christ to the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">God made salvation available to anyone
who will believe in Jesus as the Savior. Once someone picks up their cross and walks with Christ, then <b><i>God’s </i></b><b><i>will comes to </i></b><b><i>life</i></b>. Without establishing faith in Christ, the door to God’s mansion is closed.<b> (John 14: 1-6)</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">When Adam and Eve sinned, it damaged their interaction with God. His
penalty for their disobedience excluded humanity from the Garden of Eden <b>(Genesis 3)</b>. The Lord didn’t give up on them and showed His mercy by teaching
them repentance. God’s grace saved them from the evil one.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMtm87th520/Vf8nPycZRqI/AAAAAAAAEvE/vYMjJsxu7hI/s1600/KJV_Genesis_3-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gMtm87th520/Vf8nPycZRqI/AAAAAAAAEvE/vYMjJsxu7hI/s320/KJV_Genesis_3-22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">It’s easy to find God’s will. The
first thing He wants is being placed above everything. Nothing less is
acceptable for God’s judgment is harsh
on unbelievers. The Bible speaks God’s truth,
and many examples of His corrections are
recorded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Noah, Moses, David, and Habakkuk are the testimonies
attesting to God’s wrath on disbelief. They saw God’s righteous justice and
wrote of those events so we can understand the Lord’s judgment on disobedience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Our ancient ancestors of the Old
Testament lived in and out of God’s favor. The Lord practiced patience with
them and used Prophets to help guide His children into eternal light. Their
long periods of captivity and God’s merciful interventions wasn’t enough to
convince them to change. Lack of faith and their inability to repent paved the way for
God’s next and final plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">God activated His final plan for
salvation in the New Testament. The Lord ended prophecies and introduced His
Son the Lord Jesus Christ. God narrowed His will to one crucial act of faith: <b><i>abiding
in Christ</i>.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Apostle John’s Gospel simplifies the truth of abiding in Christ. Here
is where the Messiah explained to His Disciples the truth of God’s will. In
John’s 14<sup>th</sup> chapter, he wrote
the command Christ made for entry into God’s kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Christ told Apostle Thomas this: “<b>… I am the way, the truth, and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14: 6) </b>Verse 6 is precise
and easy to understand. Here God identifies Christ as His eternal will. God
leaves salvation in Christ’s hands and eliminates any confusion on His
everlasting plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Our Father is incredible and by believing
in Christ, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit <b>(John 14: 15-18)</b>. Here God’s overwhelming presence is obvious. Our
Father <b><i>never</i></b> leaves us guessing for no other feeling or emotion matches
His living spirit. The Holy Spirit makes God undeniable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Experiencing God’s will of love
comes from loving Christ. Jesus unfolded the essence of God’s love and the
Gospel of John highlights the action necessary to receive this gift. Our love
for Christ unites Him and us with God <b>(John
14: 23-24). </b>Then<b> </b>we are given an
unshakable foundation for everlasting life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNDkHdKk4z0/Vf8pH8FHDNI/AAAAAAAAEvY/Buynb8A6uLE/s1600/obedience-proof-of-love-3-638%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNDkHdKk4z0/Vf8pH8FHDNI/AAAAAAAAEvY/Buynb8A6uLE/s320/obedience-proof-of-love-3-638%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Another manifestation of God’s love from abiding in Christ is becoming
friends of Jesus. Christ told the Disciples
this: <b>“No longer do I call your
servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have
called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made
known to you," (John 15: 15).</b><b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">God wants us to be friends of
Jesus. The characteristics of real friendship comprise love, trust, faith and
selfless giving. Those spiritual gifts produce a fruitful partnership and can withstand the storms of life. God is
glorified when we become Christ’s friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The inner peace I have from abiding
in Christ is exhilarating. Christ’s serenity comforts my soul and keeps me
humble. God has provided me hope in times of distress and I love being corrected from my disobedience. Christ
has changed my life and made it whole. I’m no longer afraid to lose my life in
Him. </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On our own and without Christ our lives are meaningless. God’s will is centered in Christ. Humility is
the cornerstone to Christ’s wisdom, and
this provides us with the knowledge of God’s will. The light of God brings us a
brighter future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 19.9733px;"><b>How has Christ changed your life?</b></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-14867560651544458092015-09-07T10:59:00.000-04:002015-09-07T11:01:48.458-04:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Soundness</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> of Thought:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sober
Minded</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Sound thinking is the byproduct of a sober mind. The way
we develop our conscious and subconscious connection with God is crucial to our
salvation. Our undivided mental attention is desired by God <b>(Joshua 1:8)</b>. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> direction we exert our minds has eternal consequences. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Our minds are an incredible gift from God. The Lord’s astonishing
design inclu</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">ded a way our bodies survives and a consciousness with Him are
united. This extraordinary union between our physical and spiritual being
is God’s unique creativity. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Nothing we can create matches our Father’s unbelievable
abilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">It’s easy to misuse our minds. The influences of the world
are a way sin manifest its self to corrupt our spiritual conditioning. God’s
enemy attacks our thoughts so we won’t focus on His word. Spiritual warfare
begins in the mind, and this battle is
too mighty for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>Without Christ, we
lose the war.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The clearest picture of a sober mind is not getting drunk.
God’s word is strict on abusing alcohol. Drunkards are unfavorable in the
Lord’s eyes. The Old and New Testaments affirm God’s alcoholic standpoint. <b>(Proverbs 20:1, Ephesians 5:18)</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">God’s approved use of alcohol is recorded in the Bible. Christ turned water into wine <b>(John 2: 1-10) </b>and Timothy approved it
for medicine <b>(1 Timothy 5:23)</b>. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 21.4px;">The discussion over alcohol brings on debates, but scripture holds the Lord’s truth. On this matter, God has chosen your path. We can </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 21.4px;">agree </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 21.4px;">the</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 21.4px;"></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 21.4px;"> Lord has our best interest in mind and never misleads us.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1OCxEWXIfw/Ve2hrMiJ0XI/AAAAAAAAEro/YyevNx6YrvI/s1600/quotescover-JPG-461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1OCxEWXIfw/Ve2hrMiJ0XI/AAAAAAAAEro/YyevNx6YrvI/s320/quotescover-JPG-461.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">One of the toughest challenges in staying sound-minded is
the subtle ways negative emotions enslave our spirits. Unresolved anger, fear,
lust, envy and other sins keep us in an unstable mentality. Negativity affects
our Christian equilibrium and keeps us unbalanced
in our devotion to God. They are a trap preventing us from Christian maturity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The emotional hangover caused by overindulgence in
unrighteous behaviors leads to mental, physical and spiritual troubles. Our
minds become flooded with sinful thoughts causing us to misbehave in other ways.
