tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1159081002787184812024-03-04T20:50:50.067-08:00Lead me to the Cross 111The thoughts of a man, husband, and father as I journey through the Bible.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-50783454475946428032016-11-27T09:45:00.001-08:002016-11-27T09:47:29.535-08:00Healing Book: Your Healing DoorJust finished the book Your Healing Door by Greg Mohr.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Your-Healing-Door-Greg-Mohr/dp/B010U01EXG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480268027&sr=8-1&keywords=your+healing+door"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsT3w86ALmWTI8yRAUDNr_xj3Lh7Qx2EzJPdi2QdUXtUtuOhkkF5rZ9ivodLzy9BAXb0YmC1Ve8Te1_UBXJacGmWCSmjJnuYieCTtyo8mV7wB8SSEjSJ50mk8LhCRtJX-IkcyPvu5BadT/s400/81aQvCSA1EL.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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If you need healing or know someone who does this will be a blessed read. I'm working on becoming stronger in my trust so I can call out in His name for strength to follow though with the actions Greg writes about. </div>
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"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I exercise authority over this body of mine. Sickness and disease, I refuse to allow to stay. This body, this house, belongs to God. It is a temple of God. Satan, you have no right to trespass on God's property. Now get out. You leave this body. I've got authority over you. I know it, you know it, and God knows it.</div>
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May this post reach someone in need. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-61895727821108943982015-09-29T18:48:00.002-07:002016-11-27T09:47:10.572-08:00Life Update September 29,2015<br />
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Learning the<b><a href="http://www.simplybible.com/dsrchres.htm?PageTop=patients"> spiritual art of patients </a></b>is this weeks trial. Waiting on information from another person on the possibility of a job transfer is my constant thought. Every hour I hear the devil telling me to get involved. "Text this person, call them, take charge God is not helping you!" You are the master of your destiny. I'm doing my best not to listen.<br />
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Writing about all the mountains moved since we made the decision (was it really mine to begin with) could fill a book. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, Plans to prosper you, plans not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. These events are evidence of His truth. I need to be still, pray, and wait on the Lord.<br />
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He could not have brought me this far to pull the rug out from under my feet. Or could he? One way or another I will find out. If by chance, He has different plans for my life then I do. May I be man enough to Trust, Believe, and Honor his decision.<br />
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Come on phone RING!<br />
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Just kidding. I wait.<br />
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Update Nov 2016: The hone did ring and I was blessed with a job. I've stayed put and did not take it as I believe that what came about during this journey was the Lord showing us to just stay where we were and be still<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-3471300763650318522015-09-15T22:32:00.002-07:002015-09-16T05:56:51.029-07:00The Double Minded Man<div>
Tonight I'm heading to bed with worry and anxiety once again upon my shoulders. I'm trying for a new job in a new city. The whole process has been one giant leap of faith. I can be honest and say I've put the cart before the horse. Since this whole journey began late in July I've felt deeply that the Lord is going to work everything out.<br />
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So far all his words to me have come to pass. I know that the only one who can complete this transfer for my family is Him. I feel a sense of guilt (and I know who grants that great gift) that I can't seem to trust him 100%. That I have to do everything I can to get His job done. I don't want the glory, I just want the job before His timing. </div>
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So where does this leave me tonight. I was so anxious that I had to pull out the Word. I started with a ultra fast prayer for an answer. I'm not even sure it was a prayer, but it to took all of two seconds for him to answer me.</div>
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In His perfect timing I was reading day 4 passage application from the Fresh Start Devotional from <b><a href="http://gatewaypeople.com/">Gateway Church.</a></b> Page 26. I quote "I have seen many people with dreams of their future, but instead of allowing God to steer them, they try to fulfill those dreams without his help. Then, after years of working and straining, they fall short or their dreams are forgotten."</div>
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That's me. Trying to get involved in His deal. Even though the signs He's shown me are beyond coincidence. He has spoken to me, and yet. </div>
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James 1: 6-8 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. </div>
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So here I am. Living out this verse, and looking for comfort. Then I looked below at the notes in the <b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/nlt-spirit-filled-bonded-leather-black/9781401675011/pd/675011?event=AAI">Spirit Filled Life Bible</a></b> page 1895 and read.</div>
