tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33171870896845726252024-03-13T23:06:32.309-04:0010/2 GrowA daily devotionalRoger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comBlogger887125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-51636801928431767162012-05-24T11:36:00.000-04:002012-05-24T11:36:00.405-04:00Committed 5<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010:34-38&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Matthew10:34-38</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Faith
isn’t easy – I wish I could say that it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Belief in God, commitment to following the ways of Christ is not
simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is challenging and brings
with it some disputes that will likely arise between you and others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus
was well aware of what problems true faith might bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What shocking declarations does Jesus
make?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the conclusion in verse
38?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Such
comments from Jesus himself can cause some discomfort and even discouragement
in believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus – the one who says
to come to him when we are heavy-laden – has now said that his teachings are
not going to bring about peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
introduced a sword – conflict – to the lives of those who will be committed to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even goes into detail claiming
that members within a family will be at odds with one another, and that we should
not love our parents as much as we love Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although
disturbing, there is naturally quite a bit of truth in all this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I also believe it may not be quite as
literal as we may at first take it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Should
we love Jesus over everyone else, even our parents?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We should love God over all things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But that doesn’t mean we don’t love our parents or others in our family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus
did bring peace to the world, in spite of what he says in verse 34.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have peace in knowing that God loves us so
much that Jesus was willing to die for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But our faith can also be a source of dispute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If we
will be truly committed to the Lord and our faith it will mean that we must put
God and the good of His kingdom over everything and everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may cause some clashes between you and
loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others may want you to have
less faith and pay more attention to what is going on with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some may criticize your faith and want you to
be more like everyone else in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We must
be prepared for the occasional dispute and disconnect with loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we will be completely committed to the
Lord – which we are called to do – then there will likely be those times of
conflict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this doesn’t mean we don’t
love our family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just
means we love God more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We must
take up our cross and follow Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
must take up our faith in who Jesus was and still is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must take up our faith in the love of God
and move forward in complete commitment to God in all we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">DAILY
CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will you take up your
cross?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This concludes the 10/2 Grow daily devotions
for this spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pray that all will
have a safe and happy summer. – Roger and Peggy<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-23713077167065345592012-05-23T11:33:00.000-04:002012-05-23T11:33:00.362-04:00Committed 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:13&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">1Corinthians 10:13</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">An
object at rest tends to stay at rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Someone in our church commented about people who simply stop attending
church or avoid getting involved in church activities, that it may not be a
conscious choice to step away, but rather is the tendency to do less and less
because it is easier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
graduates face a new phase of their lives, we all are faced with choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can continue as we have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can re-energize ourselves and try out new
approaches and deeper faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or we can
fall into a sort of apathy and do less and less.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As each
of us crosses the threshold of a new day we are faced with choices in our
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some may choose to do those
things that are of no benefit to themselves or others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they may claim that they have fallen to
temptation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were drawn away from
what is good and helpful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But Paul
makes an observation about temptation in his letter to the Corinthian
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does he say about
temptation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does he say about God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We all
face temptations of one kind or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is nothing new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is
tempted, and I believe the root of temptation and sin is selfishness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what is common to man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have a tendency to want to do whatever
satisfies and pleases us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
there is always a way out of any temptation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God will not allow the temptation to be so strong that you cannot resist
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is this possible?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is with you in all things and God is more
powerful than all things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, if
God is with you and you rely on God you will have the strength to resist
anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although
you may be starting a new stage in your life it is important for you to bring
part of your old life with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you
encounter new ideas, as you explore your place in life and in the world bring
with you the teachings you have received in the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As you
face each new temptation, every lure that might draw you away from the faith
and into a life of doing the wrong things, harmful things, bring with you the
knowledge and conviction that you are loved by God and He is with you in all
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take with you the commitment of
being in a relationship with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is with you to help you escape the temptations and lures of incorrect
living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What temptations are you facing now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can you overcome the temptations that you are facing?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-64112681256739002192012-05-22T11:30:00.000-04:002012-05-22T11:30:00.203-04:00Committed 3<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%204:1-5&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">1Timothy 4:1-5</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">About
mid-way through my college education I moved out of my parents’ home and shared
an apartment with two other guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were young and rebellious and seeking our way in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One comment that sticks with me is something my
roommate often asked – “Will people say we lived together for two years and
came out with our heads together?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At the
time we were convinced that all of our conversations and ever-changing
convictions would result in enlightenment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We would emerge from this uncertain time as people who had a very clear
picture of the meaning of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
ultimately I discovered that we were wandering around in the darkness of
ignorance and selfishness and human gratification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not come out of the experience with my “head
together,” but was more confused than ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As I
grew older and more experienced I returned to the foundation of my faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned to the things I had been taught in
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was through examination
and prayer and study that I found a strong connection to God which is now
unshakable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my “head together”
now because of my strong faith in God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Today’s
passage is part of one of the letters intended to offer guidance to the young
believer, Timothy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What caution is
offered?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What positive assurance is
given?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We do
not need to be young and inexperienced to be pulled away from our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world offers temptations and lures to
young and old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a wide variety
of ways to look at the world and life, different views on who God is and
whether or not He even exists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others
provide suggestions on what is suitable for eating based on religious beliefs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
what Timothy is told, and what we should also see, is that there are many who
will abandon the beliefs in Jesus and pursue strange and convoluted ways of
finding God and inner peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should
not be one of those who follow ridiculous teachings or superstitious practices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We need
to see that God has created all things to be good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if we can remain firm in our connection
to the Lord, through prayer and study we can establish an unshakable faith in