Physical illness develops from the stress caused by disobedience. And our souls stay
in turmoil because we haven’t repented. Nothing good happens from unresolved
spiritual conflicts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Prayer and meditation are essential to keep a sober mind. They are as crucial to our walk
with Christ as is food and water are to physical survival. When we deprive our bodies of those nutrients,
our immune system weakens, and we have no
defense against sickness.</span><br />
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<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgHzGoe-n3Y/Ve2ZUHCaBkI/AAAAAAAAErU/WknqZfZlTDE/s1600/1-Thessalonians-5-16-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgHzGoe-n3Y/Ve2ZUHCaBkI/AAAAAAAAErU/WknqZfZlTDE/s200/1-Thessalonians-5-16-18.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Well, the same holds true in our spiritual lives. By
neglecting our conscious contact with God,
we cut ourselves off from His saving grace. Our spirits need the nourishment of
God’s love. Christ is God’s daily bread and without His spiritual nutrition our
soul stays restless</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>The Messiah’s manna trains the mind, softens the heart and
renews our spirit. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Meditation unlocks the subconscious part of the mind so we
can absorb God’s Word and know His truth.
Deep contemplation of the Lord’s truth keeps the brain sober and generates sound
spiritual thoughts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGfEenRZXwA/Ve2ii-ydvrI/AAAAAAAAErw/p24hk42P7Yw/s1600/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGfEenRZXwA/Ve2ii-ydvrI/AAAAAAAAErw/p24hk42P7Yw/s200/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Seeking God with our minds is the strongest defense
against mental corruption. The Lord uses our minds by placing thoughts inside
us and protects from evil. Intuition is God’s way of helping us take the right
action with His commands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>Meditate on God and watch the devil flee from your mind.
Satan can’t overtake the strength Christ provides to a mindset centered on God’s truth.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">One way I point my mind in Christ’s direction is stopped
listening to unsuitable music. The lyrics in those songs stored wrong messages
in my mind. When Christ purified my thoughts,
He showed me the vulnerability of the mind. Then Christ showed me other mental
impurities needing attention. I still struggle with those obstacles, but Christ has relieved their
stronghold. Today I’m grateful for God’s command in changing my choice of music,
books and movies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">A sober mind isn’t developed
overnight. Every day we are challenged by the
world to stand firm on God’s truth. Sound spiritual thinking can’t be mastered or perfected. No matter how strong
our faith becomes the enemy continues looking for mental weakness. Sober minded
is abiding in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-48378370033600324822015-08-29T16:39:00.001-04:002015-08-29T21:04:59.873-04:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">In
Memory of Clarence McCall (1918-2015):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A
Man of Christian Character</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDKMsI9kGTM/VeIRFAjs6lI/AAAAAAAAEiA/SJ-a0H53YfI/s1600/63405605-3bc7-4fe5-8518-420baa0bb4d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDKMsI9kGTM/VeIRFAjs6lI/AAAAAAAAEiA/SJ-a0H53YfI/s200/63405605-3bc7-4fe5-8518-420baa0bb4d9.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
The moment I heard of Clarence McCall’s death, it brought me to the 5<sup>th</sup> Commandment. But I soon realized his life was
much more than living long from obeying this Commandment. He was a holy man
dedicated to living in God’s will through his acceptance of Christ. And when I
read other people’s memories of him it confirmed the way he served God and
others.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5lrs0CKwq0/VeIUUZy2IHI/AAAAAAAAEiM/C6Sqgb8lj-E/s1600/quotescover-JPG-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5lrs0CKwq0/VeIUUZy2IHI/AAAAAAAAEiM/C6Sqgb8lj-E/s320/quotescover-JPG-52.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;">I met Mr. McCall 40 years ago when his son Phillip
(Phil) married my sister Elizabeth (Liz). I remember noticing the joy Clarence
displayed from being the best man at his son’s wedding. The smile he expressed
lit up the room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;">Sixty-six years earlier Clarence married Dorothy
(Dot). The same faithfulness he had with Christ showed up in his long marriage
to Dot. His unselfish services to his wife testifies. The Lord used his
marriage so we could bear witness to a man of God. Here God shows divorce isn’t
a choice for those who are an earnest follower of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;">Mr. McCall’s wife Dot has the same spiritual values.
Dot always spoke fondly of her husband. The love they expressed made it
impossible not to see God’s hand working in their lives. Watching the loving ways
they treated each other extends God’s unconditional love and an inspiration of a godly marriage. I’m
glad the Lord added both of them to my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;">My brother-in-law Phil is the only child of Clarence
and Dot. I’ve left no doubt in my mind the spiritual impact Clarence made in his
life. The godliness in Phil’s heart is the direct result of the Christian
standards Mr. McCall taught his son. Phillip’s addition to my family is a gift
from Christ. Clarence’s love, selflessness, kindness and forgiveness are extended in Phil’s life. I can’t say enough about what Phillip has meant to me and my family. Mr.
McCall did a fine job in raising Phil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qP-YFgAVGE/VeIWE52I6ZI/AAAAAAAAEic/wBTrmjNZ_Sc/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qP-YFgAVGE/VeIWE52I6ZI/AAAAAAAAEic/wBTrmjNZ_Sc/s200/images.jpeg" width="195" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;">The greatest example of Mr. McCall’s devotion to God
was his dedication to the church. He was a long-time member of the Lake Shore
Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida and spent many years as a deacon and
church leader. Clarence puts into action the essence of the Lord’s First
Commandment by providing his time, resources and love for God. The way he lived
outside the church exemplified the relationship he built with Christ through his
attendance. His unshakable trust and uncompromising loyalty to Christ were the
result from keeping the Sabbath day holy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;">Clarence was a veteran of the Second World War, serving
in the Army Air Force. After returning home he worked in the Jacksonville area
for many years as an aircraft technician. We can see God’s protection working in
his life was long and prosperous. The Lord had plans for Clarence and living to
the age of 97 provides the facts of God’s truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 107%;">My family’s Thanksgivings and Christmases won’t be the
same. Clarence spent many of those holidays with my family. His love, kindness,
godliness and humor will be absent. I will miss Mr. McCall presence at those gatherings, but his spirit will stay with me.</span></div>
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<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-67783785395065189412015-08-26T18:25:00.000-04:002015-08-26T18:54:12.572-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Asjo2Ihlx0M/Vd41QxTfJEI/AAAAAAAAEf4/XDvkY17U4KE/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Asjo2Ihlx0M/Vd41QxTfJEI/AAAAAAAAEf4/XDvkY17U4KE/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">7
Christian Principles to Grow Your Faith:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Building
a Stronger Trust Series</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Part 8
The Fruits of a Stronger Faith:<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Our journey through Disciple Peter’s message of faith <b>(2 Peter 1: 5-7 NKJV)</b> enhances our bond
with God. This proven set of Christian actions embraces God with vigorous faith.
