tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001912297177781192024-03-13T14:48:52.009-04:00The Daily BreadI just want to encourage people with the bible. We all go through hard times in our lives, and some of us, like me, need to be reminded and challenged. I personally need to think about God daily in order to sustain my self and my joy. I hope this encourages you like it does me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-10441917054686052972015-03-01T10:28:00.001-05:002015-03-01T10:30:55.846-05:00All is Not Lost!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have not written a
blog in a long time and my life has been interesting since my last post. I
recently got married, graduated college, rented out an apartment, got a job,
etc. It has been a great couple of years with a lot of ups and a lot of downs,
both spiritually and emotionally. I began recently to dive into my bible again;
however, not just by reading it and doing devotionals on youversion (which have
been awesome), but by digging deeper through study. I am currently going
through the book of Ecclesiastes and if you are reading this, I want to invite
you to dig deeper with me. I hope you enjoy it. I am not a Bible scholar, I am
just trying to apply the tools available for all of us to go deeper than the
surface of the text. I hope you enjoy!</div>
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Ecclesiastes begins
on a very depressing note. It states "Vanity of vanities, says the
Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The
preacher says that everything is essentially lived in excess, but it is still
empty. All is empty no matter what it is. He then begins to get a little poetic
but makes a new note, all things are also full of weariness! (1:8).</div>
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If we look at our
daily lives, doesn't this ring some truth? Everything we experience becomes
either empty or weary. Think of the things that you love doing: playing games,
watching TV, exercising, reading, dancing, etc. Everything gets tiring. People
can only do something for so long before it becomes weary. Also, with these
things mentioned, in the long run they just lead to emptiness. They lead to
vanity. Do you begin to see how depressing this book seems. I mean, lol I feel
depressed just writing this out. However, before you conclude and want to stop
reading, there is this message of hope in this book. </div>
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"That which
is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and
God seeks what has been driven away." (Ecclesiastes 3:15). </div>
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Everything has
already been done and experienced essentially. When we consume our days with
these things spoken above we become empty and lost; however, what does this
verse state? It states that God <span style="font-weight: bold;">seeks</span>
what has been <span style="font-weight: bold;">driven away</span>. Driven away,
is synonymous with being lost! Either if you read this blog or read this book
on your own, you might have this feeling of loss. This verse holds hope. God is
seeking you out when you realize this truth "Life without him is empty."
When you come to that conclusion, you can begin to filter out all that clutter
in your life that distracts you. Beginning to see the truth that God is chasing
you this very minute!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-88414892570056069092013-10-02T14:26:00.001-04:002013-10-02T14:26:22.565-04:00The Beauty of Scripture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been a little
while since I have posted, and to be quite honest, I have really missed it. I
miss telling you all my thoughts, but the more important thing is that during
this time of absence I have been on my own journey; I have been rediscovering
the beauty of Scripture. </div>
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Now you can call me
crazy, but I have this theory about Christianity, and maybe even most other
religions/ beliefs. My theory is that most of the populace don't take time to
read their scriptures. Now I can really only speak about Christianity and this
is what this devotional pertains to. Most Christians that I encounter, don't
seem like they read their Bible all that much and I think there are many
problems with that, but I won't get into that lol. My point is that I have
rediscovered the beauty of the Bible. It is not just the Beauty found in the
Gospels and the Letters of Paul, James, Peter, etc., but it is also the Beauty
found in the Hebrew Scriptures as well. </div>
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The Bible in its
entirety is a beautiful work. There is something in it for everyone. It is
filled with stories of God's love, peoples anger, wrath, joy, war, death,
social justice, pain, laughter, redemption, forgiveness, etc. It seems to
stretch across every possible way of life, belief, etc. The Bible is full of so
many things, and yes, I will admit that it even has its fair share of
controversies. This is what I find so beautiful about it. This (in my opinion)
is an ideal text for someone who wishes to seek God out. At times during your
readings, you might find yourself
screaming "WHY GOD?!?!" And at others, you might with tears in your
eyes, have that sigh of relief saying "Thank you so much for your Love
God." </div>
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I just wanted to
encourage you all to pick it up and read it. If you are a seeker of God, give
it a try and see where God brings you. If you are a Christian, I encourage you
to dig through this and experiencing the molding and growing process that will begin to
happen. It really is such a beautiful thing. </div>
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Anyway peace out
homies</div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">"For you have been a stronghold to the poor,</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">a stronghold to the needy in his distress,</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat;</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm
against a wall,</span>" -<span style="font-weight: bold;">Isaiah 25:4</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-48862237478463932492013-09-03T09:57:00.001-04:002013-09-03T09:57:32.730-04:00Dang Son, Put on Some Deodorant!!! You Be Rank! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who
are saved being saved and among those who are perishing." -
2nd Corinthians 2:15 <o:p></o:p></div>
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This verse is awesome; and even better, for those who don’t
enjoy reading long spiels, this one is really short. It is just a simple
challenge to my fellow Christians out there. What aroma are you giving off? Is
it really the pleasant aroma that Jesus gives or is it the one that is truly rank
and rotten? Sometimes we get lost in judgment, exclusion, anger, etc., that we
tend to forget about really represent Christ to the people around us. These
people include family members, friends at school, co-workers, bullies, teacher,
and so on. When we don’t represent Christ to people we are in danger of doing
the complete opposite, repelling others. Take it from me, when I start to sweat
or get gassy, people really do not want to hang out with me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I just wanted to encourage you to check yourself today; to
put it in another phrase, take a big whiff of how you are living. If you are
one of those who is stankin then grab some Jesus spray and represent like you
should. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Peace out homies!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-88080848420834084172013-08-29T10:56:00.003-04:002013-08-29T10:56:54.974-04:00People should be aware<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/10/05/07_09_james_lawler_duggan_aleppo_syria_2012_08_22-69d15041bc7cfa3b7c7ea0d3324f4b80ceacdc7b-s6-c30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2012/10/05/07_09_james_lawler_duggan_aleppo_syria_2012_08_22-69d15041bc7cfa3b7c7ea0d3324f4b80ceacdc7b-s6-c30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I usually avoid putting up articles and such as a blog but this really broke my heart and I really feel like there is a need to share it. I received an email today from an organization that I follow called World Watch. Their goal is to be a voice for the little guy that seems to be constantly drowned out by many different people. It is mostly a Christian organization and the look out for those types of groups; however, don't let that turn you off to this post. For those of you that might not be Christian and find yourself on this blog it is still important for you to read. It is about the Syrian conflict and it shows that there are other factors that are involved. There are not just the 'rebels' and Assad's regime. There are other people caught in the cross fire. Some of them find safety under Assad's banner. Most of these are about non combatants. Anyway, here is the email. It is another viewpoint on this matter.<br />
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<b><i>"Viewpoint: A troubling call from Syria<br />
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Nuri Kino is a Sweden-based independent journalist. His report, titled ”The