the one true God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What gives you confidence in the teachings of Jesus?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-25261595646362596832012-05-21T11:27:00.001-04:002012-05-21T11:27:39.674-04:00Committed 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2013:6-8&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Hebrews13:6-8</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It can
be both an exciting time and a frightening time when graduation rolls
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is exciting to know that a
chapter of our life is ended and we are ready to embark on yet another new
chapter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But with that can come the
uncertainty of what the future holds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What will we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will we do
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we have what it takes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
same is true of our faith life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can
rest comfortably in the familiar beliefs we have always held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may even see our Christian faith as
something safe and simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is
not where we need to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to
move forward in faith, grow in our relationship with God and dare to do holy
things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
author of Hebrews offers some words of encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What confidence should we have?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who guides us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
message on Mother’s Day was about the roots of our faith and mention was made
of all the people who have guided us in our beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many people, our parents and other
spiritual leaders from our youth, have helped to mold us into the faithful
people we are now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are influenced by
the faithful who surround us in our lives today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hebrews
tells us to remember our leaders, those great saints of the faith who have
paved the way of our connection to God, who set an example of love and good
works in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should consider
the results of their lives, the confidence in God they held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we should learn to imitate their ways, to
live as loving Christians in the same way they lived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
more than relying on the examples set by faithful ancestors, we have confidence
in our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is the same
yesterday, today and tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the
greatest leader we can have, the best example on how to live and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must root our faith in the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And so,
as we face the uncertainty of the future whether we are a graduate or simply
moving ahead in our life, we must place our confidence in the teachings of
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must look to the exemplary
lives of our religious leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And from
all of these we can gain the confidence and knowledge, the ability, to move
ahead in our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can grow into new
Christians with a new faith, a stronger faith, a deeper commitment to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been shown how to be better
Christians, more confident believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
must live out our heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What gives you the confidence to grow in your faith?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-43233311527433477882012-05-20T18:09:00.000-04:002012-05-20T18:09:39.039-04:00Committed 1<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%201:12-18&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Peter 1:12-18</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did man really go to the moon? There are many people who believe it is a big hoax. That everyone involved in the space program, the media and the government were somehow convinced first to lie and then to maintain that lie for the rest of their lives. But WHY? Watch the Mythbusters video clip above to see at least one bit of evidence busted. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today's reading is about the truth. Peter is already referencing the rumors that everything about Jesus was made up. But why? What purpose does it serve to make up a story that puts you in the line of fire of the Romans and the Jews? Who does it benefit to watch your friends and fellow believers martyred and tortured? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And that is precisely what Peter is experiencing. The other disciples (and very soon Peter himself) are dying just for sticking to their story. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In today's world many people still claim that Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection was just an elaborate hoax. That there is no basis in fact for anything that happened. That the witnesses were either suffering from mass hysteria or that they were all in on the lie. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But Peter reminds us that it wasn't something that they heard about or made up. They were eyewitnesses to the whole thing. They saw the majesty themselves. They heard God's voice when Jesus ascended into heaven. They saw him, touched him, ate with him, walked with him and it was real.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One thing that fascinates me about conspiracy theories is that EVERYONE has to keep the secret. Not one person can ever back down or get scared. And in all the years since the moon landings, no one has ever come forward and admitted the hoax. As a matter of fact, when astronauts are asked about it, they get pretty hot under the collar.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">DAILY CHALLENGE: Do you believe the story of Jesus? Enough that you would stand by your story even in the face of sceptics? Even in the face of danger?</span><br />
<br />
<br />Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-34220819759674612112012-05-17T15:49:00.000-04:002012-05-17T15:49:00.142-04:00Life on Fire 5<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2010:24-27&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Hebrews10:24-27</a></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In his
conversation with Jesus about being born again, reborn by the water and the
Spirit, Nicodemus recognized that a person cannot enter the womb a second
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What he failed to see is that we
are not supposed to enter the womb a second time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are born again we are not to return
to the safety of our previous life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are to move forward, advance into a new life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As we
receive the Holy Spirit we are born anew, born into a new life and a new way of
having faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not simply an
exciting and emotionally charged moment that is meant to fade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
writer of Hebrews speaks about what we are to do as believers when we are born
anew with the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are all the
things we should do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happens when
we fail to do that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Many of
us I am certain have felt that mountaintop experience when we are filled with
the joy and love of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may have been
in a moving church service, or we may have been part of a rewarding mission
project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may have simply seen the
awesome presence of God in a sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
moment is exciting, thrilling, breath-taking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But so often we “come down” from this emotional high and life returns to
that normal, mundane pace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">An
encounter with the Holy Spirit is more than just a momentary high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a chance to become a different person
and start living out our faith in new ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If we will accept the presence of the Spirit, make it part of who we are
and be changed by it, then we will live out our faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If we
claim to believe in God and yet we ignore the moving of the Holy Spirit, refuse
to allow it to make us new, then we have little hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of embracing the fire of passion for
God we will be consumed by the fires of regret and a failed faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Living
with a new faith perspective requires that we pay attention to how we can help
and encourage others, how we can share God’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means abandoning the old way of living, of
working to avoid sinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also
involves being intentional in our faith life, attending worship and other
gatherings of Christian brothers and sisters so that we might be part of the
body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How will you commit to meeting together with other Christians?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will you spur others on to good deeds?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-79029304289745583212012-05-16T15:46:00.000-04:002012-05-16T15:46:00.685-04:00Life on Fire 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2013:46-48&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Acts13:46-48</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In a
recent meeting with other pastors we were taught that there are some things
that cannot be brought back once they have passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opportunities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When words are out of our mouth they are gone
forever, unable to be brought back in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When time has passed there is no way to get it back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When opportunities come and we do not act on
them they are lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is recounted near the beginning of the
Book of Acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that point on we see
the working of the early believers, the differences they made throughout the
known world, the lives that were impacted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Paul
and Barnabas are traveling around the region sharing the good news of
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have arrived in Pisidian
Antioch, a city in what is now Turkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As they preach the Jews who have gathered are jealous that the message
of salvation and God’s love is including the Gentiles – those outside the Jewish