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1:8 "A Doubled Minded Man is a person drawn in two opposite directions. His allegiance is divided and because of his lack of sincerity he vacillates between belief and disbelief, sometimes thinking God will help him and at other times giving up all hope in him. Such a person is "unstable in all his ways," not only in his prayer life. The lack of consistency in his exercise of faith betrays his general character."</div>
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So now I'm more confused. I thought I was on the right path. I have the Word in my heart. But this has discouraged me. The Double Minded Man is not who I want to be. </div>
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I shall pray for guidance tonight. </div>
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Dear Lord I know that in the big picture of life this job transfer is not earth shattering. I know you have better things to look in on. My daughters health is really the only gift I need from you. But if your will is to move us for greater things for you then please send me a strong word. If by chance what I'm doing is only for this world then please stop this whole deal and place trust and peace upon my mind and family. Dear Lord you have lead the way so far. Please don't let me screw things up. In your name I pray.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-26828540560453335372015-03-22T21:36:00.001-07:002015-09-18T05:53:10.281-07:00Week in review<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> This week was filled with many blessing, a few tears and some breakthroughs. </span></div>
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While reading the Bible this week I realized at my level I needed a different version with notes that were a little more informative then the detailed notes Bible I have now. I found the Holmon NKJV study Bible was just right.<br />
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I ordered from <b><a href="http://christianbooks.com/">Christianbooks.com</a> </b>and am waiting patiently for my delivery. Great service and the prices can't be beat.<br />
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A wonderful coworker blessed me with a new book The Blessed Life by Robert Morris.<br />
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I have to admit I am really struggling with this one. It is about the gift of Tithing. My mind is in a tizzy. I want to obey, but I am afraid and still a selfish man. My wife and I are praying for guidance.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">UPDATE: 9/18/2015 We have been following this calling and it has changed our lives. </span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-38697782800326457762015-03-12T10:36:00.003-07:002015-03-12T10:36:28.924-07:00Another Day, Another Struggle<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" type="cite">
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Last night on the way home I listened to another Podcast of Joyce Meyers. Can't remember the topic, but she was just what I needed to hear. I told my wife that I once again felt that I've been touched with an answer. A push to take care of a certain issue I've been fighting with. Today I listened to Pastor John McDonald's Podcast as he spoke on the feeling of discouragement. Great topic, and again just what I needed to hear.</blockquote>
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As I was walking into work listening in, John continued his talk. He turn the subject to his dad. At that moment I started to think of my dad who has since passed and how hard it was for him raising a family of six. I don't remember him ever acting discouraged. Just as I started to talk to him in my mind. I glanced down to find another penny. My dad would never bypass a coin on the ground. I just felt once again it was a small sign from above. That what I am hearing in the two Podcasts are not only answers but encouragement from above. I know He can, and will use anyone He chooses to advance His glory and kingdom. To say the least it scares me to think he might use me too. I looked up "discouragement" in the Concordance and turned to 1 CH 22: 13. David talking to his son Solomon "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged." If Solomon could find peace in those words with the giant task of building a temple in his future; I think I should take them to heart too.</blockquote>
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All I have to do is pay some bills (discouragement.)</blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-54581110829494605212015-03-10T13:31:00.001-07:002015-03-11T02:50:49.199-07:00This is a first. A Bible studyWhile reading this morning from my newest book The Old Testament for New Students ©1956. I started with chapter sixteen titled Songs from the Heart; A study of the Book of Psalms. One of the Psalm written about was Psalm 23. After reading it a few times, I realized I had very little understanding as to what the message was. Today for the first time I decided to attempt a passage study. Using my Logos Bible software Mobil App. I took notes, verse by verse from Matthew Henry's Commentary of the Whole Bible. I'm very happy that I took time out to do some research and gained a deeper understanding of the Word.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-22832594794227132062015-03-08T14:20:00.000-07:002015-03-08T21:57:22.182-07:00Love old Bible books<b></b><br />