Those principles have worked for centuries and at our disposal. The result of our labor is a maturing faith and an
unwavering trust in God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">So, what
can you expect from following Peter’s lesson?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW9qzP6yd2U/Vd41_EbNl_I/AAAAAAAAEgY/gfRuW3vhHOY/s1600/wisdom%2Bbible%2Bverse%2Bwallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW9qzP6yd2U/Vd41_EbNl_I/AAAAAAAAEgY/gfRuW3vhHOY/s200/wisdom%2Bbible%2Bverse%2Bwallpaper.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Peter extended his message by saying this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"></span></b></div>
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<b><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">“For if
these things are yours and abound, <i>you </i>will
be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,"
(2 Peter 1:8)</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;">.</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Every one of those spiritual attributes embraces Christ’s
wisdom. The essence of salvation is understanding the truth of Jesus. Christ’s
death, resurrection, and ascension promise us eternal life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">To be neither barren nor unfruitful means Christ will deliver
us God’s values. Alone we don’t have the mindset, heart or spirit to live according
to God’s will. By walking with Christ our lives align with His guidance, and we prosper in spiritual matters.
Reliance on God’s wisdom provides a strength beyond our own, and we stay faithful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Peter warns us the penalty of not growing our faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">He explains it this way:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">“For he
who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten
that he was cleansed from his old sins,"
(2 Peter 1:9).</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Here a perfect picture emerges of a barren and unfruitful
life. The lack of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness,
kindness and love spells disaster. Never-ceasing sin is a persistent spiritual suffering
filled with damaging results. And we see this happening around us daily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">I have personal experience living outside the kingdom. My life
uses to be full of deception. Skepticism
and coincidences were my outlooks on life events. Resentments, sexual immorality, and pride dominated my actions. I
always expected something in return for my services since I was a self-seeker. My
suffering from an unsaved soul was relentless. I wasn’t holy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGcxuYURSB4/Vd464r06KpI/AAAAAAAAEgo/SpYxG1UUy80/s1600/il_340x270.576280530_g7wk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGcxuYURSB4/Vd464r06KpI/AAAAAAAAEgo/SpYxG1UUy80/s200/il_340x270.576280530_g7wk.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Blasphemy, terrorism, adultery, greed and other sins occur in the secular world. They are
bonded to pride and blinded from God’s word. Their darkness blocks the truth of
the Lord, and they indulge in the flesh. Self-deception
prevents the Light of Christ from entering their hearts. They lack the
foresight of eternal life because their focus is shallow and worldly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Old sin brings the same results our ancient ancestors
encountered. They continued losing favor with God’s mercy and grace. The Old
Testament attests to God’s patience with
His people on sin. Captivity and wise
prophets weren’t enough to convince them to repent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">So, the Lord implemented a New Covenant through His Son Christ
Jesus. It’s the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Salvation
comes from Jesus and growing our faith through Peter’s inspiration leads to a faith
strong enough to overcome temptations. Without this,
we are doomed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Peter’s testimony to God’s faithfulness is incredible. His
next two verses promises God’s grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">He shared this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">“Therefore,
brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you
do these things you will never stumble; (2 Peter 1:10). <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EO6gBXwJHQ0/Vd5C6kb_DhI/AAAAAAAAEg4/quEbPPgVwAc/s1600/934dab31a3fd21ba9d4d3b69ba0f9956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EO6gBXwJHQ0/Vd5C6kb_DhI/AAAAAAAAEg4/quEbPPgVwAc/s200/934dab31a3fd21ba9d4d3b69ba0f9956.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Faith without works can’t sustain trials and tribulations. It
takes persistent Christian actions to withstand the hidden problems life doles
out. God has called us to partake in salvation. And Peter encourages us to
stand firm on the Lord’s truth. Christ makes salvation desirable and faith holds
us accountable to live holy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Applying those 7 Christian principles to faith anchors an
unshakable spiritual foundation. They give a solid footing on the eternal road.
They complement each other and keep us balanced in our walk with Christ. We
don’t stumble since we find Jesus’s courage to live according to God’s
commandments. This doesn’t mean we won’t
struggle for staying on the narrow way isn’t easy. Steadfast devotion is the
key to spiritual discipline.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">God used Peter to sum it up by leaving us this Scripture:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edbeScL4K90/Vd41aKL0kXI/AAAAAAAAEgI/wiTleVMrbQU/s1600/52572d1a9ae4ddf0d69115117badd25d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edbeScL4K90/Vd41aKL0kXI/AAAAAAAAEgI/wiTleVMrbQU/s200/52572d1a9ae4ddf0d69115117badd25d.jpg" width="160" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">“<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="e225ab5a-b52f-4f8d-86ea-625428e107b0" id="042764ef-0440-45a3-907c-4cf61517e754"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="f90ae0d0-4825-4598-b580-4bc014c41548" id="990a8df1-6a0c-409a-b4cd-8d0bf3923726">for</gs></gs> so
an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," (2 Peter 1:11).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The Lord is faithful and follows through with His promises. God
loves us unconditionally and provides a way to be with Him forever. Here our
Father rewards our efforts with an endless partnership with His Son Jesus
Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">God’s selfless giving is undeniable,
and this scripture points it out. Our willingness to follow Peter’s message shows
our faith in God, and He opens the door of eternity. Wow! Isn’t the Lord amazing?
Now if this doesn’t excite you, then I’m
sadden because I know you can have what I’ve found.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Well, this series ends, but growing our faith through Peter’s
message is ongoing. Together we can radiate God’s truth to the world by living
those 7 Christian principles.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV6SOSOGOFE/Vd41mlisalI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/MKlzjlj3GhA/s1600/Begotten%2BSon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV6SOSOGOFE/Vd41mlisalI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/MKlzjlj3GhA/s200/Begotten%2BSon1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-33873443777604184892015-08-09T19:22:00.000-04:002015-08-13T14:30:55.131-04:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rcmLXFy4DlQ/VcfUL0a0mPI/AAAAAAAAEWw/lhNEHHxU_eM/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rcmLXFy4DlQ/VcfUL0a0mPI/AAAAAAAAEWw/lhNEHHxU_eM/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">7
Christian Principles to Grow Your Faith:</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Building
a Stronger Trust Series</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Part 7 Love:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Love is</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"> the 7<sup>th,</sup> and last Christian principle Peter <b>(2 Peter 1: 5-7 NKJV) </b>brought to our attention to building a solid faith. God
created us out of love and wanted us to
share it with our neighbors. And Peter included it as a reminder to live in
God’s will.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Why does
God insist we love each other?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Jesus answered this when He told the Pharisee God’s greatest
commandments. After Christ had placed
loving God as the number one commandment,
then He made it known the second greatest
is loving others <b>(Matthew 22: 37-39)</b>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>Love is a desirable yet an elusive life experience. Everybody
wants to be loved.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">It takes faith to love others.