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do these two apostles
respond?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do they preach to the
Gentiles?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the response?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In his
ministry Jesus declared that he was sent for the chosen people of God, the
Jews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But since so many failed to
recognize his ministry and his authority he opened the message of salvation to
the entire world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul was one of the
leaders in the early church who focused a great deal on the Gentiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Barnabas explained that the message
was given to the Jews first, but since they rejected it the Gentiles were now
invited to receive God’s salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Like
the wind that blows through the trees and over the fields, the Holy Spirit and
the grace of God cannot be contained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Holy Spirit touches on the faithful and will remain with those who
accept it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for those who ignore the
Spirit they are passed over and the Holy Spirit moves on to others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We can
experience the presence of the Spirit time and time again in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question is, will we accept it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will we allow the Spirit to change us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If we
do not, we do not stop the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
moves on to others and we have missed that opportunity to live a life that is
changed and on fire for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must
choose to receive the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must
choose to be changed and made new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
must choose to be on fire for God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can you choose to receive the Spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you willing to be changed?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-52193431695323607942012-05-15T10:33:00.000-04:002012-05-15T10:33:20.664-04:00Life on Fire 3<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:7-8&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">John3:7-8</a></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In the
movie “The Weather Man,” the character played by Nicolas Cage is a television
weather man who is often frustrated with his inability to be accurate in
predicting the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is told
several times that there is little he can do about it, and reminded that “It’s
the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It blows everywhere.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As part
of his encounter with the Jewish religious leader Nicodemus, Jesus explains
about the working of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What concept should not surprise Nicodemus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do we know about the wind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is this like the Holy Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Holy Spirit is just as the wind we experience here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an invisible force, unpredictable and
unable to be tamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot know where
the wind will blow or when.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot
know where the wind will go after it passes over us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In the
same way the Holy Spirit is part of the working of God, something we cannot
comprehend because God’s wisdom and ways are far above our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not know where or when the Holy Spirit
might move in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must simply
be prepared for its presence and be willing to be moved by it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
early believers had no idea where or when the Spirit would descend upon
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came unexpectedly and in a
powerful way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it filled each of them
it changed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went from being
timid followers to empowered leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But
this was not the only time the Holy Spirit has ever been present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit can and does move in our
lives today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just as a sailboat may
have to adjust its sails so it might catch the wind and be propelled forward,
we may need to adjust our hearts and souls to receive the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the Spirit enters in, surrounds us,
fills us, we need to be willing to be changed people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to be willing to move forward in
boldness and certainty in our faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And we
must move with the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be for
a brief moment, a short time of working in a powerful way for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or it may be a long lasting effect, the
Spirit making us completely new believers who have the Holy Spirit of God as
that constant companion to be with us in all that we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If we
love God and desire to serve His kingdom and share His love we must be willing
to be those changed people and live a life on fire with the Spirit in all we
do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">DAILY
CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How far will you allow the Spirit
to take you?</span></div>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-40908515240291482102012-05-14T14:38:00.000-04:002012-05-14T14:38:24.960-04:00Life on Fire 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202:37-39&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Acts2:37-39</a></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
experience on the Day of Pentecost after the resurrection is considered to be
the birth of the Christian church that we are familiar with today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit descended on the gathering of
believers and in that moment they were given power and authority and ability to
preach the word of God to all the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
response to some skepticism in the crowd after hearing the believers speaking
in various languages Peter explains the purpose of Christ’s ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Peter preached what was the reaction of
the crowd?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does Peter tell them to
do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What assurance does he give?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How far does this assurance go?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After
the death and resurrection of Jesus the disciples were living in fear and
avoiding contact with most of society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But when the Spirit came upon them they were given a new boldness to
speak about what they had witnessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peter was able to stand in front of a large crowd and bear witness to
the life and teaching of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
preaching was so moving that the crowd was “cut to the heart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They knew they had to do something about
their spiritual life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Peter
instructed them to repent of their sins, to be baptized in the new faith, and
then they would also receive the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This invitation of the Spirit would not only change their lives and give
them the promise of eternal life, but would also be something to change the
lives of all the people they came in contact with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such is the power of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
promise is not limited to the disciples or the gathering of believers who first
received the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither is this
promise limited to those who became followers of Jesus in those first years
after the resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This promise of
the Spirit, a presence that changes lives, that brings newness of faith, that
brings a bold willingness to share the love of God, is meant for us too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When we
repent of our sins and we invite the Holy Spirit in we will begin living a life
that is on fire for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be
inspired – charged up – to spread the good news of salvation and the love of
God with everyone we meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in our
sharing we will see others learn to invite the Spirit in to their lives and be
changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We are
called by God to be part of this fire of new life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are called to live a life on fire for the
kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are called to
share this fire with others,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">DAILY
CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you ready to invite the
Holy Spirit in to your heart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you
live a life on fire for God?</span></div>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-69718585677468805152012-05-13T10:42:00.000-04:002012-05-13T10:42:00.030-04:00Life on Fire 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202:1-4&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Acts2:1-4</a></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Our
worship services usually incorporate the use of candles as do most churches or
places of worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These candles are not
lit to bring light to the people who have gathered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are there to remind us of the presence
of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
flames we see on the candles are supposed to put us in mind of the Pentecost
story – an event that happened on the fiftieth day after Passover (thus, “Pentecost”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was going on at first?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happened?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did the Holy Spirit appear?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was the result?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Up
until this moment we have been given the impression that the followers of Jesus
have been fairly timid in their faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the resurrection Jesus appeared to the disciples twice as they hid
behind locked doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Acts 1:13 we see
that they have gone to the upper room where they have been staying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Day