Camp,” which examined the construction of a massive refugee camp for Syrian
Christians inside Turkey, appeared May 5 at World Watch Monitor.<br />
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Aug. 26<br />
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Early this morning I received a phone call from Mary, a friend in Sweden who
was born in Syria. She wanted me to check my Facebook account. A young Syrian
woman, Nour, wanted to become friends with me. I accepted the request. A minute
later, Nour wrote me her first message. She had pictures from Tabqa, a town
that was totally emptied of Christian Assyrians. Nour also had the contact
information of victims of fundamentalist Islam. They, the victims, want the
world to know what has happened to them. A group of non-Syrian Mujahedeen drove
them out of their homes.The message from the perpetrators was ”convert to Islam
or leave”. I called one of the victims, and heard horrifying stories about
religious and ethnic cleansing.<br />
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Christians in Syria are a vulnerable group. They comprise approximately 12
percent of the population. Tabqa used to be a modern city with cinemas,
hairdressers, fashion boutiques and restaurants. Now it is driven by men in
beards who no longer allow any of that.<br />
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An hour after my interview with that refugee, US Secretary of State John Kerry
declared ”there must be accountability” on behalf of the victims of a chemical
weapon attack. Considering all the evidence emerging from witnesses, from
images, from human-rights groups and from medical information provided by
Doctors Without Borders, Kerry said ”these all strongly indicate” that
”chemical weapons were used in Syria,” and that they were fired by the Syrian
government.<br />
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Doctors Without Borders didn't appreciate its medical reports being used as a
justification for possible military action. It issued a statement stressing
that only ”an independent investigation” can determine whether the hundreds of bodies arriving at hospitals Aug. 21 were killed by chemical weapons, and that
the organization has not placed blame anywhere.<br />
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While I tuned in to YouTube to listen to Kerry’s speech again, an Assyrian
refugee who has taken shelter in Lebanon called me. Ninos wanted to know
whether I thought NATO will bomb Syria. His family remains in Syria. They fled
from rebel-controlled Homs to regime-controlled suburbs. They feel safer in
areas where the regime can protect them, where al-Nusra or other fundamentalist
Islamists can’t persecute them. Ninos said he’s afraid that, if the U.S. and
its allies enter the war, Christians will be suffer doubly, and that they will
be bombed along with Alawites, a Muslim sect that 15 percent of Syrians,
including President Bashar al-Assad, belong to.<br />
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At the end of his speech, Kerry declared the US must protect the most
vulnerable. I wondered if he, and the American allies currently expressing
outrage, have thought about Christians like Ninos, his family, and Nour. They
have not killed a single soul. They definitely have not gassed anyone. And they
are the most vulnerable Syrians of all."</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I just wanted to encourage everyone to be aware of what is going on. Please pray for these people in this country, and if you can do so, email your representative and oppose what is happening in this country. Think about the consequence of more arms provided by our country and even oppose that if you think it is a problem as well. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-83227960322938061642013-08-14T12:54:00.001-04:002013-08-14T12:54:28.013-04:00Don't Forget About Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I just wanted to
encourage you not to forget about love. It seems that love is all to easy to
forget. We tend to focus on other issues all to fast. If you look at the
popular discussions in Christian circles, it seems that they are full of
controversy. Gay/interracial marriage, religious violence, racism, war,
abortion, immigration, etc., seem to be the popular topics these past few
months. These issues may be or may not be (depending on who you are) that
important, this is not about that; however, what we need to remember is love.
We need to come to talk about our concerns (what ever they may be) in a way
that is loving, not hateful. This is especially true for Christians because
unlike the rest of the world, we are called to represent something so much
bigger then us: the message of Jesus. When we don't speak and act out in love,
we are actually damaging that representation, and the result is the spread of
what I like to call, the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> anti-Gospel</span>. Are
you spreading the anti-gospel?</div>
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I know that for
myself, I spread the anti-gospel by not necessarily spreading hateful speech
but by inactivity. I don't speak when I should, nor do I act when it is
important. I am part of that sleeping giant who needs to wake up. I tend to get
easily distracted with things in my own life that I end up ignoring what is
going on around me. My contribution to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">anti-Gospel
</span>is not showing the opposite; the true Gospel about the Love that God has
and that we should have as individuals. Many of you fall into this camp as
well. I hope that you can make a commitment with me and stand up in love!</div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or
boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is
not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices
with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things. "</span> - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-11095213248107166282013-07-29T02:27:00.001-04:002013-07-29T02:27:28.635-04:00My Indonesian Experience in a Nut Shell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If I was to be
honest, when I arrived in Yogyakarta, I was really nervous and a little
frightened. I was excited to get the Luce Scholarship; however, that moment was
also bitter sweet. Before coming to Indonesia, the longest that I have ever
left the United States was a week, and even in these trips, I was always with
friends who shared common beliefs and goals. My experience in Indonesia was
completely different; I left my comfort zone alone and for a very long period
of time. I entered a foreign country where I had no familiarity either
culturally or individually. This was my most difficult challenge to overcome;
however, with the new friends that I made as well as the cultural experiences,
the homesickness was cured. Once that was accomplished I began to realize many
things about myself, life, and especially Indonesia. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My religious background is
Christian, but I attend Florida International University and am a student in
religious studies. My primary focus in my studies is Islam and this made
Indonesia a great opportunity for me to visit and study. Prior to my experience
in Indonesia, I fell into the same trap as many other people do concerning
Islam. I always thought that Islam mostly revolved around the Middle East. I
thought that the Middle East was what all of Islam represented. Thus, this was
one of my first lessons in coming to Jogja. Indonesia is the largest Muslim
majority nation in the world. It contains more Muslims then every nation in the
Middle East combined and within it is a multitude of voices and interpretations
of Islam. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The reason why I chose to study
Islam is because I have a desire to share with the masses. There are many
people that look at Islam in a negative aspect. When some hear the term Muslim,
terrorism and Osama bin Laden comes to mind. Indonesia destroys this
misconception. Islam is not a monolithic story; there is not just one
interpretation. On the contrary, Islam is more of a Mosaic that holds numerous
interpretations and outlooks. This is true when it even comes to the
interpretation of the Quran. Some people in Indonesia look at the Quran as
promoting exclusivism, while others see it as promoting pluralism. Others see
Islam as a perfect way to govern society, while others see flaws that will
bring injustice and corruption. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is one specific event that exemplifies
this during my stay in Indonesia. One evening, a group of Luce students went to
see Cak Nun speak. It was a very powerful evening. None of us realized the
honor that we were given to be in the presence of this very famous individual.
Cak Nun led an event that reminded me of an evangelical conference. There was
music, jokes, preaching, etc. There were also hundreds of Muslims in
attendance. There was a lot that happened during this evening; however, there
are not nearly enough pages to record its entirety. What stood out were the
beliefs of Cak Nun. He categorized himself as a Muslim; however, he stated that
even claiming that he was a Muslim did not really come close to what he really
believed. He believed that once you categorize religion, you categorize God.