Expectations often prevent us from
unconditional love. By placing unrealistic demands on love we become
disappointed for we want a reward for doing
God’s commands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrvGZY0af9A/VcfU1XxBYII/AAAAAAAAEXY/42hBSufuOpw/s1600/3b9df604162fecc2b3d5ebdea438b6cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrvGZY0af9A/VcfU1XxBYII/AAAAAAAAEXY/42hBSufuOpw/s200/3b9df604162fecc2b3d5ebdea438b6cd.jpg" width="155" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The Lord graced us with His free love, and we should follow our Father’s perfect lead. Even though
we fall short doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep trying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>Remember your eternal life is at stake. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">To show affection to others consistently requires a life
centered in Christ. Untreated sin prevents love from radiating from our hearts.
Sin destroys godliness and ruins everything worthwhile in life. A lost or
unsaved soul is in constant conflict with others and God Himself. Love can’t
grow under those terms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">It isn’t hard to love those we cherish. We understand their
imperfections and will forgive. Our acceptance of their shortcomings is at its peak, and we can
move beyond the conflict. Christ stated rewards in loving those who love us isn’t
available <b>(Matthew 5: 46)</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The challenge of loving difficult people is tough. None of us chooses to be around them, yet
we can’t ignore their existence. We find them in our families, at work, social
gatherings and sometimes in church. They are everywhere,
and we are commanded to love them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CAc_03-fRM/VcfU9Y9y3DI/AAAAAAAAEXg/9NOLd2n6Xu4/s1600/512195797_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CAc_03-fRM/VcfU9Y9y3DI/AAAAAAAAEXg/9NOLd2n6Xu4/s320/512195797_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>So how can we move past their sins and show them compassion? <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>Your answer is building a stronger bond with Christ. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The courage Christ provides overcomes weakness. Self-reliance is
a setup for disaster. A life run on self-will can’t love disturbed people. We do
not remove the hurt caused by others,
mend the heart and love our enemies. Only God can overtake the obstacles
stopping us from loving. Everything is
possible with Christ, and the sacrifices
we make in obedience is fruitful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Experiencing
God’s love leaves no excuses not to love others. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Either we are with God or not. We have to put faith into
action and stand firm on God’s word. Fence straddling isn’t wise since Christ
doesn’t favor lukewarm believers <b>(Revelations
3: 16)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">God is the judge. We are followers. The Lord works in mysterious
ways, and part of His plan is hidden. You
may question why loving ungodly people is necessary. But continuous reliance on
Christ removes doubt and allows the Holy Spirit to direct our lives. We enjoy
loving others since the Spirit is our Guiding Light. Then we are blessed as a
peacemaker spreading God’s love with a pure heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yJKLTX_iBw/VcfUaHBjceI/AAAAAAAAEW4/4Fe7vC1W9Mc/s1600/%2524%2528KGrHqYOKk%2521E3w4SQJcYBOPI-7nSog--0_35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yJKLTX_iBw/VcfUaHBjceI/AAAAAAAAEW4/4Fe7vC1W9Mc/s200/%2524%2528KGrHqYOKk%2521E3w4SQJcYBOPI-7nSog--0_35.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Humility plays an essential role in living as Christians. By
humbling ourselves before Christ, we find
unconditional love. Jesus holds the key to God’s wisdom and without this compassion is elusive. When we are humble,
pride flees, and we hand over the injustices of others to God. The result
humility brings is experiencing a spiritual love without boundaries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Love has nothing to do with someone else’s soul. It purifies
our heart and conditions our spirit for eternal life. Our love of others here
on earth is proportionate to judgment
day. Don’t be mistaken God will judge us<b> (Romans 14: 10-12)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Salvation has nothing to do with our personal preferences. Eternal
life is for faithful servants granted by God’s grace<b> (Ephesians 2:8)</b>.<b> </b>Our
part is adhering to God’s word. Faith loves others, regardless of their
behavior. Christ notices our efforts and is pleased with our actions of loving troubled souls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nCKuVNRlSk/VcfUt_ysMgI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/6leveKzxONA/s1600/74d731462372010f784c1aa65be3ec65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nCKuVNRlSk/VcfUt_ysMgI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/6leveKzxONA/s200/74d731462372010f784c1aa65be3ec65.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">In my walk with Christ,
a whole new pair of eyes has emerged. The blinders Christ removed from my
vision exposed the way I loved the people. It wasn’t pleasant. God awakened me to
my wrongful way of loving others. My
selective choices in whom I loved wasn’t right,
and resentments hardened my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">When God rescued me, He
showed me my repentance. The Lord commanded me to take a moral inventory,
accept my wrongs and make amends to those I hurt. Once I followed His
directions my ability to love increased. And as the result of Christ’s direction years of grudges melted away, giving room for God’s grace. Another added quality of acting on God’s instructions
is the harmony I have with others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Today I love people, and
I’m not as selective. I still fall short of loving everyone. The way I move
past the struggle is looking within myself and see where I’m at fault. Once I
discover the sin preventing me from loving,
then I humbly ask God to remove it. This opens
the door to repentance and the course of action God wants for me to take
emerges. Once I know what the Lord commands me to do and act on it, I’m able to
love again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Every day the media reminds us the penalties from a world are lacking unconditional love. Hatred
continues to make headlines and exposes the evilness of prejudice. Greed is
another sin written on and shows the problems associated with hoarding money.
Starvation could be solved, but greed makes
sure it will continue. The list is large. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">We can’t escape nor deny the wickedness around the globe. Our
love for evildoers may not change their
ways, but is favorable in God’s kingdom. Love for unrighteous people isn’t accepting
their behavior, but a willingness to trust God divine plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Maybe you have a different
outlook on loving others. We can agree Christ’s command is fruitful, wise and
eternal. United under God’s umbrella we can let others know we are Christian by
our love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-79669407038722703662015-08-02T10:33:00.000-04:002015-08-02T10:33:11.063-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyzKuXuNhg4/Vb0uiKYainI/AAAAAAAAEUU/kWmmJhEJzRg/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyzKuXuNhg4/Vb0uiKYainI/AAAAAAAAEUU/kWmmJhEJzRg/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">7
Christian Principles to Grow Your Faith:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Building
a Stronger Trust Series</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 6
Brotherly Kindness:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We walked through the first 5 Christian principles in this series, our trust in God has grown. And our faith is stronger. Disciple Peter opened our eyes and
shown us a way of interconnecting valuable Christian characteristics into our
faithful lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The spiritual power they release </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">came</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"> from God and manifested through Christ. Our hearts are prepared
to spread kindness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>In times of distress, how has receiving kindness changed your
life?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">God designed plan is incredible.
He understood, we needed each other’s kindness. The comfort from a warmhearted
act soothes the heart and renews our spirit. This uplifting experience is God’s
way of loving us through the kindness of another. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">God knows the precise time when we are in the greatest need of human kindness.