of Pentecost begins with the believers being together in one place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have no other details but the implication
is that these believers are again huddled in the upper room, a place of safety,
a place removed from the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the
Holy Spirit invades this space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
a powerful wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are flames.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And suddenly these timid believers are filled
with the power of God and able to do incredible and miraculous work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If we
will move forward in our faith we must be different than these early
believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than hide our faith
and ourselves from the trials and temptations of the world, we need to put
ourselves in the path of the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we will be moved forward by God, pushed along by His mighty wind, we must put
ourselves in the path of that wind and allow the Spirit to move us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We may
not see literal flames appearing above our heads, but when we allow the Holy
Spirit to move within us we will feel the fire of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will feel that burning desire to serve the
Lord, that fire that lets us know we are not alone in our working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are full of the power of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We cannot
spend our life of faith huddled together with other believers and think we are
doing God’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither can we remove
ourselves from the body of believers and think we are doing God’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must position ourselves to be available to
the Lord. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must open our hearts and
souls to allow the Spirit to enter in, to fill us, and to move us out into the
world in life-changing work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">DAILY
CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can you prepare yourself
to receive the Holy Spirit?</span></div>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-24496287555997349182012-05-10T12:00:00.000-04:002012-05-10T12:00:02.820-04:00Rooted 5<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2031:28-29&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Proverbs31:28-29</a></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As part
of my position as a pastor I am asked to perform funeral services for people I
have never met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On such occasions I rely
on the surviving family to provide me with details and insights of the loved
one that I might offer an appropriate service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am also quite open with the family when I tell them that I base many
of my comments on how they behave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I point
out that a person’s life and influence may be difficult to sum up and remember
in times of grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can determine what
type of person the parent was by how the children are living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Today’s
passage consists of two verses which comment on a wife and mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a celebration of all the goodness that
is found in the woman being described in the 17 verses that precede them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a woman were to live in such a way as
described in Proverbs 31:10-27 then that woman will be praised by her family
and spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will be called blessed
and seen as the best woman ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
praise comes about when a person provides a good and nurturing environment for
the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what is being
described in the earlier verses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
provides food and clothing for her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She helps in business transactions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She has strength and dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
she also “speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
(Proverbs 31:26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As we
celebrate mothers this weekend we must also celebrate all women and the
contribution that they make in developing and guiding young people into holy
living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether a woman is a biological
mother or not, all women (as are all men) are called to be a person who helps
to provide the deep roots of faith in younger believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are called to be clothed in dignity and
strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are called to speak with
wisdom and provide faithful instruction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Those who
live a life of holy example and good spiritual instruction will be called
blessed by all around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will
cause the young who grow up under their guidance to be a blessing to
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will plant the faith of
others by the stream of grace that flows from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will nurture deep roots of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Their
goodness and holy teaching will be evident to those around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And such goodness in faith will be lived out
through those who are taught.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What blessings can you pass on to others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What noble things are you called to do?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-91688609538677344412012-05-09T11:21:00.000-04:002012-05-09T11:21:00.081-04:00Rooted 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%201:1-3&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Psalm1:1-3</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">People
in business and in real estate will tell you that there are three keys for
success – location, location, location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The idea is that in order to succeed you must place yourself in a
location where you might prosper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is true of real estate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to
have a nice home you must find a place that is in a good location, a nice
neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If you
want to have a successful business you have to choose a location that will
facilitate growth and good business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where you are is an important determining factor on your ability to
succeed or fail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
same is true of our faith and our ability to grow strong spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The psalmist offers some guidance on how to
be spiritually successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should a
blessed person avoid?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should a blessed
person seek out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What comparison is
made?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A great
deal of our spiritual potential is determined on how we are raised up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If parents desire their children to live a
blessed life, to have a prosperous life, to grow strong in faith then they must
provide an environment that helps this growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Parents should guard their children against the negative influences of
society and the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents should be
an example of holy living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If any
of us – whether biological parents, adoptive parents, or spiritual parents –
want another to succeed in faith, to be blessed by the presence of God we must
put them in a location where they might succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That location is provided by us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It is
the responsibility of parents and the responsibility of all other believers to
provide a spiritually nurturing environment for another person to grow in
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This applies to all believers who
are part of the body of faith where young children are present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all must set the good examples of belief
and kindness and love for these youngsters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It also
applies to those who are young in their spiritual walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all should be that guidance, that nurturing
presence which encourages strong and holy living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must guide the young – those who are
children and those who are new to the faith – in walking in the ways of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must guide them away from the
influences of evil people, of the temptations to sin in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When we
provide a location that is holy and spiritually nurturing we are like gardeners
planting trees near a stream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young
among us are able to grow strong in faith and in a relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">DAILY
CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Examine the environment that
you are providing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it a place that
helps others grow in faith?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it lead
to a blessed life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there
improvements that should be made?</span></div>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-11528277212473899742012-05-08T21:00:00.000-04:002012-05-08T21:00:03.997-04:00Rooted 3<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%207:12-14&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:12-14</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<i>We can tell from the conduct of people in this world
that they do not have this guidance. But a sanctified child has access
to the knowledge of what God expects, and from that he can make it his
goal in life to </i><i>act that way. He can set his will to do the right thing. He is sanctified, and divine guidance is what he gains from it. - </i><b>John W. Ritenbaugh</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Verse 14 seems at first like it is a great blessing to our children, and it is. Our children are sanctified through our belief. In plain English... our children are good in God's eyes because we believe in Him. (And note that there is no age limit on this... I believe it carries into adulthood as well.)</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
But it is not only a blessing. It is also a responsibility. For those who have been taught by a Godly parent (or grandparent) we are given the task of living our lives the right way. There are expectations now. </div>
