tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17897510632805534432024-03-13T08:40:30.785-05:00TheStrugglePersonal achievement requires overcoming and changes to personal ideals. On July 7, 1967 I began making changes. This Blog is about The Struggle to complete those goals, most of which are in the Bible. Read about my challenges and compare.Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-31763703861275155332013-02-12T09:59:00.000-06:002013-02-12T10:12:00.998-06:00Lost?<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This road doesn't look right with
all these old houses. And the new houses? They were not here yesterday. Where are
the curves on your old road? And the speed bumps and potholes?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But this road is <i><u>so</u></i> smooth, straight, and easy to drive!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You check Facebook to see if your friends have noticed the changes. You check your text messages. Has anyone alerted you? </span></div>
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<a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/03/29/technology/bits-smartphones/bits-smartphones-blog480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/03/29/technology/bits-smartphones/bits-smartphones-blog480.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You don't check your smartphone's GPS app. You don't look at a paper map to see where you are. And
heaven forbid you would be so 'old school' as <u><i>ask</i></u> the man in his front yard for help.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The fact is <i><u>you are on the wrong road</u></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But how could such a good road be
wrong. It feels so good. You are not working hard at driving. On this road you can go fast. There is no need to be alert or careful. How could a straight road without speed
bumps be wrong?</span></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfH0DcAVqAPG5xQLXaszoFz7-5Eqi3jo6ATYU1JR9yW5_YkyV1xw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfH0DcAVqAPG5xQLXaszoFz7-5Eqi3jo6ATYU1JR9yW5_YkyV1xw" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Bible tells us of good roads
and bad roads. It tells us the best way is a challenge. The road to
great living (and ultimately eternal life) has curves, bumps and potholes. You must be cautious and controlled. Some of it may not paved and muddy. It tells us of the easy, fast, interstate-quality drives that go to the bad life (and ultimately THE bad place). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why should you check
the electronic Bible app on your smart phone, or the 'old school'
printed Bible that warns us? Be careful: You might discover your are on the wrong road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, where are you going?</span></div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-29150846724852514712013-01-19T11:46:00.001-06:002013-01-19T11:46:32.248-06:00Whatever is ... (8)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Monarch_Butterfly_Cocoon_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Monarch_Butterfly_Cocoon_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How long is the worm in the cocoon?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How long is needed for an ugly duckling
to become a swan?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My mother is </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">still</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> one of the
best cooks ever. Often she cooks s-l-o-w.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fellow American's, speed is not
everything. The best things can not be rushed.</span><br />
<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbOjy2b2IPQWFs3aEJ6umqW5q7LxinfOCp_WpQgyHtE65yguDVtEd6LnVp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbOjy2b2IPQWFs3aEJ6umqW5q7LxinfOCp_WpQgyHtE65yguDVtEd6LnVp" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul's efforts to create a
metamorphosis of the mind does not happen immediately. He
decelerated, caught his breath, and carefully chose the best verb
possible to motivate his brothers at Philippi to search out honorable
ideas, truth and truthful people, pure, lovely, or of
good repute. He longs for them to be completely changed, so he
included <u>anything</u> excellent and <u>anything</u> worthy of
praise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He chose </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">'DWELL'.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jack McKinney, the same Greek teacher
from Harding previously mentioned, explained the word as meaning to
take up residence, to live somewhere long enough to 'put down roots'. </span><br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Scales_Of_Justice.svg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Scales_Of_Justice.svg" width="171" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But the word Paul selected was a
different Greek work, but with some of same flavor. <i>Logizomai</i>
means to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over; to take into
account; weigh the reasons, infer, meditate on, suppose, judge,
determine, purpose, or decide.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Strong's Dictionary of Greek words
added this footnote. “This word deals with </span><u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">reality</u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. If I
'logizomai' that my bank book has in it, it has in it. Otherwise, I
am deceiving myself. This word refers to </span><u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">facts</u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> not
suppositions.” So </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">DWELL</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> deals with facts, not with anyone's
opinion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Paul wants to properly re-train their
minds. He calls on them to spend time thinking about each item in his
powerful list. He knows it will take time to develop these
mind-correcting qualities. Each one must be factually, thoughtfully
considered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“Thought control is clearly the
practice Paul enjoined here.” (Burton Coffman Commentary)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This one strong verb, dwell, requires
calculation and computation. The benefits of each quality will