Faith isn’t just believing, but knowing the Lord is working through others. Compassion helps ease the pains of living. We
don’t always know what’s best for us, but Christ does.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Behind the scenes,
Christ is guiding others to reach out and impact our lives. The Messiah’s
compassion is constant. Jesus inspires others to be kind, and the Holy Spirit ensures we understand this came from God.
This blessing is a gift. Our faith grows by doing the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Day
in and day out God is commanding His children to bring joy to each other
hearts. The Lord is pleased when we go
out of our way and show kindness to a suffering person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">We can’t keep what God has given unless we give it away. Our
part is to be ready and willing to pass on kindness since we never know when
Christ will call on us to comfort others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Exchanging pleasant interactions with others illuminates the
godliness inside our hearts. The world experiences the reality of Christ, and its action proclaims God’s word. We
are commanded to live in God’s will and by being nice to others, we are in unison with our Father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Kindness goes </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">further </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">than</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"> words. Sincerity is the key to expressing compassion for no one likes phoniness. God fashioned
every man, woman and child with the ability to understand earnestness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The greatest defense from falling into phoniness is humility. Through
humility, our hearts are in its purest
form. And our spirits are at God’s commands. By humbling ourselves, Christ directs our lives according
to God’s divine plan. Integrity ensures we are sincere for acting under God’s
guidance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">God places us in positions to be kind, including our worst
enemies. A modest existence allows us to
stay nice because we are not acting alone. Remember, God rewards humility with
wisdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">It’s easy to agree upon general ways of sharing kindness.
Polite words, respecting others, and opening doors when someone needs help to
name a few. Those are the obvious ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">A deeper meaning of Christian kindness lies in your devotion to God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Good deeds are kind acts. Salvation directs us to do good,
avoid evil and spread the Gospel. Goodness has a calming effect leading to
serenity. One of the early fruits of kindness is inner peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">In my walk with Christ,
a whole new outlook on life has emerged. I enjoy being nice and is a direct
result from worshiping God. Watching the smiles on the faces of those receiving
<gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="9c9da10a-11a9-4f1a-8f8b-c171352b49b1" id="8fc41767-6fa9-4608-9a40-a601715a4bfe">kindness</gs> rekindles my spirit. This refreshes
my soul and inspires me to continue
seeking Christ. God’s rewards me with love,
and that makes me grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">I have changed the most by showing kindness to those I
dislike. Forgiveness is the main reason. When I let go of my animosity towards
the ones who hurt me the nicer I became of them. Then I’m able to carry the
strength from those in other areas of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">One of our Christian objectives is to grow in the image of
Christ. God understands we won’t be perfect. It’s our efforts in persevering that
matters. When it’s tough to be kind, Christ will be there to help. We will
discover our greatest challenges in life solved
through reliance on Jesus. God has no weakness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The way kindness strengthens our faith is best illustrated in
our attitudes towards our neighbors. Our past gives testimony to the changes
Christ has made in our troubled relations with others. Every time we overcome a
problem from turning to Christ our trust in God has grown. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Christ has taught us to be like-minded so let’s unite. We can
make those around us more comfortable by spreading kindness. Let’s increase our faith by being kind to everyone we
can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-20127625089221978062015-07-21T21:39:00.000-04:002015-07-21T21:39:23.031-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KU8EKM3xiHs/Va7jEEBBnuI/AAAAAAAAESQ/wm92C9TZ17I/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KU8EKM3xiHs/Va7jEEBBnuI/AAAAAAAAESQ/wm92C9TZ17I/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">7
Christian Principles to Grow Your Faith:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Building
a Stronger Trust Series</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<h2>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Part 5 Godliness:</span></span></b></h2>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the past four weeks,
our insight into Apostle Peter’s teachings of adding principles to faith <b>(2 Peter 1:5-7 NKJV) </b>enlightened us with its wisdom. His keen understanding of virtue, knowledge, self-control and
perseverance allowed us to see how they make us more faithful. Through adding them
into our Christian actions, we prepared ourselves
for his next affirmation-- godliness.</span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Contain in the pages of the Bible is where we find sanctity. The Old and New Testaments filled with commands designed for living in God’s will. Without understanding the Lord’s
outline for living in His Kingdom, then we
won’t know Christ. And eternal life isn’t possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQyX4ebG_04/Va7uBJ-J0hI/AAAAAAAAETE/Tax725xHhss/s1600/HolyBible22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQyX4ebG_04/Va7uBJ-J0hI/AAAAAAAAETE/Tax725xHhss/s320/HolyBible22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">When I pondered over godliness many thoughts entered my mind.
Unconditional love topped the list, and
Peter included this in his message. Kindness was another high ranking attribute
and again on Peter’s list of unwavering faith. The next two parts will highlight those.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Then forgiveness and selflessness crowded my mind. Those two
Christian essentials shape our spiritual lives. They are the outer expressions showing
the inward godliness from a life centered in Christ. Those around us are
embraced with holiness from receiving the godliness behind our action. Because of practicing them our faith is anchored in
God’s truth radiating to the world righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Forgiveness is soul food for the heart. We learn forgiveness
from God Himself. God’s forgiveness is comforting, uplifting and full of grace.
When God forgives, He touches us in a profound and powerful way. Our
closeness with Him intensifies and though we may be undeserving His love is overwhelming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">It’s easy to let go of our hurt by those we cherish. To
forgive the ones we love doesn’t take much effort. Acceptance of their sinful
ways isn’t hard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The real lesson in forgiving trespasses comes in those
relations with people we despise, dislike or irritate us. It’s tough to forgive
the folks who annoy us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">We meet them in our
families, at the job, in social events and on the streets. They are unavoidable.
When they harm us, we internalize the
injustice deep inside our souls. Our heart latches onto the wrong blocking the godly
act of forgiving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">We don’t want to let go because their mistreatment is unwarranted, and we hold on to the pain. Our bitterness increases when we ponder </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 21.3999996185303px;">over their unfair treatment</span><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="a0101c4e-100c-45e0-8a2d-cd5dd704fa3b">.</gs><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"> Failing to forgive is
casting the first stone for we have forgotten each of us are sinners. Remember, God won’t forgive us until we forgive others. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">(Matthew 6: 14-15)</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Unforgiving leads to a hardened heart robbing us from
serenity. God is watching how we treat others,
and until we let go of our wrongfulness towards them,
we continue to suffer. Forgiveness isn’t condoning their sin. It’s living in
the likeness of Christ. The unrighteousness of others isn’t ours to
judge. We leave it in God’s hand. Our responsibility is to do the will of the
Lord and place our faith in His perfect justice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">I am grateful to Christ for working with me and teaching the
essence of forgiving. When I walked in darkness (before my salvation) my reaction
towards being hurt was full of hate, anger and bitterness. “Get even” was my
motto, and I assassinated their reputation through slander. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">So when God rescued me and Christ saved me I had to amend
those wrongs. Then part of my repentance forgave
them. Today I have improved upon forgiving others. I still struggle with
forgiveness, but learning its value is worthwhile. Through forgiving my faith is
stronger since I know Christ guides me past my limitations and into godliness.