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I call myself a book geek. I just can't seem to buy enough of them. I'm very happy to spend hours sitting in old book stores. I love to read books about the bible, especially the older they are. There something not only magical, but a bit more spiritual in the contents. With age comes wisdom they say. I can only imagine meeting the author from long ago and seeing them smile to know someone is reading their works. I came across my latest gem at a resale book store yesterday. Titled The Old Testament for New Students by Cecil F Cheverton, ©1956. Pages yellowed by time, notes written in sidebar by a Mr. Lutz from Fort Worth, TX just adds to the grandeur of my find. Already on chapter 5 and learning new things. Mr Lutz took good notes.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-62033745352143357642015-03-06T13:04:00.001-08:002015-03-06T17:47:52.682-08:00Time to start writing again<div><br></div>Can't remember the last I posted. I know it's been way to long. Between then and today I've had many wonderful blessings and trials to bear. Today I picked up the book, A Prayer Journal by Flannery O'Conner. Just a few pages in I was inspired to start posting again. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFIEklmq5cuEjcXz4xDYnMYF1rmWOTt-QWt6PwgSlSo6RPzXelPGgUOViBPTfl2j7oJpRxs3dz9Wmd9PUy_00lm-s-cYOgK30T7Wuqmf1OACDQOAKhEnCddlbmcZ21rZkYvF33ffLxJmz/s640/blogger-image-1667168070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFIEklmq5cuEjcXz4xDYnMYF1rmWOTt-QWt6PwgSlSo6RPzXelPGgUOViBPTfl2j7oJpRxs3dz9Wmd9PUy_00lm-s-cYOgK30T7Wuqmf1OACDQOAKhEnCddlbmcZ21rZkYvF33ffLxJmz/s640/blogger-image-1667168070.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Her writings of her prayers gave me some deeper thoughts that maybe that's what I should do too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I need to make it known that I am not a successful product of public schools. My skills at writing are very poor. All prior post were edited by my wife who is very gifted in the skills of the pen. I think I'll just post with out her reviews so that I won't end up writing for her, but to stay true to my thoughts as jumbled as they might seem to come across. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think it would be helpful to make note of my prayers and the answers that I find. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">UPDATE: During my dinner break at work I went out for a mile walkabout for some fresh air. I plugged in my headphones and listened to a talk by Joyce Meyers on self pity. A small problem I've lived with all my life. I asked as I walked about "if you are with me show me a coin." It was not a test of his presence, just a friendly comment. As I reached the mile marker on my GPS I found myself glancing down on this. I was so shocked I captured his answer. Funny man. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyGlJliBr755qZgtOUApxWfK1kSoLdITxBGvRBaPlzcyCp8JKRicOR5lbKPVnzfrDdIzh1yxnBM7vLZOb0n9-vSRwsO0fYglTn-rHycLhTCoGPNwQK8BPn23moWcYPJqyic3GLfPcud0L/s640/blogger-image--1093473839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyGlJliBr755qZgtOUApxWfK1kSoLdITxBGvRBaPlzcyCp8JKRicOR5lbKPVnzfrDdIzh1yxnBM7vLZOb0n9-vSRwsO0fYglTn-rHycLhTCoGPNwQK8BPn23moWcYPJqyic3GLfPcud0L/s640/blogger-image--1093473839.jpg"></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-2793824611744336522014-05-30T09:36:00.002-07:002014-05-30T09:36:28.851-07:00Gone to longIt has been a long time since I brought up this blog to write. I will work on finding time to work on it.<br />
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<i>Jesus Rejected at Nazareth</i></div>
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Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. <sup>2 </sup>The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” <sup>3 </sup>Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary* and the brother of James, Joseph,* Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. </div>
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<sup>4 </sup>Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” <sup>5 </sup>And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. <sup>6 </sup>And he was amazed at their unbelief. </div>
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"Unbelief." I'm not sure if he was to come back and walk right down the middle of 5th Ave anyone would pay attention. Just saying, we could sure use a sign today.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-35577441381520384272013-03-06T05:55:00.000-08:002013-03-06T05:55:22.425-08:00He speaks just when you need to hearThis morning I was reading my Daily Bible I came across Mark4:40. <br />
<span class="text Mark-4-40" id="en-NIV-24364"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">40 </span></sup>He said to his disciples, <span class="woj">“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Mark-4-40"><span class="woj">As soon as I read that I felt a bolt of electricity flow though me. It is the answer to my fears. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayers, and providing me an answer to all the worries. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Mark-4-40"><span class="woj">There are times that He just hits you in the face and says "Open your eyes, I am the answer for everything!"</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Mark-4-40"><span class="woj">May God bless everyone who visits this page.</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-91306216762795826702013-01-07T17:09:00.000-08:002015-03-06T11:23:53.078-08:00Happy New Year 2014Happy New Year to everyone.<br>
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It has been awhile since my last post. We spent the Christmas holiday on vacation cruising the Bahamas on the Dream from Disney Cruise Lines. What a wonderful week on board this beautiful ship. Two days on their private, sun drenched island is just not enough. Disney is truly the way to sail the Seven Seas with children.<br>
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Today I picked up my reading of the book of Genesis chapter 6 verses 5-6.