provide reasons why it should be adopted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our success at properly re-training our
minds will be directly proportional to our success at weighing
reasons. We must infer results and meditate on the benefits of every
quality. If we properly determine the outcomes, we then can plan,
purpose, and decide to implement these wonderful traits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">“We are responsible for our thoughts
and can hold them to high and holy ideals.” (Robertson's Word
Picture of the New Testament).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yes, Paul could have simply made the
list and told them to become such. He also knew the likelihood of
failure. Developing these qualities in their minds would subsequently
cause a metamorphosis of their lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How beautiful the butterfly is. How
great mom's soup is. How elegant a swan is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Slow down, re-think, and become </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>true,
honorable, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy
of praise.</b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Philippians 4:8 “Finally,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if
there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on
these things.”</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Study <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-2.html" target="_blank">truth</a>, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-3.html" target="_blank">honor</a>, </span><a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-4.html" target="_blank">things pure</a>,
<a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-5.html" target="_blank">lovely</a>, of <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-6.html" target="_blank">good repute</a>, <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-7.html" target="_blank">excellence and praiseworthy</a>.
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</span>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-16615557995538757192013-01-17T08:26:00.000-06:002013-01-17T08:26:09.686-06:00Whatever is .... (7)<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jack was struggling to explain the
scope of “no.”</span></div>
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<a href="http://hardmoneybankers.com/real-estate/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/walking-shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://hardmoneybankers.com/real-estate/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/walking-shadow.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Professor Jack McKinney, Harding
University Greek instructor, was attempting to explain the Greek
negative found in 1 John 1:5 (<i>“...and in Him there is </i><i><u>no</u></i><i>
darkness </i><i><u>at all</u></i><i>.”</i>). He reminded us of a
bright summer day with its shadows. Then he asked what it might look
like if there were <u>no</u> shadows, or any other forms of slight
darkness. He added the ideas together to show us how bright the world
would look. He concluded that God was brilliant, with no shadows
(evil) of ANY kind or amount. There was not a hint of darkness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If
there is </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>any
excellence</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and if </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>anything
worthy of praise</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
….</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul wanted his point thoroughly made
in Philippians 4:8. He wanted it complete. He added to the list two
“shadow” areas: excellence and praise. He combined both ideas.
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul was emphatic. He added ANY
excellence and ANYthing worth praising. He urged them to search out
ANY virtuous thought, feeling or action. Seek ANY amount of moral
goodness. Find ALL modesty and purity. He added ANY thing worthy of
approval or sanction. Hunt ALL things worth endorsing or recognizing,
commending or praising.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul had told them, and us, to consider
carefully whatever is of truth, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and
of good repute. Now he adds ANY area that might be closely associated
with ANY of the powerful qualities. His thoughts must be complete.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul is challenging you to look for
excellence or moral goodness ANYwhere it might be found. This creates
a mind set always aware of the good, commendable things.
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then, as the chain reaction continues,
genuine praise will flow. We will speak well of good organizations or
people. We praise good behavior.
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some are elevated from their muck and
mire, and others develop a new attitude as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Are you looking for ANY thing excellent
or ANY thing praiseworthy? Think about it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Philippians 4:8 “Finally,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if
there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on
these things.”</b></i></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Study <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-2.html" target="_blank">truth</a>, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-3.html" target="_blank">honor</a>,</span> <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-4.html" target="_blank">things pure</a>,
<a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-5.html" target="_blank">lovely</a>, of <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-6.html" target="_blank">good repute</a>. And thank you for considering ANYthing
excellent or praiseworthy.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But now would be the <b>WORST</b> time to stop
reading. The most powerful thought of this series will be
discussed: the verb. Please read the final link, coming very shortly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-37726566291882214642013-01-16T08:56:00.001-06:002013-01-16T08:56:39.433-06:00Whatever is ..... (6)<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">JF</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">: “Hey! How is everyone.