His view was that God is so much more then Islam, Christianity, Judaism, etc.
In actuality, all these religions were manifestations of truth that attempted
to describe God and the ways of God. Not even the Prophet Muhammad had it all
together. This is definitely not an orthodox way of thinking. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This event also helped confirm an
idea that I already held: salvation and faith is a complex phenomenon. I know
many people who are very exclusivistic in their ideas of faith and salvation
and there are plenty who would state that Islam, or any other religion for that
matter, is a lie. In some of their interpretations, Muslims’ are deceived and
in the end will be judged by God. Before coming to Jogya, I held a conviction
that salvation and religion is not so simple; on the contrary, it is very
complex. During the time with Cak Nun, there was a major prayer session where hundreds
of Muslims were crying out to God during a prayer of intercession, many of
which had tears streaming down their face. It was a beautiful and powerful
moment. To hold a view of salvation and religion with such simplicity is a
major error. It reveals a deep ignorance (or maybe even arrogance) of the
individual. Though I am not Muslim, there was no doubt in my mind that those
individuals were experiencing something very powerful. It was their desires,
hopes, dreams, etc., put into a powerful cry to Allah. This event for them was
not a lie, nor a deception, but an experience of the Divine. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
The problem to seeing religion as
exclusive is due to the fact that the majority of these individuals don’t
personally know people of differing faiths. This is something that I explicitly
learned from my trip to Indonesia. When an individual has no interaction or
relations with people of other religions, it becomes easy to reject their
ideas, culture, and religion as a fallacy. It is a completely different
situation when these different ideas or religions have a face associated with them.
This was one of the main points in my interfaith class that I took at ICRS. Muslims,
Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, etc., have something very powerful in common;
they are all human. Each individual, both religious and nonreligious, are
trying to figure out meaning and purpose for their lives. They are all on a
journey and find hope in different things. Some find it in Allah while others
find it in Krishna or Jesus. This actually resonates deeply with me because I
personally believe that it is impossible to ‘know somebodies heart’. It is easy
to make a fast judgment on someone; it is much more difficult to try to
understand them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
The last thing to be discussed is
another interesting element in Indonesian society: syncretism. From my
observations, there seems to be syncretism in almost every religion I encountered,
at least to some degree. I was previously familiar with religion syncretism
with culture, and I encounter it a lot in America; however, I never really
experienced religion syncretizing with religion, I mean I was aware that it occurred,
but I never seen it practiced. One example was found in an outdoor catholic
church. From my experiences in Catholic churches, there are usually a plethora
of Christian symbols being represented. There are crosses, statues of saints,
and other religious symbols being represented all over the building; however,
at this Catholic Church, there were only a couple of Christian symbols that I
could see. Most of the symbols were of Hindu and Javanese ( a large culture
within Indonesia) origin. It was very interesting and this church was a very
popular one. Also, outside the Church was a Hindu temple, and usually within
the temple there is a statue of a deity to whom people will pay their respects
to. Within this temple was not a Hindu god or goddess, it was Jesus! That
honestly blew my mind. It seemed like it brought multiple cultures together
into communion. It was really fascinating to experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
These few things that I mentioned barely
cover my experience as a whole. I also learned a lot through relationships with
people of differing faiths and even from the unique architecture of different
temples. Stating everything in writing is too vast for this little report;
however, this experience is something that I will never forget. Through my trip
to Indonesia I have become more knowledgeable in my field of studies, but even
more importantly, I have become a better and loving person because of realizing
that people are just that: people. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-31851242405085258632013-07-25T06:43:00.001-04:002013-07-25T06:45:17.766-04:00Pain and Loss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vLpC59sESnT2z-vmV_inRjU6btk5gRPDl7784dcZsXjz-z6yz_5Mn8od1_Zi5yAII292xEdtYpycbaEJoxCY3k5xpvKQJNa76Hr1TKnQNxnLo_cFebSI4X-0-sCGzQTs8EmZ8HaK6HI/s200/Tears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vLpC59sESnT2z-vmV_inRjU6btk5gRPDl7784dcZsXjz-z6yz_5Mn8od1_Zi5yAII292xEdtYpycbaEJoxCY3k5xpvKQJNa76Hr1TKnQNxnLo_cFebSI4X-0-sCGzQTs8EmZ8HaK6HI/s200/Tears.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On July 24<sup>th</sup>,
2013, my cousin Joe Sweeney passed away. He left behind a wife and children. Currently
my family is mourning for a loss that weighs on their hearts. I am also in this
category. I have not seen my cousin for about 10 years, but I remember the joy
and even the trouble he would bring when I was little lol. I also know that he
was very loved by my family and I know how close my family is in the North and
I know that they are all feeling pain. My heart breaks along with them and my
prayers will continue to go out for them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Losing a
loved one is traumatic and there is no word to describe the pain and heartache
that follows. While the world continues to turn, it seems that your world
suddenly stops. When my best friend, and who I still consider my brother Devon
Monivis, passed away, my world again froze. People would offer their sincerest
apologies but their lives would continue to move on. The fact of the matter is
that loss happens every day, from the controversial death/murder of Trayvon Martin to the person who just died of starvation in Africa with the ending of
this sentence. Death plagues our society. Yes, some of it is natural; however,
much of it is not. There is too much murder, too many ‘accidents’, too many
rapes, too many drug overdoses, and too much violence. There is too much pain,
and yet, while all of these things happen, the world moves on virtually unaware
of the morbid reality that millions (if not a couple of billion) face. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus calls
us to mourn with those who are mourning. In order to mourn, one has to try to
understand that pain. There are those ‘fake apologies’ that really bother me
when a loss happens close to home. These are the ones who just say sorry for
your loss like it’s an obligation. Then there are those who really put in
effort to help bring comfort. They will cook you food, spend time with you,
etc. Maybe the way that will help us to truly mourn with others is to place one
of our loved ones in the shoes of the deceased. How would you feel if your child
died of a drug overdose, how would you feel if there was a horrible car
accident with someone you love in the car? What would you do if your mother or
brother was dying from cancer? What would be your response if your newborn
child suddenly died from some complication? Even with these thoughts, it is
only a start to feeling the pain. No amount of imagination (unless you actually
have experienced the same type of loss yourself) can come close to the reality
of the pain. Yet, Jesus still tells us to stop and mourn with others. He does
not want us to ignore the people dying in poverty; he does not want us to
ignore the homeless or the drug attics. He wants us to be proactive and help
them. He wants us to bring comfort to the hurting, healing to the sick, and
clothing to the naked. So I encouraged you today, be aware of someone’s pain , pray for them and sincerely seek to love them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also want
to encourage those who are hurting at the moment of reading, comfort will come.