5: The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6: So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. (NLT)<br>
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What made me stop to think deeply about this verse was the last line: "It broke his heart." Rather than passing over that line quickly, I followed up with a verse study from Matthew Henry's Commentary in which he states: "Here is, I. God's resentment of man's wickedness. He did not see it as an unconcerned spectator, but as one injured and affronted by it. He saw it as a tender father sees the folly and stubbornness of a rebellious and disobedient child, which not only angers him, but grieves him."<br>
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Taken together, "It broke his heart" and "but grieves him" hit me right in my own heart. It made me think about my own children. That not only am I their parent, but I'm still a child to and of God. For the first time, I see that He looks at me the same way I look at them. He sees both the beauty and disappointments in me that I see in them and sometimes feel in their actions. His heart wants what my heart wants. He wants his children (me) to be as righteous and obedient as I want my own.<br>
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So where does this leave me tonight? First, it leaves me with a sense of sorrow for some of the ways I've lived and the disappointments I've brought to Him. Second, it gives me a new perspective on how I need to move forward in His heart. I know the past cannot be changed, but in all that I do henceforth, it must be done without causing disappointment in His eyes.<br>
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I have always been proud to be my father's son. He was everything I wanted to be when I grew up. He was the kindest man I've ever known. There was never any doubt that on the day I married he would be my best man. He left this world three years ago. Today I wear his wedding ring upon my finger. I look at it and know all that he made it stand for. What I have to be, to be worthy of wearing his life. If I can live my life right, that day will come when my son looks at me the way I looked at his grandfather. And I will not only be a joyous man, but I will know that I have made both my father and God neither angry nor grievous.<br>
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This is going to be hard work.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-76353291459078052432012-12-18T15:48:00.000-08:002012-12-18T15:52:48.585-08:00My trip to Starbucks<br />
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Good Morning!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIU845WwXn6jG8ZRLNWafQEMIleM-vb9ILvJRLPJRbQ_v5T8q0_wdjdu0djBU17cxI4DOsZ8aenP9W-Lo9S__5M2xqOy_h9aCn_gRtHnhfF9rUdKL7lauP7yFLID3qQtqyzk10LSoZWCz/s1600/coffee-cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIU845WwXn6jG8ZRLNWafQEMIleM-vb9ILvJRLPJRbQ_v5T8q0_wdjdu0djBU17cxI4DOsZ8aenP9W-Lo9S__5M2xqOy_h9aCn_gRtHnhfF9rUdKL7lauP7yFLID3qQtqyzk10LSoZWCz/s200/coffee-cup.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> Here I sit at the local Starbucks killing time as the wife gets her nails done. Such an interesting group of people sitting soundly, having overpriced coffee and talking about their problems. I couldn't find a empty table, so I had to ask the table of three ladies to join their group. I started off reading the Internet, but the loudness of all around me wouldn't let me stay focused. There is the older group of men that I see often sitting one table over talking about "how life used to be." I wish there was an extra seat at their table so I could barge in and just sit and listen. Even though I'm not that old (I'm turning 50 in a week) I have great memories of my early days. Sometimes I spend a bit too much time in my personal Twilight Zone episode sledding down the big hill behind the house.<br />
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The ladies sitting next to me are busy talking about pregnancy issues. I do my best to seem over interested on my screen, so as not to make them feel uncomfortable. I say a silent prayer for the one who is sharing her longing for a child and the difficulties of all the tests she is undergoing.<br />
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At another table, there is a couple looking into each other's eyes. Not sure, but I tend to believe that they are having troubles. It just sucks, for lack of a better word, to see people with pain in their hearts. I hope they walk out together with a promise of better days.<br />
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So what does all this have to do with "Leadmetothecross111?" Well to tell you the truth, I'm not sure. When I woke up this morning, I knew God was with me. So he must be here at Starbucks too. But, if he is here beside me, then he must be here beside everyone else. He must be hearing the heartache of the woman wanting a child, the troubles of the intimate couple, and the hearts of the men wanting to fill up with the joys of the past. I can only guess he's saying "Hey, I'm standing right here! I can hear you! Ask me to sit down and I will. Invite me into your heartaches, and I will grant you peace. If you just believe, I am here."<br />