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Recently my daughter and I were discussing a fellow student who is just 16 and smokes and lives in a way that really upsets Bren. I asked her what kind of family this child must have grown up in to have that behavior tolerated and encouraged. I doubt that this young man has been given much Godly guidance in his short life. And not that he can't reach out to God and commit his life. But without those around him encouraging him and guiding him, it will be much more difficult. </div>
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So remember that although it's not your parents that get you into Heaven (or send you to Hell) a Godly parent is enough to sanctify you, making you aware of God's blessings and laws... and making you responsible for living your life in a Godly fashion.</div>
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DAILY CHALLENGE: Think today about the rules and blessings you parents gave you as you grew up. If you had a Godly parent, how do you think your life would have been different without their guidance. And if you didn't have a Godly parent, how do you think your life would have been different? </div>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-8303909830776757832012-05-07T17:20:00.000-04:002012-05-07T17:20:00.401-04:00Rooted 2<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%201:1-17&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Samuel 1:1-17</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygsXXti4WNwh7M1dUpDR2lBWr_wPdGOxM4SPd6QnVpWF0xsDU-hfWraACxgOEgIy5yu4OvfkJHkkqyEBSEIqDDUebODs-TNaB4E8n8i2IMMAWl9Wi9BRlkuV3vZR-Auqp5SW7K_qOLDgJ/s1600/pray.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygsXXti4WNwh7M1dUpDR2lBWr_wPdGOxM4SPd6QnVpWF0xsDU-hfWraACxgOEgIy5yu4OvfkJHkkqyEBSEIqDDUebODs-TNaB4E8n8i2IMMAWl9Wi9BRlkuV3vZR-Auqp5SW7K_qOLDgJ/s320/pray.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I apologize for a longer reading today. But this is a story that I want to make sure is shared this week as we lead up to Mother's Day. I have never struggled with infertility. But over the years I have had many dear friends who have. I know that this week is a very difficult one for them because of their desire to have children. And I want to make sure we all read this story and remember Hannah and her amazing prayers.</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Sam-1-6" id="en-NIV-7219">Peninnah is not a character we hear alot about in the Bible. But she was also married to Hannah's husband </span><span class="text 1Sam-1-1">Elkanah and each year when they would go to the temple for a sacrifice, Peninnah would flaunt her many children to Hannah. This section breaks my heart:</span></div>
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<i><span class="text 1Sam-1-1"> </span><span class="text 1Sam-1-6" id="en-NIV-7219"> ...her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. </span><span class="text 1Sam-1-7" id="en-NIV-7220">This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.</span> </i></div>
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I remember a time when my children were very young, when a friend of mine didn't want to be around me anymore. We had been friends for years, but she withdrew because seeing other women pregnant and giving birth was just too much for her to bear. I felt so awful, but there was nothing I could do about the situation. I wasn't provoking her like Peninnah, but as time went on being around babies was upsetting to her. </div>
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Hannah goes to the temple and prays so fervently that the priest believes she is drunk. She begs God for a child. She even promises to give him back to God (and she does). God grants her prayers.</div>
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But the purpose of sharing this passage today isn't to tell our sisters struggling with infertility to just pray and believe and God will give them a child. But rather to remind us to never be Peninnah to the Hannahs in our lives. Be sensitive this week to those who want to be mothers so much that they prostrate themselves before God and pray to the point that others think they are drunk or obsessed or foolish. Bless them and encourage them. Pray for them and love them. Let these beautiful women know that no matter what, God is with them on their journey and so are we. </div>
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DAILY CHALLENGE: Ask God to show you where those around you are hurting and could use some encouragement this Mother's Day. <i><br /></i></div>
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<br />Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comHarrod, OH 45850, USA40.7064404 -83.921329940.6944034 -83.9410709 40.7184774 -83.901588900000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-82704232081560366142012-05-06T22:00:00.000-04:002012-05-07T15:11:52.927-04:00Rooted 1<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE2soij9gH1IfIC49FQwkFBj2BgoIsgupGq8ocBTfj5-h8tDIn14rpNgrD0Rv_1jDLlAMcZ6blE7kiIzM8Bk3cxpCornVqihaJiUQ92JcdmhDmTOjHezPwvWsMVSRTi9DloCItMNI5vbC/s1600/050712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE2soij9gH1IfIC49FQwkFBj2BgoIsgupGq8ocBTfj5-h8tDIn14rpNgrD0Rv_1jDLlAMcZ6blE7kiIzM8Bk3cxpCornVqihaJiUQ92JcdmhDmTOjHezPwvWsMVSRTi9DloCItMNI5vbC/s320/050712.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let God uphold you in His hands.</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037:23-27&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 37:23-27</a></div>
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I have never met anyone who doesn't worry about their children. When they are little we worry about their every little need. Our lives as parents are consumed with the tedium of bottles and diapers and naps and pacifiers and the dangers from choking and poisoning and all sorts of treacherous things that can happen to them. When they go off to school we worry about them fitting in, doing well, having friends and all of those things. </div>
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My children are now beyond those stages and I feel like the real worrying is just beginning. Will they pick the right spouse? Will they find a job? Will they ever move out? (just kidding!) (not really)</div>
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But today's reading reminds us that God has our children in His hands. It doesn't matter whether they are infants or grandparents themselves -- when they do what God commands He holds them. The Hebrew word used in verse 24 for "uphold" means to rest or lean against. Like when you are exhausted and you lean against a wall. You know it's going to support you. </div>
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And in verse 26 it says that their children will be a blessing. But it means more than "their children will bless them." It really means that their children's names will literally become a blessing. When people talk about them, they will be blessed just by hearing the names. </div>
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What a great thing for a parent to want for their children! I want my kids to be blessings to others. I want them to be so generous and loving and Godly that other parents say "Why can't you be more like him?" (Oh, what a curse to put on my children from the world's point of view!)</div>
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Mother's Day is this Sunday. DON'T FORGET! It is through our parents and grandparents that we develop who we are. It is through them that we learn to be generous and just and good.* But it is in God's hands that we all rest. He is the one who upholds us and He is the one who lifts us when we stumble.</div>
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DAILY CHALLENGE: Thank God for your parents. Be a blessing to them, even if they are no longer in this world. How can you let God uphold you this week.</div>
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*Even if you weren't blessed with Godly parents (and believe me it is a blessing) you learned these things. Maybe it was even an "opposite" lesson of how you never want to be... but remember that God is our father and mother and loves us as His children. So hang in there for this week of Mother's Day and be a great mother yourself or give yourself to a child who desperately needs Godly guidance.</div>
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<br /></div>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comHarrod, OH 45850, USA40.7064404 -83.921329940.6944034 -83.9410709 40.7184774 -83.901588900000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-80263915218803929202012-05-03T17:08:00.000-04:002012-04-30T17:09:04.635-04:00Open Door 5<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013:34-35&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">John13:34-35</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
other night one of the news channels aired video clips from the Rodney King
beating, and the riots and civil unrest that followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a troubling time in our nation’s
history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one thing that most people
probably remember is the statement Rodney King made in an attempt to stem the
violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is famous for the plea, “Can’t
we all just get along?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Such a
question might come up time and time again in any person’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is more than one person in a single
place there is likely to be some disagreement, some conflict that might
arise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we as believers would like
that everyone could just get along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In the
gospel of John we have a command from Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is the command?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How are we
to love one another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does such love
show?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
children of God and believers in Jesus Christ not only should we desire that
everyone gets along, we are commanded by Jesus himself that we should love one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is not a light
command, not a simple request for affection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus
tells us that we should love one another in the same way as he loves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a love is a powerful love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love of Christ is a sacrificial love, a
giving love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love of Christ is an
all-encompassing love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus
was able to love all people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves
each of us even though we are sinful and not deserving of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved his enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved the outcasts, the neglected, the
unwanted, the unacceptable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If we
are to love others with the same love of Christ then we must learn to love all
people regardless of our differences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
must learn to overlook the failings of others – we don’t need to tolerate and
accept wrong behavior, we just can’t allow it to be that barrier that prevents
us from caring for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must learn
to accept those who are different than we are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