Though the loss will always be there, the pain can be healed and love can fill
that gaping hole. =)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“Blessed are
those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” –Mathew 5:4<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-51812649171657261372013-06-30T22:17:00.001-04:002013-06-30T22:17:53.831-04:00God Has Abandoned Me?!?!?!?!?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 77</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I usually
read a few chapters for my devotional, but I had to stop this morning and share
something that really hit home for me. Many times, working with the youth and
hearing about ministries with adults, people will say that God has abandoned
them. This can be to numerous reasons that range from the foreclosure of a home
to a dreadful death that has just plagaued their family. It can be anything,
and it is understandable to feel like God abandoned you; however, I am glad to
say that this way of thinking is not only wrong, but extremely flawed.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I encourage
you to read this Psalm (don’t worry it is not long). Within it, you will find
an author that is asking those questions that you make be asking. <i>“<b>Has
your steadfast love forever ceased? Has your promises come to an end for all
time.” </b></i>He is wondering where God is in his time of trouble, and it is
only natural to feel that way. But there is an important transformation in this
man’s thoughts. He stops himself from asking the <i>Where are you questions, or
the Why questions</i>. He begins to remember who God is and what he has done in
his life. Why would God abandon him after building him up so much? Why would
God leave after working on things in his life?</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If you are
struggling with this way of thinking, there is something that is important to
remember; you are a masterpiece that God is working on. He is not going to
abandon his work to go do something else. That is not who God is. He is
faithful even though you may not be faithful. He is the loving Husband who
refuses to even leave a wife that constantly cheats on him. This is the God you
serve; you don’t serve no fickle lazy god. You serve someone who is mighty and
true. When you find yourself in a time of need or even doubt, remember all that
God has done in your life. Not only this, but remember what he has done in the
Bible. Remember all the promises he gives you. You are not abandoned. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, Peace out homeskillets </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-The Bread Man </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>“I will remember
the deeds the deeds of the LORD; </i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>yes, I will
remember your wonders of old” </i>Psalm 77:11</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-28255568852375503552013-06-24T08:39:00.003-04:002013-06-24T08:39:46.115-04:00Hmmmmm I Wonder What it Would look like<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<![endif]--><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This will
be a short post, but I still wanted to share my thought that I had today. I
have been reading Exodus, and in that book, God does some crazy things. He
makes bread come down from heaven, there is a pillar of fire leading his people
at night, he made a sea split in two, etc. It is not only in Exodus but
throughout the whole Bible that we read this; however, in this book there is a
verse in chapter 15 that states that if we follow God’s commands he will bless
us.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So I began
to wonder, what would happen in my life if I follow God with my all? What would
happen if I follow the examples and teaching of Jesus? Where would God bring
me? What would he do in my life? Would crazy miracles happen like it did for so
many in scripture, or would it be a more subtle thing? I just wanted to
challenge you to think about what God can do, or even think about the things
that you have heard about him doing. Is that something you would want to
experience? For the everday Christian (like me) who doesn’t necessarily give
their all (or very little) to God, think about the cool things that he might do
in your life if you decide to seek him and give your all. Anyway peeps, that’s all
I was wondering. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peace out Playas </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-41573002870611503102013-06-24T08:37:00.003-04:002013-06-24T08:37:56.843-04:00Hmmmmm I Wonder What it Would look like<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://craigssenseofwonder.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/thinkingcapwhoa.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://craigssenseofwonder.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/thinkingcapwhoa.gif" width="271" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This will
be a short post, but I still wanted to share my thought that I had today. I
have been reading Exodus, and in that book, God does some crazy things. He
makes bread come down from heaven, there is a pillar of fire leading his people
at night, he made a sea split in two, etc. It is not only in Exodus but
throughout the whole Bible that we read this; however, in this book there is a
verse in chapter 15 that states that if we follow God’s commands he will bless
us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I began
to wonder, what would happen in my life if I follow God with my all? What would
happen if I follow the examples and teaching of Jesus? Where would God bring
me? What would he do in my life? Would crazy miracles happen like it did for so
many in scripture, or would it be a more subtle thing? I just wanted to
challenge you to think about what God can do, or even think about the things
that you have heard about him doing. Is that something you would want to
experience? For the everday Christian (like me) who doesn’t necessarily give
their all (or very little) to God, think about the cool things that he might do
in your life if you decide to seek him and give your all. Anyway peeps, that’s all
I was wondering. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peace out Playas </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-25433911498760671752013-06-22T23:57:00.001-04:002013-06-22T23:57:17.511-04:00Don’t Mess it Up for the Rest of Em’<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wpclipart.com/famous/mugshots/classic_mugshots/surprised_face_mugshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.wpclipart.com/famous/mugshots/classic_mugshots/surprised_face_mugshot.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b><i>“Let not those
who hope in you be put to shame through me,</i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>O Lord God of
hosts;</i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>let not those
who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,</i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>O God of
Israel."</i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I must
admit that I am usually very hesitant to use one verse out of a huge chapter, especially
in using the book of Psalms. The reason is that there is a danger of misusing a
verse without considering the context of the entire chapter. Looking throughout
the rest of the Bible though, this verse seems to apply to a larger usage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Psalmist is being true and honest with his cry to God. He is being pushed and
prodded by his enemies but in this moment he is sincere and this verse is evidence
of that sincerity. He cries out to God on the behalf of the people and the
image of God itself. He does not want to be responsible for being that negative
example that often so many people have. For instance, throughout the Hebrew
Bible (our Old Testament) Israel constantly brings dishonor by God for how they
live. It seems to be a common occurrence. Israel’s enemies mock God and defame
him constantly all because they see the often corrupt and hypocritical nature
of its people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am not
being harsh on Jewish history; this same thing happens today in Christianity. The
biggest hindrance for people to become Christians, or even to entertain the
idea of its truth claims, are the Christians. It’s really sad, but a lot of
people see the hypocrisy and the violence that Christianity has brought and
continues to bring. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We can’t
right the wrongs of all history; however, we can show people the truth by how
we live our lives. My challenge for you today is to look at yourself and see if
you are bringing this shame on the image of God, his message that is found in Jesus,
or your fellow believers who are really trying to live the right way. Does this
verse ring true in your life, or do you just call yourself a Christian but live
in such a way as to bring shame to the message that God has for others? It is a
harsh challenge, but we all have to look at our lives and the way we live to
see if we are doing more harm than good. You might be a sincere follower of
God, yet there might still be things in your life that are giving others the
wrong impression. It can range from how you treat your family to what you do
outside of church. I know that for myself, I need to check my own heart as well
because there are still things that I do that may give people the wrong idea. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Anyway, sorry for the super long
message, but I hope you will accept this challenge and see where God can bring
you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Just another dude. </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-52084469757316130692013-05-29T21:59:00.001-04:002013-05-29T21:59:30.265-04:00Giving a lot up then grabbing what appeals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Letting go of security </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