Every time I rely on God the impossible becomes possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Selflessness is a rewarding way of serving God, Christ, and others. Again, we learn unselfishness
from God. The Lord is our greatest teacher,
and His selfless actions are incredible. Our Father planned for us before our
conception and gave us life without reservations. His gift was free, and we had no choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGou5TwlENc/Va7rUw9jpKI/AAAAAAAAESw/drCcVleCEVs/s1600/3c616d9f5037d653ec0ad98d6a8d9bb8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGou5TwlENc/Va7rUw9jpKI/AAAAAAAAESw/drCcVleCEVs/s1600/3c616d9f5037d653ec0ad98d6a8d9bb8.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Another way God shows selflessness is through His death,
resurrection and Ascension back into heaven. Christ grants salvation to anyone
who is faithful and makes it available to <i>everyone
</i><b>(Titus 2:11)</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Humility paves the way to a life full of giving without
expecting a return. Altruism removes self-recognition where the motive for
giving is pure and unselfish. When we can
sacrifice personal desires for helping the welfare of our neighbors, then our faith is strengthened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">And we walk away from those encounters with a renewed spirit
knowing we acted in godliness. Good deeds are a necessity and an example of a
faithful follower. God designed it this way,
so we can help each other in acts of generosity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XPXkqATgvQ/Va7qeUJqWcI/AAAAAAAAESo/suAF4uQ5Nec/s1600/imagesselflessness.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XPXkqATgvQ/Va7qeUJqWcI/AAAAAAAAESo/suAF4uQ5Nec/s1600/imagesselflessness.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The Lord will show you where to take part in unselfish giving.
God knows your strengths and places you in the best position to maximize your effective giving. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">That means you have to be
ready and by devoting yourself to Christ, you are prepared for selfless service.
The Lord will direct your selfless path.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">I’m learning to give more of myself. My life is simple. Not
being married allows me to spend time away from work offering personal
resources to the causes. I let others
know I’m available to help and God uses me to share the Good News. When I pray for others, I ask God to do His will in their
lives before He does it in mine. As the results from those actions I have a renewed and the Holy Spirit is noticeable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Godliness is a lifetime of devoting ourselves to Christ’s
divinity. The more we live in God’s will,
the better holiness becomes a working
part of our faith. Christ has redeemed us from our sins and presented us with
God’s new Covenant. And what we do with it has eternal consequences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-69612500513809659852015-07-14T18:17:00.001-04:002015-07-14T18:24:37.360-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMi7XNDPPy4/VaWIwWiXa1I/AAAAAAAAER0/Celp72IrFiU/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMi7XNDPPy4/VaWIwWiXa1I/AAAAAAAAER0/Celp72IrFiU/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">7
Christian Principles to Grow Your Faith:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Building
a Stronger Trust Series<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 4 Perseverance:</span></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">We have reached the halfway
point in this<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>journey through brethren Peter’s teaching on building a stronger
faith. In the first three parts of this series,
our discussion covered virtue, knowledge and self-control. As we continue to practice
those our faith broadens, and we draw closer to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Peter now discloses perseverance and for good reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Peter’s experience with the power of persevering came in his
three denials of Christ <b>(Matthew 26:
69-75) </b>during Jesus’s arrest. After the cock crowed once, and he remembered Christ’s prediction,
he had a choice. He reached a crucial crossroad; continue to deny the Savior or
persevere through repentance. He chose the latter and reconnected with Christ.
As the result of his effort to right himself
the church developed. It was time for fulfilling Christ’s command to share the
Good News. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">And today we are bonded together in that same church
ministered by Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Perseverance is a driving force behind faith since it takes persistent
effort to keep seeking Christ in times of trouble. Life isn’t trial, free, and tribulations happen to everyone. Unbelievers have problems, but they are absent
from the Lord Jesus Christ. Through God’s grace we have the Messiah. Christ’s
impact is profound. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQKMzulmsfU/VaWHtqMdugI/AAAAAAAAERo/5xnmFtIig2c/s1600/hebrews_10_36--white-800x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQKMzulmsfU/VaWHtqMdugI/AAAAAAAAERo/5xnmFtIig2c/s320/hebrews_10_36--white-800x800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">We use perseverance daily to meet our personal
responsibilities. For example, a mother’s
maternal instinct motivates her to care for her children. She finds the
strength not to lay in bed and gets up to care for her child. She doesn’t let
personal desires get in her way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Employment has similar actions to take in meeting financial obligations.
Life’s circumstances push us to make
money so we can offer food and shelter. We could quit, but we trudge through the monotony because homeless isn’t a choice. Other </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">areas of our lives, we do the same. We are eager to find ways to improve the quality our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Salvation is incredible. The moment we show Christ the same
determination He teaches us God’s values. When we channel <i><b>our will to live over to God’s care</b></i> He promises us a place in His
kingdom. The Lord’s key for entrance is <i><b>accepting
Christ as the way</b></i> to eternity. That makes our lives spiritually, useful and
whole.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZzvbw3yxVM/VaWG-FYQ3JI/AAAAAAAAERY/Uw3zaT40vqM/s1600/0993d61eb66dfac09cf61d3bf1f85260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZzvbw3yxVM/VaWG-FYQ3JI/AAAAAAAAERY/Uw3zaT40vqM/s1600/0993d61eb66dfac09cf61d3bf1f85260.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Prayer is an excellent measuring stick of how perseverance plays
a key role in growing faith. Sometimes
praying over issues takes time. Every one of us experiences waiting for God’s
answers. It’s through constant prayer, we realize the Lord has heard us. We find
peace over a troublesome problem or our judgment
of others changes. Those are just two results from our willingness to keep
praying. <i><b>Behind every answered pray is
God’s grace.</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"> My struggles with the
narrow way help me turn to Christ. I try my
best to stay willing and seek God in my daily affairs. <b>(Proverbs 3: 5-6)</b>. Reliance on
Christ is incredible. He has made it worth living, and that motivates me to
continue picking up my cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Pride, anger, and other
sins try to dominate my heart <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="7b364d93-b301-449d-970d-c1ae8c460edf" id="f691427e-3e50-4e32-a715-8b7658a5b395"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="b89ea2c6-e506-43c5-8258-7fecb92d34e3" id="bb937794-6b43-49a0-bc05-b0b715f4f2a7">but</gs></gs> through exerting my actions in God’s will they
disappear. Through Christ, the bondage of
sin takes a backseat and humility paves
the way to an unshakable faith. Knowing my life isn’t perfect perseverance
allows me to sleep with a clean conscious. I wake up the next morning renewed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Perseverance anchors many Christian principles including those
in this series. Every one of them needs
to be practiced fervently. Active faith evolves and is infinite. Our final
resting place is heaven. Don’t give up keep relying on Christ and experience
the impossible.<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-85167620784431559092015-07-09T21:19:00.000-04:002015-07-09T21:19:10.945-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnu40gNrgg4/VZ8UROMmlNI/AAAAAAAAEPk/i-rMQuVJ6V0/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnu40gNrgg4/VZ8UROMmlNI/AAAAAAAAEPk/i-rMQuVJ6V0/s200/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">7
Christian Principles to Grow Your Faith:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Building
a Stronger Trust Series</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Part 3 Self-Control:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">We have discussed the first two Christian principles from
Apostle Peter’s message <b>(2 Peter 1:5-7 NKJV)</b>
on growing faith. We understood virtue as a way of doing right by eliminating wrong.