means that we must open the doors of our places of worship to those who have no
idea how to relate to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must be
willing to befriend those who society has cast aside, or who have removed
themselves from mainstream society because they don’t feel worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And
more than opening the doors of our churches, we must open our hearts to truly
and genuinely care for the new believer and the lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can you learn to love the unloved?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-28399326570503929062012-05-02T17:00:00.000-04:002012-05-02T17:00:04.330-04:00Open Door 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021:5-7&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Revelation21:5-7</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We were
recently invited to a church member’s home for a dinner, their Easter
celebration a week after Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a
wonderful feeling it was to be asked to be part of this big meal, this
gathering of so many people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what
made it even better was that we were told not to bring anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not need to contribute to the
selection of food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were just to be
welcome guests at the banquet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
was a great gift to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not have
the opportunity to visit our own family on the holiday so we became part of a
different family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God offers a similar
invitation in His revelation to John of Patmos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is God doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does He
offer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In this
passage we have a gift from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
offers the spring of life to whoever is thirsty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, whoever desires to have a
relationship with God, whoever desires to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord is
welcome to drink from the abundant grace of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God welcomes all into His kingdom of love and
mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
addition to this the Almighty offers an inheritance of being part of the family
of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoever overcomes, whoever is
able to hold onto faith through the challenges and temptations of life will be
made heirs of God’s kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will
no longer be separated from God but will become one of His blessed children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
strikes me most, however, is that this passage begins with a declaration from
the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am making everything new!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What is
it that God is making new?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is making
each one of us new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shed the old ways
of living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shed our old fears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shed our despair, and in its place we
become blessed children of God, saved by Christ and welcomed into the eternal kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But I
believe God is also making the whole situation of humanity new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No longer are there a select few who are
chosen by God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His grace and mercy are
extended to all people, all who are willing and who desire to connect with the
Lord and accept Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And in
that we have a lesson for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
need to make all things new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to
have a new way of looking at other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of seeing some as unworthy to worship with us we must see that
all are welcome in God’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead
of seeing some as people we want to avoid we must see them as friends we have
not yet met.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Not
only are we all made new through Christ, but our attitudes must be made new
too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What can help you get past your old attitudes?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-73675140951150777322012-05-01T16:39:00.000-04:002012-05-01T16:39:01.023-04:00Open Door 3<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20148:7-13&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Psalm148:7-13</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As part
of our weekly worship service we sing the “Doxology.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By strict definition a doxology is a song of
praise, but this particular song is linked with the presentation of our gifts
and offerings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words of the Doxology
urge the praise of God and include the words, “praise Him all creatures here
below.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I don’t
think we always examine the words we are singing each work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The song encourages all of us, the people of
the church, to praise God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the song
also says that all creatures, all living things on earth should offer praise to
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It may
seem odd to us to imagine animals giving praise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may have trouble thinking about a bird’s
chirp as a song of praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may not be
able to see the mooing of a cow as praise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm
148 is an offering of praise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
or what are the creatures that should praise God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to verse 13, why should all things
praise God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The buzz
of a bee, the clatter of damaging hail, the wind that strips the shingles from
our rooftops may not seem like praise to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These things may seem like negative things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we still may have problems seeing the
barking of a dog as praise, especially when it keeps us awake at night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But the
psalmist realizes that all things – kings and rulers, young and old, animals
and even the oceans – should offer praise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only should all things offer praise, but
I believe this psalm also recognizes that all things do offer praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that the earth is so diverse, with
so many different animals, each beautiful in its own way is a form of
praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The incredible magnitude of God’s
creation – the mountains, the oceans, the winds and rain – are all testimonies
to the greatness of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But we
must also see that all people are a form of praise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The diverse and wonderful people that exist
on earth have all been created by God and are loved by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must open the door of our faith and the
door of our heart to welcome all these people, those we do not know yet, into
the glorious love of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God
should be exalted over all the earth because His splendor is above all
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must open our eyes to see the
beauty of all that exists and welcome all people as part of our praise to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who can you see differently through the eyes of faith?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-62483243496557015642012-04-30T16:37:00.000-04:002012-04-30T16:37:00.413-04:00Open Door 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011:11-18&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Acts11:11-18</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When I
was a child I went with my grandparents now and then as they stayed at a house
they rented at Grand Lake St. Mary near the town of Celina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My grandmother would talk about going into
town but she was so vague about it, making it sound like a place that was very
far away and hard to reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an adult
I went back to the place and found the house where my grandparents had
stayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then that I discovered
that this mysterious town from my childhood was just about a quarter mile from
where we were.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Criticized
for his involvement with a Gentile, Peter has explained the vision that God
gave him about being more welcoming to those who were not Jewish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did Peter learn from the men who had
been sent from Cornelius?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happened
when Peter was with Cornelius and his family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What realization did Peter have?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As a
child my experience and thinking was limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unable to actually see the town of Celina I imagined it to be this far
distant place that I could never visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As an adult I was able to go where I wanted and that was when I learned
how close the town was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Peter
had the same limited thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
vision of faith was that God loved only the Jews and Jesus had come only for
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God opened his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gave maturity to his faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his experience with Cornelius and his
family Peter was able to see that God was at work in people Peter did not know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Even as
a Gentile, as an outsider, Cornelius was a believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did what he could to honor God and he was
generous in his giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God spoke to
Cornelius and had him find Peter so his faith might be strengthened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
Peter preached to this family he saw the Holy Spirit at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God blessed this family and in that moment
Peter was reminded that Jesus had spoken of the baptism of the Holy
Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter was seeing this come to
fruition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He realized that God works in
all sorts of people and we are not to have limited vision in our beliefs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We also