King Amaziah is an interesting charater in the Bible. He was one of the kings of Judah after Israel split in a Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom. Amaziah was a person who dedicated his life and kingship to doing things God's way. There are many lessons that stick out with his life but there are two that I want to mention (ill post the other one later tonight).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The first crazy thing is Amaziah did something not many people do today. He was about to wage war on a foreign kingdom; however, to be more assured of the victory he hired soldiers from the Northern Kingdom (Israel). He spent tons of money hiring 100,000 soldiers, but after he bought them and before the battle, a prophet of God told him to send all these troops home and rely on God to do the work. Remember, Amaziah already paid a fortune for these soldiers; however, he obeyed and place faith that God would lead his army to this battle. He sent all those troops home and then he destroyed the enemy. The question I have for you today is would you be willing to give up something that you invested in and took great pride in. For Amaziah, he found security in expanding his military, yet he let that go to put his trust in God instead. Could you give up your car (if you have one), your savings, home, job, or even plans to trust in God? It's interesting to see that in many cases we just make excuses not to; however, in this passage.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what is it in your life taht God might be challenging you to let go in order to put more trust in him? I challenge you today to examine what's in your life and open up your heart to the potential request that God has been making all along in your life. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is something that I personal have to do in my life</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Peace out homies </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today's reading is found in 2nd Chronicles 25</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-75776791327267472552013-03-25T20:21:00.003-04:002013-03-25T20:21:58.726-04:00Messed up Christians<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/261_32194685169_4600_n.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: .375in; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: .375in; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: .375in; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
This week I have been
wrestling with a few things about myself. Constantly, I continually see my
flaws and shortcomings. My biggest issue right now is just being lazy. In
Romans 12:11 it states <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Do not be slothful </span>(it
means extremely lazy…. Like a sloth lol)<span style="font-weight: bold;"> in
zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (ESV). </span>This is the essence
of my life, I constantly want to do things for God and serve him, but I am to
dang Lazy… anyway, I have a point to this. God likes to use people like me that
have problems or have major screw ups. So if you a person that keeps messing up
in life; God has a plan for you.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: .375in; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
Take Jacob, the Son of
Isaac who is the Grandson of Abraham. Jacob’s name is actual Israel and he
became the father of the Israelites (hence the name). However, do you know who
this man actually was? All this favor that was upon him in life he stole. Literally,
he stole the favor of God. See, Jacob had a brother named Esau who was
technically the first born. The first born in those days would receive all the
inheritance and birthrights, so if there was any blessings, Esau was meant to
get it; however, Jacob was a deceitful fellow and stole all that inheritance
with the help of his Mom. Thus, this sly fellow became the founder of the
Israelite people by stealing all of the inheritance from his brother. Now I
won’t get into the whole story for it is long and you can just read the Bible
for it, but essentially after the theft his brother wanted to kill him. I mean
he was full of rage and his bro was one of those muscular hairy guys that like
to go hunting with his bare hands. So Jacob ran (I don’t blame him lol)….</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: .375in; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
The crazy thing is
that even though Jacob stole all of this, God began to do an amazing work in
him. God took a man who was technically not supposed to be the one with his
entire father’s inheritance, and transformed him into a man of God. This is
shown in Genesis 33 when Jacob runs into Esau after seven years of running. He
walked up to him, gave him gifts and repented. I mean this dude was preaching
to Esau (they had a very emotional reunion). Anyway, this Jacob ended up being
the father of the Israelite people, which if you don’t know the story, is how
we essentially get Jesus lol.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: .375in; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
See God takes people
like me, you, Paul (he was a killer), Peter (he was a liar and abandoned Jesus
in his time of need), and many other messed up individuals and uses them for
his purpose and glory. He transforms us from the inside out and all we have to
do is seek him first. So if you have been discouraged about your usefulness,
take heart knowing that God has got you. He is going to take you and use you in
such a way that is it is going to blow your mind. All you have to do is <span style="font-weight: bold;">seek him first. </span>As Christians we say that
phrase a lot, but it is completely true. There is no way that you are going to
find your true worth, confidence, acceptance, (fiil in the blank) to the extent
that you desire in anything else but him. So yea… this is my spiel and I know
not many people read it, but I just had to share all this with my peeps… peace
out people…</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">For the
eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts
are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-79339020562383774012013-02-10T19:55:00.000-05:002013-02-10T19:55:11.066-05:00Don't Forget<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thegnukid.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/stop-forgetting.jpg?w=450" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://thegnukid.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/stop-forgetting.jpg?w=450" width="315" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>“How long, O LORD?
Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalms
13:1</b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This thought
is kind of a short one tonight. This weekend I have really struggled with this.
Not in what you think. I did not struggle with crying to God about him
forgetting about me. I struggled with just the opposite. It was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>me forgetting about Him. If there was a theme
form my week it would be about my forgetfulness of God. Many times during the
day, or even throughout the week, we completely forget about God. We don’t
think about him, we don’t wonder what his will is for us on a given day, we
just go throughout our day in a haze. We get distracted with life and the
business; however, he doesn’t forget about us. We have to constantly remember
about God. It’s like when you first fall in love, you think about that person
throughout your day; my challenge to you, is do the same thing with God. There
is plenty to think about when it comes to him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
are some of you reading this that might honestly feel like what this verse
says. I just want to encourage you to seek God out in the mists of the
suffering you’re going through. He is there and he is listening. The harder it
gets to bear, the harder you should seek.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Peace
out playas. </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-28212377884907360812013-01-28T10:28:00.000-05:002013-01-28T10:28:21.440-05:00Scratching the Surface<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ufmc.in/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/scratch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://ufmc.in/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/scratch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I found something cool tonight while I read my
Bible. If you notice, there are many instances where there are numerous gaps.
It is found in the history and even in the teachings and thoughts of certain
individuals. For instance, the Gospels do not give a detailed account of Jesus’
life. Yes they have stories about him, but they don’t discuss ever single
healing nor every single place he visited. He spoke to multitudes of people at
a time and we don’t know about most of these people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Bible tends to only scratch the surface in many instances, not just in history
but even the qualities of God. It leaves these stories open for us to discover
and realize. God wants you to discover him, and learn about the things that he
loves. One of those things, are the events that happen in this world. He wants
you to know and see what he sees. Not only this, he also wants you to take an
interest in his message he has for you. There are secret things that on certain
day’s only you would see. You and I can read the same verse, but we can be
impacted in completely different ways. It’s amazing how God can do that; how it
is almost written into our very DNA, where we get impacted differently by
certain things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
challenge you today to pick up your Bible and read it. Let your mind and heart
wander through each text and verse. Think and meditate on what your reading,
and I am telling you, that God can take the most boring scriptures (to me it’s
the genealogies lol), and reveal something to you. </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-50320148226475384352013-01-25T14:35:00.003-05:002013-01-25T14:35:40.443-05:00God Is Straight Up Laughing!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fortunemarketingcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/bigstock_Ilustration_for_Christmas_and__15041915-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://fortunemarketingcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/bigstock_Ilustration_for_Christmas_and__15041915-1.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">“He who sits in heaven laughs;</span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The Lord holds them in derision.” </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">–Psalm 2:4</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Life
can really suck sometimes. I mean it can be riddled with a multitude of issues.