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How comforting to those that follow. He is with us all the time and everywhere we go. How much easier the days gone by are when we give Him our troubles and worries. As a new follower, I am finding this gift beyond my abilities to say thank you. I've yet to get past the feelings of the man who stands at the water's edge as the waves reach for the shore, who looks out to discover "truly" how small he is. How in all the bigness of things that He still looks down on me. But He looks upon all of us.<br />
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Would it be rude to interrupt the lady next to me, the couple, and the men and tell them He is here? He's the one who can help you. I'm proof of that.. Maybe yes, maybe no. I'm not going to give it the old college try. Keeping one's mouth shut at times is Godly too. Approaching others can be a tricky deal. If it was the football game or the election, it would be easier to jump in. But "God talk," that's a different story.<br />
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Everyone is leaving now. My coffee is getting cold. And the day ahead calls my name.<br />
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I instead will use the powers He gave me and call on His name to Bless them all. "Lord bring hope to that woman and Bless her with a child to love. Bless the couple so that today they will feel love towards each other and see only good days ahead. Fill the older men with peace in their hearts to enjoy today like those of the past. Bless these people, so that each one will walk out the door with Your light shining upon them. But most of all, give them peace so that they know You are with them, and they will hear Your voice calling them to Your heart.<br />
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"Yes, you can sit here I'm just finishing up," I said to some patrons looking for a table. They thanked me. "You're welcome," I said, "Have a Blessed day." They looked at me kinda funny. Maybe it's a good thing I didn't say anything to the others after all!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-56559586131087678462012-12-15T10:12:00.000-08:002012-12-15T11:32:18.065-08:00Note to Self: Keep Reading<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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It's been some time since I have been able to post about my Biblical journey. I have a book problem. You see I'm the type of guy that loves books. I can't walk into a book store, or Costco with out buying something new. I am now reading six Different Bibles, including a children's picture version. I'm using the picture book as a way help visualize the stories. Throw in one or two companion books for reference material and now I'm looking for a bigger study area. I also purchased the<a href="http://www.logos.com/"> <span style="color: blue;">starter package from <strong>Logos Bible study software</strong>,</span></a> to as they say "seal the deal." I've halted my reading at Genesis 35. Spending the last two weeks reading all the other materials and Bibles to catch up. I want to be in alignment with all the books so I can learn something from one that I might have missed in another.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Here's my reading list: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d39SAmheU-iGYZX_9e5g9QT7WkDmn3l-Nd3UltZuFC2-0d2vL_CaSMLG_yIitGm3fhKQsy1Gft7weC9VN-90oP5FfxI093hyphenhyphenKqLM1NGFDX2osmgNp4a7UoJR3eBO79ArhIrRG5cvTUR3/s1600/imagesCA5SZ6DG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d39SAmheU-iGYZX_9e5g9QT7WkDmn3l-Nd3UltZuFC2-0d2vL_CaSMLG_yIitGm3fhKQsy1Gft7weC9VN-90oP5FfxI093hyphenhyphenKqLM1NGFDX2osmgNp4a7UoJR3eBO79ArhIrRG5cvTUR3/s200/imagesCA5SZ6DG.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Illustrated Bible Story by Story </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sparkling Gems from the Greeks. 365 Greek Word Studies For Every Day of the Year To Sharpen Your Understanding of God's Word by Rick Renner</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Message Bible</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> YouVersion Bible App for phone </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">New King James Version reference Bible 1974 </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">New Living Translation Bible</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Zondervan Handbook of the Bible </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Joseph by Charles Swindoll</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> The NIV Daily Bible </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1001 Things You Always Wanted to Know About the Bible by J. Stephen Lange</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The NLT Chronological Bible.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> The Jesus of the Bible by Stephen M. Miller </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> The Portable seminary by David Horton</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Adventuring Through the Bible by Ray C. Stedman</li>
<li><a href="http://www.logos.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Logos Bible Software Starter version </span></a></li>
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Help! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Books completed :</span><br />