Then we saw Christian knowledge as the bridge to God’s wisdom. Those spiritual
attributes are the first two building blocks to an unshakable faith.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Obedience will strengthen your faith more than you realize. Through
God’s wisdom our knowledge of good and evil increased.
We come up close to the destructive forces that want to turn us away from
Christ. Those evil entities are real, and
we see them exposed every day on the news, radio and The Internet. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Discipline allows us to stay firm on God’s word and receive
Christ’s protection. Then we understand the Apostle James truth “</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the
devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOzq9MoejPg/VZ8ZjhoDAwI/AAAAAAAAEP8/48ovOPuqpYk/s1600/i.James4_.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOzq9MoejPg/VZ8ZjhoDAwI/AAAAAAAAEP8/48ovOPuqpYk/s320/i.James4_.7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you experienced the devil fleeing from you? </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Discipline isn’t easy. It takes persistent effort to deny
ourselves and follow Christ. The evil one continues to look for weakness in our
faith and entices us with temptations. The lack of discipline always loses the
spiritual battle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Often the toughest place for self-restraint
is over the small stuff. We are quick to use our limited strength in overcoming
problems we are not equipped to handle alone. Here is how pride steps in and
keeps us from asking Christ for guidance. Sin is
sneaky and disguises itself causing more
problems. Our molehill now has
become a mountain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The most efficient way
of controlling ourselves from pride is turning to Christ at the start of
the troubles. It’s through humility that the devil will flee because he can’t
overpower God. Satan couldn't overcome Christ in the wilderness. And when we
discipline ourselves by placing Christ above everything, then our protection is
not from earth. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">How can we expect to enter God’s kingdom </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Without discipline?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Self-control isn’t a one time
effort. It’s a daily exercise of faith. There is no way to master it yet
provides the greatest defense against sin. God is watching our actions and
takes notice of the way we resist unrighteous attitudes and behaviors. In our
adherence to God’s commands, we receive
grace. And this leaves no excuses for us not to praise and glorify Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Before my salvation, discipline was non-existent. I lived my life in the fast lane. Impulsive decisions
were the way I lived. Often I took action
on the first thought and followed the wrong direction. Self-will was out of control, causing conflicts between me and others. Bewilderment was a constant occurrence
and despair engulfed my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">I’m grateful to announce things have changed. Through Christ, I have been reborn. Today self-control
is as essential to my spiritual welfare
as are food and water to my physical survival. Without the proper nourishment
my body suffers and without discipline my salvation is incomplete. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The more I practice obedience;
Christ purifies my heart. My personal sacrifices I’m learning to make are crucial
to my Christian walk. I enjoy making the changes God is showing me to take. Surrendering
myself to Christ and letting God take control has revolutionized my life. Discipline
has been an essential ingredient in my
transformation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The neat thing discipline
brings to the forefront is the fruitfulness it bears. For example, when
we want to be dishonest and act in honesty, integrity is the fruit of the labor.
God leaves His holy impression with the person receiving our truth because we
used self-control. We have followed the will of the Lord and showed
righteousness. When we deny ourselves, behave and live Christ-like our faith
becomes unwavering. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"> Opportunities arise
each day to practice discipline. Our personal experience with God has shown us
the cunning ways sin creeps into our lives. Remember, we are on the road to
eternal life and exerting self-control in the flesh prepares us for heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">How does self-control help you in your Christian walk?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-18191490145072635562015-07-04T14:35:00.001-04:002015-07-04T14:47:00.526-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KV5Rems0gtM/VZgXB9XXLNI/AAAAAAAAEOY/x5N7aFAqUcg/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KV5Rems0gtM/VZgXB9XXLNI/AAAAAAAAEOY/x5N7aFAqUcg/s1600/4f2e66e97f3992a58812a863c0c95f57.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">7
Christian Principles to Grow Your Faith:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Building
a Stronger Trust Series</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Part 2 Knowledge:</span></span></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">In the series opener, we discussed virtue and its relation to faith. We discovered the ways it strengthens our faith and the benefits it brings to our Christian walk. Virtue by itself isn’t enough. To continue growing our faith, we need to go further. Stopping at this point limits faith from reaching its maturity.</span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvFmBY113gU/VZgfbaV-70I/AAAAAAAAEOo/w-RDsHjI5f0/s1600/5af5c1738df356138454770783875e09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvFmBY113gU/VZgfbaV-70I/AAAAAAAAEOo/w-RDsHjI5f0/s1600/5af5c1738df356138454770783875e09.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Our next step is knowledge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">God created everyone with the ability in reasoning right from wrong. Our Father wants us to understand so we could keep His truth. The Lord knew our minds needed to store and remember His commandments. And His gift of knowledge allows us to comprehend the crucial elements of His parenting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">The freedom of choice God allows is astonishing. He never forces Himself on us, but places us with opportunities where we must choose Him. Knowledge is incredible for it adds insight to our saved lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Similar to free will knowledge is a two edge sword.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><b>There is a significant difference between self-knowledge and faith-knowledge. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">In the secular world, we get an up close picture of self-knowledge. Unbelievers thrive on personal importance and intelligence. They believe self-reliance will carry them through everything. Their lives on the outside appear content, but in their hearts are hardened. They respond to life in prideful ways. And when troubles arise, they aren’t wise because Christ isn’t a part of their life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Another noticeable flaw is their misuse of intelligence. Their perception of the mind is focused on themselves and centered in self-will. They try to place themselves above others and rely on their knowledge to solve problems <b><i>reserved for God</i></b>. This demonstration of superiority causes conflicts and blocks out Christ. They use intelligence to figure out old age perplexities, but lack the wisdom in understanding human limitations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDErSczgLZw/VZggpmmSN4I/AAAAAAAAEO4/9Zgy_AVw_pU/s1600/quotescover-JPG-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDErSczgLZw/VZggpmmSN4I/AAAAAAAAEO4/9Zgy_AVw_pU/s320/quotescover-JPG-30.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Our experience testifies to the destruction caused by relentless sinning. Our advantage as Christians is Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, we discover the way out of darkness. The <b><i>Lamb of God </i></b>has given us the remission of sins. God delivered us from evil and Christ saved us from spiritual death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Before salvation, we lived in darkness. We were unaware of the subtle ways sin penetrates the soul, hardens the heart and corrupts the mind. Our Messiah promises us once we are <b><i>reborn</i></b> Christian-knowledge emerges, and we find God’s wisdom. Then God exposes the narrow way. We understand the path to eternal life and no longer want to rely on ourselves. God’s plan far outweighs anyone we can come up with on our own. We are blessed to have an unconditional loving Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Lukewarm Christians (Revelations 3:15-16) have a similar problem as the unbeliever. They have fallen out of God’s favor because their faith is complacent. Spiritual knowledge has eluded them for they are self-deceived. Their belief has shifted from God’s truth and entered a false sense of security. To be rejected by Christ is fatal!