Bills might not be getting paid, ends may not be getting met, and people are
dying, while some are sick or just straight up starving. In a world with a
plethora of problems this verse is an immense comfort. <i>“He who sits in
heaven laughs…” </i>in this Psalm it is talking about a massive problem with
people rebelling against God. It’s a crazy thought to just picture God sitting
in heaven just laughing at this problem. It’s not that he doesn’t care; it’s
that in his eyes, it’s really no big deal. In comparison to his power and
majesty, the problems on this little spec in the infinitely vast universe, is
dismal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Imagine
the laughter God has when the problems in your life are put on the table. It
must be hysterical. However, there is an interesting dialectic about to happen.
Your problems and those of the World might be small, but God, in his infinite power
and might, cares about them. God cares about you, he cares about those that are
starving, and he cares about your needs. In Mathew, Jesus states that God cares
for the sparrows, yet how much more are you worth to him. God’s energy and
passion are placed in you and what happens around you. When you put these
little issues at his feet, he takes them up in his huge hands and deals with
them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The
point of this little spiel is that God cares about you. The issues in your life
is so dismal that it might bring a little chuckle out of the ‘big guy in the sky’,
but that is to just show you that he can take anything you throw at him.
Nothing is too big, or too small for him to deal with. It could be an issue in
the world (poverty, war, etc.) or it can be something in your life (pain, drama,
sorrow). Regardless, God still wants to hear about it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">There
is something important to state though. There is only one requirement for God
to start doing something. God is not Santa Clause who will fulfill your wish
list or a genie who will fix every problem. God’s effort is not something that
is free of charge. Yes I said it! It’s not FREE! The thing that he wants is
you. He just wants you and your heart. He wants this relationship with you and
he wants to interact with you. If there is a requirement that would probably be
the only thing. I am not theologian, so I can’t prove to you on some
intellectual level. I just know God loves you and I know that he wants you to
love him as well. I hope this has encouraged you today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Peace
out peeps! Sorry for the long reading. If you got through it then thanks for
reading.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">“If you
abide in me, and my words abide in you,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this my Father is glorified, that
you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bear much fruit and so prove to be
my disciples.”</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> John 15:7-8</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-48235092408652922582013-01-23T12:54:00.002-05:002013-01-23T12:54:33.840-05:00It's all Good in the Hood<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.nature.com/polopoly_fs/7.6111.1346168768!/image/monkey.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://www.nature.com/polopoly_fs/7.6111.1346168768!/image/monkey.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/monkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In Genisis 1, the story of God's creation is told. He makes all these things; the sky, water, earth, etc.. In essense, he creates our physical reality. Im not here to debate if it literally happened or not; however, I want to shed light on one phrase that is repeated 5 different times. After each phase of creation, the Bible says that God saw that it was good. That right there really speaks volumes about life. God looks at everything around us as good. Everything he created has goodness and beauty in it. Even this little monkey that looks like many people I know is seen as Good.<br />
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I just want to encourage you today to take a minute or two out of your busy schedule and see all the Good God has created. Right now, for the few that read this blog, you are breathing. That breath has so much physical complexities involved in order for it to happen; I am no scientist, so i can't really explain all of it to you lol. But even something like your heart beat is amazing. Did you know that your heart beat is unique? Out of the 6 billion+ people, no one has a heart beat like yours! In God's eyes you are good and beautiful. So take a minitue or two to see your surrounds and the goodness in it. Then give some praise!<br />
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"<i><b>And God saw everything that he made, and behold, it was <u>very good</u>..."-Genesis 1:31 </b></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-62407079184137990582013-01-18T11:58:00.000-05:002013-01-18T15:05:36.079-05:00There 'aint' no such thang!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>"But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'"- Mathew 1:20</i></div>
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When we read through the first chapter of Mathew we tend to skip a few parts. The first part we tend to skip is that boring genealogy in the beginning; however, I found that we also skip another interesting part. We usually just read the above verse right through without giving it much thought. <i> </i>This part is essential in many aspects. The first aspect is that it is a proclamation about Jesus and the nature he has. This is the part we usually pick up almost instantly, however, we never really take into consideration the actual event of him having a dream. Joseph had a dream and a literal angel come to him to speak to him. This is <b>CRAZINESS</b>! I mean in today's society we usually chalk this up as delusional. I mean to be honest, if I had a dream that an angel was speaking to me about something, I would probably put it into the catagory of bad food from the night before. What if you had a dream like this? It is another interesting note that when we hear about other religions having spiritual events like this we usually term it as superstition.</div>
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My first point is this: God uses our cultrual and contemporary context to speak to us. In that day and age (the time of Joseph), people believed the supernatural was a part of everyday life; in many instances, there was really no seperation between the supernatural and natural. Consequently, when someone had a dream, they did not really question its validity. Joseph is no exception. God spoke to him through his cultural beliefs to reach to him. He does the same today. The importance of this point is that God will reach out to you in a way that you will find believable. If you look at developing countries (many people call them third world countries though I don't like that term), people still talk about God reaching out to them in dreams and visions. There are supernatural things that happen because that is their culture. God speaks to us Westerners in a different aspect (well most of us anyway) This wasn't my main point though so I don't want to waste your time talking about this lol.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The main point is the first part of the verse. Joseph "<i>considered these things". </i>This guy had a a lot on his plate. Imagine, if you have a girlfriend and they suddenly got pregnant without you having.... (well you know what I mean lol)... Would you believe them if they denied it? I mean seriously, I probably wouldn't (which gives me the thought that God would have to reach out to me miraculously to tell me otherwise lol). But Joseph was also struggling with this. What should he do? How should he approach this situation? He was a religious man that had the fear of God and it is probably safe to say that he prayed about it as well. The significance is that we need to do the same. When we go through our issues or trials we need to use our brains to think the situation through. We need to dig into God and ourselves to see if we can find a solution. <b>This is when God reaches out to us in the best way possible. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know I went through a pretty large discourse (College word!) in order to get to the point I just wanted to encourage those out there that are going through a difficult time. Keep digging into yourself and into God. Keep praying and I'm telling you that God is going to speak to you in a way that you are going to understand.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Peace out Homies</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~1~</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-77388399789099442792013-01-16T14:30:00.000-05:002013-01-16T14:30:26.333-05:00Getting Caught in the Trap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
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posted anything on this blog, but there is something inside me that is
screaming out to be shared. I was sitting here in school, completely silent and
studying about Sufi love(if you don’t know it has to do with something about
Islam), then suddenly I just felt this thing in me screaming out, “Are you
doing what you should be doing?” This question hit me like a brick. It is in
reference to the question of fulfilling my purpose in life. I joined this
school and am studying these things to bring glory to God in some way at least
that was my initial intention. However, now it seems like I <b>have been caught
in some sort of trap.</b> Everything that I have been doing has been for
selfish motives and selfish gains. Somewhere something went wrong. It transformed
into me wanting to graduate not to help people, but just to get done with
school. I lost that intention and I got sucked into the trap of living for me,
myself, and <b>I.</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
have been reading this book called Radical (well actually listening to the
audio version since I study all the dang time) and it has really challenged a
lot in me. It has turned my comfort upside down and really made me look at
myself to see what I am truly living for. Am I living for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a successful graduation, marriage, family, job,
or even church service? Or am I living for something greater then all that:
God? This coming season at Calvary Chapel Sawgrass we are going to be taking a
challenge with the youth of not just being a <b>FAN </b>for Jesus, but a <b>Follower</b>.