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<li>In the Footsteps of Jesus by National Geographic </li>
<li>The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson</li>
<li> The Power of Kindness by Piero Ferrucci</li>
<li> The Prophetic Blessing by John Hagee</li>
<li> Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman</li>
<li> The Greatest Story Ever Told by Fulton Oursler</li>
<li> The Book of Job by Stephen Mitchell </li>
<li>God the Evidence by Patrick Glynn </li>
<li>Desiring God by John Piper </li>
<li>The story of Joseph and the Family of Jacob by Ronald S. Wallace </li>
<li>How to Study the Bible Illustrated by Robert M. West </li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-2953747514986912982012-11-15T14:44:00.000-08:002012-11-16T11:02:59.678-08:00Tell Jesus I'll call Him back.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stammering.org/Images/makingpeace.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.stammering.org/Images/makingpeace.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a>"Honey, the phone's ringing. Can you get it?"<br />
"Sure thing dear. Hello? Who is this? Jesus you say? The real one, or is this a joke? John, he says it is Jesus. I think you better take this!"<br />
"Tell him I'm a little busy with my life right now sweetie. I'll touch base with him later."<br />
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Oh how we hate it when the phone rings. Whether we answer the phone or let the answering machine get it, it's a choice that needs to be made. "Answer it. You never know who's calling," my mom use to say. "It might be good news." I never really spent much time wondering about who was on the other end. But times are changing.<br />
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It's been four weeks since I brought home the new Bible. I'm reading it religiously (no pun intended.) I've added other guide books to my library and invested in <a href="http://www.logos.com/">Logos Bible software</a>. I needed extra help to take on this journey. But am I ready to take His call? Am I ready to become a follower rather than a fan?<br />
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I was reading an article on following Jesus. The author noted Abraham and Jacobs' answer to the call of God. "Yes," Abraham and Jacob both replied. "Here I am!" (Gen 22:11; 31:11)<br />
Without hesitation, these men spoke with brave, strong hearts. The phone rang, they answered. They listened without question, hung up and followed.<br />
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I hear the phone ringing now. It's a soft chime, but It's there day and night. I'm pretending not to hear it. Frankly, I'm scared. I'm afraid He's going to ask me to follow Him and I don't have an answer yet. I know I want to, but I'm not sure I'm worthy or ready to give up the old me. I don't yet have the courage of the fishermen who threw down their nets and followed. (Mat 4: 18-22 ; Mrk 1: 16:20) This is the only me I've ever known. Will my wife and family even like the new me? Will I like the new me? Ehhh! Can't I just be me and read my Bible!<br />
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I need to take it slow. He left His number in my voice mail. I'm planning on calling Him back very soon.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-44882853383759919482012-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:002012-11-13T05:41:11.203-08:00Where are you?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I think one of the most frightening verses in the Bible for me can be found in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%203:8-9&version=NLT"><span style="color: blue;">Genesis 3: 8-9 New Living Translation (NLT)</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">8 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man<sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%203:8-9&version=NLT#fen-NLT-64a" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: blue;">a</span></a>]</sup> and his wife heard the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God among the trees. <sup>9 </sup>Then the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God called to the man, “Where are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJco5EtSO64yTI93a9BHW5CRtGBVS9fJBCYu3BXucqfxHeeao2CySkLnBUhwWPnfHtaO44eTzD6vBggbUOIeBiE6bRysWk-biEsq-KBLox5dVuWELQDTOQEkoQRLgx6c4bE_U34NN8Wos/s1600/adam+hiding.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJco5EtSO64yTI93a9BHW5CRtGBVS9fJBCYu3BXucqfxHeeao2CySkLnBUhwWPnfHtaO44eTzD6vBggbUOIeBiE6bRysWk-biEsq-KBLox5dVuWELQDTOQEkoQRLgx6c4bE_U34NN8Wos/s400/adam+hiding.png" width="390" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where are you Adam? Wow, I can't imagine the fear he must have felt when he heard those words. How he must have heard in the depths of his mind Satan's laughing voice, "He's coming, and you have nowhere to run." He has no explanation to give for tasting what he knew should never have been eaten. He has no alibi to resolve his foolishness, and lack of self-control. He has gone where he knew he should never have been, and has crossed the line of no return. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a father and husband to the love of my life of 18 years (just last week) I feel this verse to my core. I am not perfect. I am a hypocrite in many ways of the world, but I am a work in progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Jabez, I ask every morning "That your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%204:10&version=NLT"><span style="color: blue;">(1 Chronicles 4:10)!</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I have the power to lie, steal and hurt. I believe that sometimes it's harder to do the right thing than wrong. Should I give the extra ten dollars back to the angry cashier? Should I tell the wife I was where I was not? Should I kill those that I hate? What keeps me in check is fear. Fear of Him that seeks me. Fear that Hell has no fury like a women scorned. Fear of losing my children's hearts as they see what lies behind the mask. Fear of destroying their trust and stability of family by my thoughtless and selfish actions. Fear of spending time in jail!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not fighting any demons on these issues (which is good since my wife is going to edit this.). My heart is peaceful, joyous, and in check because I do live with a sense of healthy fear. The wolf lies in wait for us to open the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waits to feast on our hearts and happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this is what keeps me working to stay the straight and narrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never want to have to hide from Him, my wife, children or neighbor as they come to walk in the garden.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord help me never to hear the words "What have you done?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Genesis 3:13<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-80675163321683633992012-10-22T12:03:00.000-07:002015-03-08T22:21:35.989-07:00The business Covenant<div id="_atssh" style="height: 1px; position: absolute; visibility: hidden; width: 1px; z-index: 100000;">
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For many years now, I have been trying to run a small financial business. I've worked long hours and I've had plenty of expensive training. Yet I still find myself struggling to turn a consistent profit. I looked back on my time past and came to realize that the reason for all the hardship and struggle is <br />
myself.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasT7IiXHACw_no2II7c1pMT1friqNJpswID-qwTyYyRLt3XHWP2CBxOu3Pt-pGouCumgr83fmx5D5Rk_Zqcz5ZCDWOV6TyXHjF9s73-SJdMCK0YhFYCOO_B8T0iH1xOAFrwEr7cX309SL/s1600/money1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasT7IiXHACw_no2II7c1pMT1friqNJpswID-qwTyYyRLt3XHWP2CBxOu3Pt-pGouCumgr83fmx5D5Rk_Zqcz5ZCDWOV6TyXHjF9s73-SJdMCK0YhFYCOO_B8T0iH1xOAFrwEr7cX309SL/s320/money1.png" height="267" width="320" /></a> I guess I could just type out all the Scripture verses that could go along with "all things are possible in me," but we all know them. I've heard them a thousand times in church. It's not the hearing or knowing that works out life's problems, it's the action you take with that knowledge. What am I doing in my daily life to look up for help, and know that it's there? What change do I have to make in my beliefs to trust the one above? These are the changes that I have had to make.<br />
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Last week after an awakening from His words. I started to make that change. I knelt down and asked Him to buy my business for free. I asked only to keep me on as the working partner. To follow His rules and His rules only. To take the purpose of the business from a self serving ego driven outcome to working for the benefit of my family and the greater good of all. <br />
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I will confess that I have lived a life of financial selfishness. I count the pennies as the dollars fly out the window. I am a cheap soul. I provide a safe life for my family, but I could spend much more time being responsible to Him above than I do. I could provide more money for donations and charity with an open heart (with no need for recognition) than I do. I could trust in the words that follow.<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%209:10&version=NLT"><span style="color: blue;">2 Corinthians 9:10</span></a></h3>
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<span class="text 2Cor-9-10" id="en-NLT-28927"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-28927a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=115908100278718481#fen-NLT-28927a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> in you.</span><br />
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<span class="text 2Cor-9-10">I have now changed the name of my company to include the word Covenant as a reminder from this point on that I've entered into a new him and I. That I am now responsible for all things in business as in life to God above, and not my Ego. </span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-9-10">Last week was the first profitable week in a long time. I wrote the check this week with a grateful heart, that he heard my prayers. I will answer his call to be a good steward of his blessing and use them to glorify his name and not mine.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=deuteronomy%208:18&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">Deuteronomy 8:18</span></a></span></h3>