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccVWMwQt2j0/VZgltqESDhI/AAAAAAAAEPI/asFuEQjsOyw/s1600/proverbs-35-61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccVWMwQt2j0/VZgltqESDhI/AAAAAAAAEPI/asFuEQjsOyw/s320/proverbs-35-61.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">The actions of devotion, prayer, meditation and living the will of God’s unlocks the door to wisdom. Those actions incorporated into your everyday life make you available for the knowledge of Christ’s teachings. We don’t have the wits necessary to stay in God’s kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">It’s through our desire to seek God that we become wise. The more we absorb God’s word into our minds the better we become at remembering our eternal responsibilities here on earth. A continual conscious contact with Christ <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="0e4b5401-2791-4aed-8210-dc1d321d1f8c" id="6e66f0b4-0640-449a-8f9f-61c6b5634682">ensures</gs> you the strength to take the correct actions in living a holy life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">It’s fascinating the way this has unfolded in my life. My refusal in placing Christ above everything prevented me from receiving God’s mercy. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from those dark periods is without Christ I’m foolish. Alone, I don’t have the spiritual makeup necessary to make wise decisions.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"> My individual resolutions to problems are disastrous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">It wasn’t until I understood the urgency for life in God’s kingdom I abandoned myself to Christ. And today, when I </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="4ebf3bf3-cc04-4d71-938a-71e4b017bede" id="1f390856-7f72-4f82-b83d-2f2fbae29b2c">fall</gs></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"> it's easier to pick myself back up for God, is the center of my life. Every day I spend quality time with God because life gets worse without Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">Knowledge evolves from faith. There is always something new to learn. The strength it brings to our Christian faith is manifested through humility. A key ingredient of a humble life is remaining teachable. It’s wise to stay receptive to God’s commands for faith will have the spiritual nutrients to grow. An active and mature faith brings everlasting results.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;">None of us is perfect, nor are we smarter than God. We need Christ’s constant wisdom. Without it, we are aimless, deceived and isolated. With it, we know we are on the right road to heaven. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505624869978893127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776175929074517384.post-66362448638949980652015-06-27T14:51:00.000-04:002015-06-27T14:51:18.171-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">7
Christian Principles to Grow Your Faith:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Building
a Stronger Trust Series</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Part 1 Virtue:</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Faith is more than a simple belief in God. It’s a conviction
so powerful it changes one’s heart. Nothing matches the experience of God’s
presence. The Lord made it one of a kind, bringing the greatest impact to a believer’s
life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">But faith without works is dead. See (James 2:14-26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">There are many scriptures bringing truth to the Apostle James message. This series will focus on the Disciple Peter Second Epistle (1:5-7 NKJV).
Peter’s wisdom of adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance,
godliness, kindness and love with faith is essential to salvation. Each of them
when practice by themselves brought good
results, but interwoven together an unshakable trust in God emerges. Those seven
crucial spiritual actions are the backbone of a life centered in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Today we will focus on virtue.
The Random House Webster’s Dictionary defines virtue as conformity of one’s
life and conducts to moral and ethical
principles. The Old and New Testaments support this definition and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 21.3999996185303px;">the</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 21.3999996185303px;"> entire Bible concern itself with conforming the mind, body and soul to the absolute truth of God. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Virtue begins with humility. Pride is our biggest obstacle robbing
us of God’s grace. The enemy tells us
self-will is the answer, but hides the
troubles associated with a prideful lifestyle. When we humble ourselves before
God, then Christ uses our surrender against the evil one. Satan can’t penetrate
Jesus’s armor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">When Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation,
their conduct toward God changed. They discarded God’s perfect rules and became
afraid of the Lord. Their disobedience cost them the Garden of Eden. This had a ripple effect throughout the
centuries and is felt today. That is one reason we need to continue seeking
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The Lord has given us a way
out, and it’s His son Jesus Christ.
Through our commitment with our Messiah,
we find the real meaning of virtue.
Christ holds the key to a life filled with holiness, righteousness, and godliness. Those Christian traits take effort on
our part to sprout and grow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">The principles Christ makes available are both moral and
ethical. Our Daily Bread starts with devotion. Worship is where Christ opens
our hearts to God and cleanses our sins. The glorification of God places us in the
best position in receiving His mercy and praising Christ brings forth grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Adherence to Christ’s commands is not an overnight matter.
It’s a lifetime of dedication and acted upon one day at a time. Sometimes an
hour by hour reliance is needed for the many hidden tribulations rise throughout a
day. Sin is more constant and powerful than us, but acting upon Christ’s
teaching takes them away. Living one day at a time makes it easier to follow
God because yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not guaranteed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Christ opens the door to His values,
but it’s a two-way street. God expects us
to do our part. In the eyes of Christ our actions count. It begins with
offering our lives to God without reservations. Then we discover surrender pays
big dividends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Humility paves the way
so Christ can change our mindset, purify the heart and cleanse the soul. Our
need for an eternal place in God’s kingdom outweighs
the short-lived promises of the world. With God as our number one priority, we welcome opportunities for change
and virtue attaches its self to faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">I’m amazed the way God intervenes. In the midst of my misconduct,
unethical behavior, and defiance Christ
haven’t given up on me. The moment God shows me the disobedience, and I take corrective action then His mercy emerges. Christ
has made eternal life so wonderful that I want to draw closer to Him. So virtue
keeps me grounded in God’s word, and I understand
the need for continual change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 107%;">Maybe your experience with virtue is different, or it doesn’t fit into your faith. We can agree our future
is bleak without Christ. Another truth, we know is by God’s grace through faith
we are saved (Ephesians 2:8) and receive the gift of Christ. God’s anointment
of the Holy Spirit is an uplifting experience with everlasting results. It’s our responsibility to grow our faith and virtue
is there to aid us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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