can begin to think that our small circle of friends and fellow believers – even
the mega-church of thousands – are the only ones who really know that
relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must learn
that we should be open to the work of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lord is moving in the lives of all sorts of people and we must be
open to welcoming them into the kingdom of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What must you do to expand your thinking in faith?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-3242191932910073542012-04-29T16:35:00.002-04:002012-04-29T16:35:39.350-04:00Open Door 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2011:1-10&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Acts11:1-10</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At our
previous church there was a room at the back of the Sanctuary called the parlor,
an attractive space with nice sofas, armchairs, bookshelves and a
fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, most of the
time the room was not used and the curtains were kept closed making the room
dark and uninviting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked why the
curtains had to be closed so often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
answer was that many in the church did not want the carpets to be faded by the
sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was more important to them that
the room be kept in good condition than to be used as a place of welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
attitude of preserving a church intact, preventing any changes that might alter
the way it is, is nothing new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Acts
10 there is a story of Roman centurion named Cornelius who is led by God to
seek out Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter responds and
visits Cornelius and his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
was the response of the believers (Acts 11:2-3)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What vision does Peter relate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was Peter’s first reaction to the vision
(verse 8)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does God say?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Being a
Roman centurion meant that Cornelius was a foreigner to Judea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cornelius was a soldier, a member of the
oppressing force in Israel, a man from Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was not Jewish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God
recognized the faith this man had and urged him to find the disciple Peter so
that his faith might move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At the
same time Peter was given a vision from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A sheet holding all manner of animals was lowered from heaven and Peter
was told to kill them and eat them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
was a violation of the food laws of his faith and Peter resisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God told Peter that he should not call
anything “unclean” when God has made it clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
vision was God’s way of removing the food restriction that had been in place
for thousands of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was
declaring that all that He had made was now religiously clean, suitable for
consumption if a person chose to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But it
also meant that all people were now welcome in the house of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Belief in the Lord, salvation, a relationship
with God was now no longer reserved only for the select few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was opening the door to all people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We can
be like so many of the early believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can take the attitude that we want to keep our place of worship clean
and pure, not just physically but also with the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many do not like new people coming to “their
church” and changing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we need
to remember the words of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To God all
people are welcome, all people are made clean – that is, they are worthy to
enter into His presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can you open the doors to your church?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-67099531022522366902012-04-26T12:11:00.000-04:002012-04-26T12:11:00.541-04:00Trials 5<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%207:13-17&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Revelation7:13-17</a></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Heaven
is one of those topics that comes up quite frequently whenever religion and
faith are discussed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have varying
ideas of what heaven might be like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have different images that may bring us comfort and eager anticipation, or they
may baffle us and evoke more questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
revelation that came to John of Patmos – that is, the holy vision God gave this
man – includes some images of what might be involved in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is it that “one of the elders” shows
John?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who were these people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is their reward?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here is
one of those wonderful images of comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The faithful believers have endured the tribulations and trials of life
and are now in heaven in the presence of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are given their eternal reward – never again to hunger or thirst or
experience any sorrows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Too
often, however, we hold onto a hope of heaven that is in the far distant
future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some day, we say, some day we
will receive our great reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
whether your idea of heaven is white mansions and streets of gold, clouds
peopled with angels strumming harps, or an ethereal light filled with joy I
believe we do not need to wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Those
presented to John were the people who had washed their robes and purified them
in the blood of the Lamb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They serve the
Lord day and night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a reward God
spread His tent over them, protected them, and gave them comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If we
as believers can wash our robes, if we can get rid of our tendency to sinning;
if we can purify ourselves through the blood of the Lamb, if we can accept
Jesus as our Savior; if we can serve God day and night, won’t we receive the
same reward in our present life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we
can strive to be holy and draw near to God in our thinking and actions and in
faith then God will spread His tent over us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although
we may be surrounded by the hardships of life God will be there to give us
comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will watch over us and
protect us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have springs of
living water, not just in heaven, but the living water of Christ’s presence and
comfort in our world today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although
we may still go through times of sorrow and hurt God will be with us to wipe
away the tears if we will learn to trust that He is with us in all things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where do you need God’s comfort today?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-87621202146685874952012-04-25T12:08:00.000-04:002012-04-25T12:08:00.860-04:00Trials 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:31&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Romans8:31</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmbZMhZavQv-s0DDddudb8zPwHYRd1aeTpHr_Bmmb8tg5ZABCvOVTjo1075CowSIBmUc8oHcAKxfFYc5hxhJLtqfrDUe_nAD97cYxSEBY9-zVBGgNi8Yz-cgnH-KPxpRgQ0UnYj0yCw3e/s1600/Keep+door+closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmbZMhZavQv-s0DDddudb8zPwHYRd1aeTpHr_Bmmb8tg5ZABCvOVTjo1075CowSIBmUc8oHcAKxfFYc5hxhJLtqfrDUe_nAD97cYxSEBY9-zVBGgNi8Yz-cgnH-KPxpRgQ0UnYj0yCw3e/s200/Keep+door+closed.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
paradox is a statement or situation where two things that contradict each other
appear to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One example, my
favorite, is the sign that reads “Keep door closed at all times.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we keep the door closed if we use it
as a door?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must open at some time or
another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Another
example is the statement, “This sentence is a lie.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the sentence is true then it is a
lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is a lie, then it can’t be a
lie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I feel
this may be the case with Paul’s comment in Romans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does he say about our relationship with
God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On the
surface this comment is intended to be a reassurance to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God is on our side then it is not possible
for others to be in opposition to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since God is the Almighty and everlasting Lord, if He is on our side
then there can be no one who is against us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But I
believe that in truth there may be many people who are against us even when God
is “for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The difference is that it
doesn’t matter who or what is against us if God is on our side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We who
believe in the Lord are not spared our times of trouble and pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will probably encounter those who do not
like us for one reason or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
will likely be those who find some delight in causing us heartache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there is simply the occurrence of random
events – accidents happen, loved ones pass away, tempers flare up, life brings
its share of unhappiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If God
is for us, who or what can be against us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Truthfully many things and many people might be a problem for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we have the reassurance of knowing that
we have a companion, a defender, an advocate, a comforter in our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has promised to be with us as we walk
through the fires of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