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<span class="text 2Cor-9-10">New American Standard Bible (NASB)</span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-9-10"><span class="text Deut-8-18" id="en-NASB-5156"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>But you shall remember the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, for <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-5156A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as <i>it is</i> this day.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text 2Cor-9-10"><span class="text Deut-8-18">UPDATE: 3/07/2015 I'm still struggling.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-29775325626778889532012-10-21T18:00:00.005-07:002012-10-31T06:05:49.937-07:00Bibles Bibles everywhere which one do I read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I took a few hours before work today to visit the local Mardels book store. I've been looking for awhile now to find the right Bible that calls out "You're going to love reading me." I must have looked like a lost soul standing in front of 100 different styles of Bibles when I was asked "Can I help you?" by a sales associate.With help, I was able to narrow my search down to four books. And after a lengthy comparison, I choose the<strong><a href="http://www.chronolifeapp.com/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Facebook%2Bpost&utm_campaign=Facebook"> <span style="color: blue;">'Chronological Life Application Study Bible NLT.'</span></a></strong> I liked the extras that it included, such as maps, notes and pictures of the old world. It brings the readings alive and understandable. This will add to my enjoyment since I am both interested in the Word and the historical time lines. This is the soft cover leather bound copy.<br />
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"Your word is the lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MXtQfXpGxvY" width="560"></iframe><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-45652820767280362992012-10-21T17:58:00.001-07:002012-10-31T06:09:10.098-07:00The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just finished the new book by Mark Batterson "The Circle Maker." I found it to be a very good read and a book that you can put into practice talking to God. I will tell you that I struggle reading books on prayer. I find myself feeling unworthy of all the gifts that they tell me I should ask for. It is a dilemma for my mind. I know I am unworthy as a sinful man, so what right do I have to ask for things of this world? I do pray for health and safety for my family. I think that anything other than that is really not a need, just a want. How does GOD feel about me living a life unable to match His, and yet still asking for unlimited financial wealth and other worldly goods? I believe He hears me. I see His blessings in my everyday life. This book talks about circling your prayers with power and opening your eyes to see that He does hear our pleas. Once prayers are answered, use them to glorify His name. (my thought.) Use your blessings for the greater good of all. I've now taken my business into a covenant with Him, and already see His hands working with me. Here is the point of my contract with Him. I am not looking for the prize. I'm looking to make the change that the deal will force into my life. By making me change to follow His lead, I stop acting on my own selfishness and think not "what would Jesus do'" but "what does Jesus want me to do."<br />
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Shalom Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908100278718481.post-84248915595357914672012-10-21T17:52:00.001-07:002012-10-31T06:16:05.776-07:00Sunday Oct 14 2012<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPW1Yj_FMkt4BbO7JfY21qve5RMeDdmrnKJkcieKn1BHIo0_aeTH04M4ARITv7pvdqlPpy4qAHIKzFuumBaUoQK3TvUJKetzgfFNQdJDSY-oYms-8_rmCQj0vvOt3SCpPnqnfHqU416GI/s1600/demon1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPW1Yj_FMkt4BbO7JfY21qve5RMeDdmrnKJkcieKn1BHIo0_aeTH04M4ARITv7pvdqlPpy4qAHIKzFuumBaUoQK3TvUJKetzgfFNQdJDSY-oYms-8_rmCQj0vvOt3SCpPnqnfHqU416GI/s1600/demon1.png" /></a> We went to church this morning. This was our second week at a new service called Twilight. It was a four week series about angels, ghosts, demons and spirits. We found the church via a mailer that we received. I guess God must have wanted us to go and check it out or we would not have found it in our mailbox. We showed up the first week and met many nice people. They were warm and welcoming, not over bearing which has turned us off before. The message was good. The pastor was great, and we left looking forward to attending again. This week the pastor talked about demons. I am sure "the devil himself" did not want us to hear this service. Just as the pastor started to talk, the women behind us start a nose sniffing marathon that lasted the whole service. When she wasn't sucking in her runny nose, she was coughing up her lungs.I think there were at least a dozen people coughing as well. It was such a distraction to hear what the pastor was saying. But we fought through it. Who knows if she was part of the plan to fill us with distraction. If it was, it did not work. We will be back again next week!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17787738273887360116noreply@blogger.com1