In layman terms, being a fan is completely different from a follower. The fan
is the one that will cheer for their team or even come up with some cool songs
to <b>praise their greatness</b>. Even though he does these things, there is
not really anything required of him. The fan doesn’t have to come to the games,
nor does he really have to put in work like the team does. In actuality, many
times, he can leave early and even skip certain events when things don’t go his
way. On the other hand, the follower is a completely different story. The
follower is in it through thick and thin. He is the one that gives up his livelihood
to learn and be like the one he follows. He is like certain individuals who
gave up their successful fishing business or a certain famous religious leader
who gave up that title. These are followers. They are the individuals who
really live out what they believe. <b>They don’t walk away when things get
tough</b>; they truck on and keep fighting, whether it is an outer struggle or
one within. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
am personally starting a journey to set myself on the right path. Not the path
of self-indulgence or self-concern, but the path of living for the ONE who
changed my life. I am going to search for answers to questions like how to transform
the things I am doing now for Christ. What are ways that I can serve not just
in Church, but also outside it as well. I know for myself, it is time to make a
change. <b>Are you up for the challenge? </b>Its time to make a difference in
this world. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">p.s. This
little spiel of mine might not have anything to do with you. If not then…oh
well =) </span></i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-21885198069301511852012-08-25T10:15:00.001-04:002012-08-25T10:15:01.019-04:00God Can't Love Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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Romans 5:9-11</div>
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I have heard this
phrase "God can't love me." way to many times. Many youth say it as
well as adults. For some reason they believe that they are to far 'gone' for
God to love them. They have sinned to much or have done way to much wrong. I
mean, they know what's in their heart and the corruption within; consequently,
with justification, they believe God and his love is not an option for them.
Its time for me to be blunt on this, this is a complete lie.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
God loves you so
much, but instead of just saying that, I can prove it to you logically.
Everyone (though few as it may be) who reads this, knows that Jesus came and
died on this earth for us. This gives us the opportunity and ability to connect
with God on a personal level. This sacrifice was made to give us a clean slate.
Thus, all of our wrongs and mishaps have been wiped clean. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jesus did this when we were at our worst. </span>He
died for us when we could of cared less about him. He died for us while we were
rebellious in our heart and doing whatever our flesh desired. <span style="font-weight: bold;">He died for us at OUR WORST.</span> Jesus knows how
bad you are and that darkness that lies within. He knew it all along and he is
beckoning you to come and embrace him and his love forever. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
We as Christians are
considered his adopted children (Gal 4:5-6). Adopted parents love their
children just<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like their own. They
accept their flaws and work with them through their problems. My challenge to
you today is stop going around sulking and complaining about how your not good
enough or how you can't be loved. It is time for you to embrace this gift that
was put in front of you.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Its time for you to
recognize your son ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-21236365221381569692012-07-20T09:32:00.003-04:002012-07-20T09:32:48.901-04:00Why do Bad things Happen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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This question is
probably one of the oldest challenges to religion. It used to scare and
intimidate me; however, I have grown to almost enjoy answering this question.
It is a question that springs up all throughout the Bible as well. It entails
the questioning of why suffering, death, murder, rape, and all the other evil
things in our world occur. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I'm going to take
you back to the time of the Judges of Israel. This is before King David, King
Saul, Jesus, and even Jerusalem. The people of Israel were just beginning to
put their roots in the promised land. However, there was a problem; the
Israelites used to be faithful and follow only one God, but this all began to
change. They started following numerous other gods like Baal and Molech. They
forgot how their God delivered them from Egypt and their other enemies. Pretty
soon, Israel started to get attacked and the country was constantly under
siege. In one point of history, they were hiding in caves and farming in the
dark because when ever they had a harvest, their enemies would kill them and
steal all of it. Consequently, poverty and sickness ran rampant in the
Israelite camp. The people were hurting so bad that God decided to step in…</div>
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<br /></div>
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This is when he
approaches a man Named Gideon. When Gideon found out who it was (after this
angel figure told him) the first question he asked was <span style="font-weight: bold;">"If God is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all
the miracles and wonders our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us
'Didn't God deliver us from Egypt?' The Fact is, God has nothing to do with
us…"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
This is a great
question that people have. You might have this question as well. If God is so
great and mighty why does all this suffering happen around us? I mean where is
he when kids are dying and people are starving? To the people with this
question, I hate to say it but you might not get the response your looking for.
Gideon didn't. Gideon did not get an apology or even a good reason. On the
contrary God told him an answer that he was probally not expecting to hear. God
told him that <span style="font-style: italic;">He(Gideon) </span>was going to
fix things. God was going to give him the power to change the fate of the
world.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
That leaves us with
this final point. God doesn't have to explain himself away. Yes there is
suffering, hurting, death, poverty, pain, sickness, etc. Yes children die of
starvation and malnutrition almost every minute. There are young girls that are
sold into sex slaves. Asking about what<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>is <span style="font-weight: bold;">God </span>doing is the wrong
question. You should ask about what <span style="font-weight: bold;">YOU </span>are
doing. We are God's hands and feet. HE uses us to spread his love an joy. Our
purpose is meant to stop all this suffering and heart ache. The real question
then is this <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Are you doing anything about
all this evil in the world?"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
My challenge is to
find a cause on your heart and fight for it. Gideon's heart was for his people
that were suffering. He changed all that. What is the thing that you see that
needs to be changed. Stop sitting around and do something. God has given you the
power and ability to do just that. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Lol I did not
realize how long this devotion was. I hope you got through it all and it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>challenged you. All this comes from mostly Judges chapter 6</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-9850815126078312962012-07-14T11:38:00.002-04:002012-07-14T11:38:53.273-04:00Who would you serve?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Mathew 4:1-11</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I find it
interesting that Jesus was offered the kingdoms of the world and he denied
them. We question many times if Jesus really struggled with the same things we
did. Did he struggle with lust, envy, pride, etc? I would have to say yes. Here
we see Jesus looking out at the kingdoms of the world and having an opportunity
to have it all. It wasn't just the kingdoms, but everything in them. It was the
money, fame, power, wealth, women, etc. It was everything that this world has
to offer; this was Jesus' real temptation. What was his response? <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Worship the Lord your God, and serve him
only."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I must admit, if I
was proposed that offer, I don't know if I would have the same response. The
reason I say this is because I struggle with this same temptation but on a much
smaller scale. I struggle with wanting the new gadget, car, or even video game.