promised to save us from the deep waters of life’s troubles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If God
is for us, even though there may be many things that seem to work against us,
things and people and situations that are there to cause us hurt and stress, it
will not matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is “for us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And knowing that enables us to get through
all the hurt and heartache of living.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What will remind you that God is “for” you?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-57372893047135136932012-04-24T12:05:00.000-04:002012-04-24T12:05:00.379-04:00Trials 3<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2040:28-29&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Isaiah40:28-29</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yYNLp8DwKr1gT6P9lAMvVbDepjQt8nUBJzehms2sSWNikVypQ6FvMBy53I4OFT8EAvwEZB7MOOASf2rXhMq2btiuXhIVr0nOi_lmQ2O2mKwSpmbDShYeLMqLwkoQWnaz74M60uuCgPME/s1600/messy+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yYNLp8DwKr1gT6P9lAMvVbDepjQt8nUBJzehms2sSWNikVypQ6FvMBy53I4OFT8EAvwEZB7MOOASf2rXhMq2btiuXhIVr0nOi_lmQ2O2mKwSpmbDShYeLMqLwkoQWnaz74M60uuCgPME/s200/messy+bed.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
other day my wife and I were both feeling very tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We simply did not have the energy to get
anything done and spent a good portion of the afternoon lying around on the
couch or in bed trying to rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Frustrated with my own lack of pep and with the fact that so much needed
to be done I decided I would get up and do what I could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I discovered
that by getting up and doing things – washing up some dishes, clearing away
clutter, doing laundry – I actually began to gain energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I did the better I felt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When it
comes to confronting all the challenges of life we can sometimes feel defeated
before we even get out of bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
difficulties of our jobs, the needs of our families, the stress of the problems
in the world can get us down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On top of
all that we might be struggling with emotional issues; concern over
relationships, feelings of loss and loneliness, questions about our faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Before
we surrender ourselves to the weight of all of our problems we need to remember
that we belong to God and He is with us in all things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does Isaiah say about God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does He offer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When we
start to feel defeated or depressed we need to remember that we are children of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord is with us in all things,
and God is the everlasting presence of power and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the One who has created all
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is eternal and so is His
love and His presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">With
God at our side we are able to face all the challenges that come around in
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is able and willing to be our
advocate, to stand with us to face our troubles, to give us strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we can begin with even the smallest bit of
faith, if we can trust God just a little, He will be present with us to help us
increase our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will give us what
we need to overcome the trials and problems, our doubts and fears, our setbacks
and sorrows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He will
give strength to your weary body and strength to your weary soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will increase the power and vitality of
your faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God can save us from our
defeats and give us what we need to move forward in a life full of blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What strength do you need from God?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-86908140918536245522012-04-23T17:13:00.000-04:002012-04-23T17:13:00.292-04:00Trials 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2023:4-5&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Psalm23:4-5</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
remember the secretary at our previous church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whenever someone came into the church office and had a negative attitude
– complaining, angry, shouting – she would walk around the office after they
left and wave her hands as if she was fanning the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her what she was doing the first time
I saw it and she explained that she was chasing away all the bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We take
that attitude in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to be
able to chase off all the bad things in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want to shoo away the negativity so that our lives will be perfect
and wonderful all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm
23 is probably the most familiar of all Bible passages (at least in the top
10).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a wonderful expression of
comfort from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is our attitude
even when facing death?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why are we
secure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to verse 5, what good
thing does God do for us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">While
we can find assurance in knowing that God can bless us as much as He does, we
must also be aware that we are not completely spared all the troubles in
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the 23<sup>rd</sup> Psalm
is a litany of comfort we must still see that troubles exist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We find
comfort in knowing that God is with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His rod and staff are a security to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But we still must walk through that Valley of the Shadow of Death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still must go through those things that
frighten us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although
the Lord prepares a table of abundant blessings for us and He anoints us with
oil, reminding us that we are special, still our enemies are there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The table spoken of in verse 5 is not one of
isolation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The enemies are present.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As we
go through the challenges of life we must remember that God is with us to give
us comfort and blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we also
must remember that in spite of the Lord’s presence we may not be completely
spared of all the problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When we
face troubles, when we experience pain, when we encounter sorrows we must know
that we are not abandoned by the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are embraced by God, protected, encouraged and upheld.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can you find strength to confront challenges?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3317187089684572625.post-91806416370570939312012-04-22T17:08:00.000-04:002012-04-22T17:08:00.122-04:00Trials 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%209:36-41&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Acts9:36-41</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
first time I saw the sign was when I was in high school and I was in the office
of one of the school counselors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
sign said, “Sorry, my magic wand is in the shop.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since that time I have seen similar signs
with the same intent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea is that
none of us can work a miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of
us have a magic wand to solve all of our problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And yet
we have this story in Acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was
Tabitha like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happened to her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who was sent for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did Peter do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you think he did that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This is
one of those miracle stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tabitha, a
devoted believer, a disciple, falls ill and dies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of her friends learn that Peter is nearby
so they send for him, begging him to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, like the Lazarus story (John 11:1-44) Peter arrives to find Tabitha
deceased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her body has already been
through the Jewish cleansing ritual performed on the dead – a detail provided,
no doubt, to let us know she was definitely deceased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Upon
his arrival Peter is shown samples of all the work Tabitha had accomplished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is then when Peter ushers everyone out of
the room and performs the miracle of raising Tabitha from the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At
first glance we can see the miracle as the magic wand that no one has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can also see Tabitha’s resurrection as an
example that good people are rewarded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">While
it’s true that Peter was able to do miraculous work, we are not always able to
be part of the incredible working of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We should not expect God to part the sea or raise the dead whenever
things get tough for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although
Tabitha was brought back to life it likely was not a reward for her work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was not rewarded or paid back for doing
kind deeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, Tabitha was blessed
because she had strong faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although
Tabitha was brought back to life she still had to experience death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though rewarded with new life she still had
to go through the pain of illness and death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The point is that all of us, even the most devout and dedicated, must
endure trials and troubles in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
benefit the faithful enjoy, however, is the knowledge that God is with us to
help us through all the challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">DAILY CHALLENGE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What reminds you that God is with you?</span>Roger and Peggy Emersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16020518380781928385noreply@blogger.com