In other words, I really do wrestle with desiring the pleasures of this world
and what they bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes my
thoughts become consumed with them; consequently, I don't even think about God
or who he is. So, it is honestly hard for me to imagine being in Jesus' shoes
and giving the same answer as him. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
My challenge to you
this morning is more of a question. Looking at this story and this temptation,
what would you say? Would you say that you need to to serve God only or would
you jump at the opportunity to have it all. I just want you to check your heart
and be honest with yourself. If you do this, then whatever answer you have will
empower you with the ability to work on yourself. All I ask is to be honest
with your self. </div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-14831177406347776932012-07-09T09:57:00.001-04:002012-07-09T09:59:09.484-04:00The Worthless Servant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX133716310" style="margin-left: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Mathew 25:14-30</span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Have
you ever been called worthless or useless? Has someone ever told you
that you were good for nothing in this world? Comments like that hurt
and can bring a person down to a major low in life. Now imagine if God
was to tell you that? Imagine seeing God face to face, this all powerful
and absolute being tell you that you were a wicked and worthless
servant. Now talk about demeaning. This type of comment would be a major
blow to someone's self esteem. </span><span class="EOP SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX133716310" style="margin-left: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">In
Mathew 25:14-30 Jesus tells a parable about 3 people getting a measure
of money (called a talent) from their boss. Now the amount given is not
important, but the importance lies in what the people did with the
money. Two of these individuals took the money and invested it. It was a
risky task but it paid off because they doubled the money for their
boss. The other individual was full of fear for doing something wrong,
instead of investing the money he hid it to keep it safe. The reason why
he was afraid was because his boss was known to be a hard person. He
didn't want to screw anything up. So long story short, when the boss
called the three people back he was pleased with the first two people
who invested and made a profit. He actually rewarded them for what they
did; however, the last individual was not as lucky. He was punished
because he did absolutely nothing with what he was given. He was called
wicked and lazy; as a result the boss fired him. Can you see the picture
that I'm beginning to draw?</span><span class="EOP SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX133716310" style="margin-left: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">In
this specific parable Jesus was not talking about mere money. He was
trying to teach us a lesson. What was that lesson? It was that God gives
us these abilities or "talents". Everyone has them; some are teachers,
comedians, cooks, etc. Everyone is good at something and this is what
God gives us. GOd does not want us to do nothing with these gifts. He
doesn't want to sit around and waste them by either not using them, or
by applying them for our own selfish needs. On the contrary, there is a
purpose for our gifts and talents: it is to further the kingdom of God.
It is to help people and empower them to either seek God out or realize
that he is there. Talents like laughter can literally save a person's
life. One smile can convince a person thinking of suicided that there is
more meaning to life. It can help them see the significance or even the
value of their own existence. Sometimes we fall into the character of
the third man in the parable. We get scared and fearful that if we put
ourselves out there and use our talents for GOd we will mess up and ruin
everything. Other times we are just scared to even try. Its not wrong
to be afraid, but it Is wrong to let that fear control us. If we fall
into this, we end up wasting our lives and doing nothing productive for
it. We have gifts for a reason: gifts are meant to give to others. Now
imagine God saying to you 'You are wicked and lazy because you wasted
what I gave you'. That is something no one wants to hear.</span><span class="EOP SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">On
the other hand, if we do use our gifts for God, we take a risk that
tends to work out. No where in this parable does anyone try and fail.
They always try and succeed. The two individuals doubled their earnings
and they were given more as a reward. Likewise, when we give our talents
to God and use them he blesses us immensely. I think of one girl in
particular who has a great personality and heart. Her talent is making
little pens and art products. She is also a good sales person. She is
using these gifts to sell little products so she can build a well in
Haiti. While in the process of doing this, she was contacted by other
organizations that will double the money she makes. </span><span class="EOP SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX133716310" style="margin-left: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX133716310" style="margin-left: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">Using
your talents is risky and fearful, but God is not going to leave you
hanging. He is going to help you and while you are doing it, he is going
to blow you away with how he is going to multiply it.</span><span class="EOP SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX133716310" style="margin-left: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX133716310" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span class="TextRun SCX133716310" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt;">So
the question remains, will you be the wicked and lazy servant or will
you be the individual who does something with his/her life?</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-90045390131249945812011-11-07T07:40:00.000-05:002011-11-07T07:40:16.534-05:00Tired of reading my thoughts?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;">Challenge for today: Don't read what I have to say. Pick up your Bible and read on your own. Gather your own thoughts on some Scripture and write them down. Pray and ask God for guidance; see where he will bring you. God will interact with your heart and if you are seeking him, he will reveal something pretty cool to you. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Good Luck </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-600191229717778119.post-59251157949156771152011-11-06T08:33:00.000-05:002011-11-06T08:33:05.680-05:00Time to Check your Reasons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>AR-SA</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“For I have told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. </span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Philippians 2:18)</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today, I want to challenge you to look at yourself. I want to put your intentions and motivations under the microscope. Why are you a Christian or why do you hold fast to any particular belief. For the Christian, what is your reason for carrying that identity? Some might say that they are a Christian because Jesus changed them. Others might reply that they have purpose or meaning. My challenge to you is a tough one to comprehend. Do you follow Jesus to serve him or do you follow Jesus in order to please the <b>Almighty God of your Stomach</b>? Is your faith in Christ about getting what pleases <b>you</b> or is it about giving it all for Jesus? Is it about getting peace and happiness for <b>your</b> life or is it about pleasing God and giving him the glory? In layman terms, are you a Christian for your own selfish desires?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is a tough question to contemplate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This applies to all religions and faiths. Sometimes we are so enraptured and entangled in religious jargon (teachings and traditions) that we don’t see the real reason we believe. For many people are caught in the same trap as the Pharisees found themselves in. They were religious not for the glory of God but for the glory of <b>themselves</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a trap that many do not even realize they are in. I became a Christian in order to save <b>myself </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from hell and destruction. Almost every aspect of my salvation stemmed from a selfishness; however, almost immediately after, I realized that it was not about me. My purpose became God. I just want to love him and others. I want to better the world and change it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So I ask again, are you a believer for your own betterment or is there something more? What is your motivation? Check yourself today and see what is revealed.</span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12829358193044373419noreply@blogger.com0