Haven't seen some of ya'll in a while. Is Tiger here?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>DP</b>: “No. He is riding over to
the cemetery with TwoLane and Creek. And how are you, Geezer?”</span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>JF</b>: “Not bad. Hey, where is
that Screaming Eagle, or are you in a cage today?”</span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>DP</b>: “Traded in my Screaming
Eagle for a Harley Fatboy. I like the way the pipes sound -- mellow
and deep.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>JF</b>: “What is up with Harley's
anyway? I mean, Tiger traded his Heritage Classic for a Goldwing.”</span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>DP</b>: “Did he tell you why?”</span></div>
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</span>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>JF</b>: “He said Harley's shake
too much. He was always taking it to the dealer to have everything
re-tightened. I think he just couldn't keep his new dentures in his
mouth.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>DP</b>: (laughing). “Well, that
new Goldwing with its 1800cc's won't vibrate. Those opposing
cylinders make it run so smooth. Didn't you put a pair of Vance and
Hines pipes on your bike?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_q2ZyRKqfBM/UO8E9Jh_-tI/AAAAAAAAAFo/oh1HjkWjYXw/s1600/10000+mile+small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_q2ZyRKqfBM/UO8E9Jh_-tI/AAAAAAAAAFo/oh1HjkWjYXw/s200/10000+mile+small.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>JF</b>: “No. I don't have $600 to
spend on pipes and a re-jet kit. But I have been looking at adding a
Cobra light bar to add some lights. But I can't decide to use them or
get a pair of bullet lights from Show Chrome to add to my highway
bar, or to get the new windshield and lightbar from National Cycle.
Which would you get?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>DP</b>: “Hey, is that Scooter
coming. She hasn't been at a mission in a long time. Let's go see
her!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These guys know motorcycles. They enjoy
comparing different cycles and cycle parts. Nothing negative, but a
constant admiration and appreciation for each bike's strong points.
They would welcome the chance to tell you about their bikes, rides,
and experiences.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Whatever is of GOOD REPUTE</b>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is good to talk about the things we
enjoy, take pride in, or promote. They have valuable qualities we
admire or enjoy. We would do ourselves a favor to explore, analyze
and determine what makes them attractive.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a direct relationship between
the amount of time we concentrate on the worries, disappointments, or
disillusionments, and the resulting negative mindset. Reducing the
time reduces the anxiety and depressive negativity.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Carefully watch and consider. We speak
highly of Toyota cars or trucks for their dependability. Then, when
auto shopping, what do we search for? Or, after watching the children
or grandchildren, we pridefully talk about their successes.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We contemplate the good qualities of
organizations like the Red Cross, the Marines, Alcoholics Anonymous,
or St. Jude Research. Then we promote their efforts. They are of a
good repute.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> We consider how successful each has
been and we consider their efforts for good.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We watch and think of successful
things, people, and organizations. Result: We become successful
people ourselves or become part of organizations that serve others.
We not only increase our own self-esteem, but contribute to the
welfare and success of others.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We become of good repute.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Isn't God of good repute. Are we
becoming like Him? Isn't that the point, Paul?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Philippians 4:8 “Finally,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if
there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on
these things.”</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We are continually coached by Paul.
Let's study <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-3.html" target="_blank">honor</a>, <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-2.html" target="_blank">truth</a>, <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-4.html" target="_blank">pure</a>, <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-5.html" target="_blank">lovely</a> and of good repute.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-51490442749430758132013-01-14T21:15:00.000-06:002013-01-16T08:49:08.469-06:00Whatever is ...... (5)<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Whatever is LOVELY.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What happens when we
continually concentrate on things pleasant and acceptable?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Phil 4:8 is the only time
this word is used in the New Testament. What value is in exercising
your mind in <i>this</i> way? The key is in focusing on anything God
finds acceptable, pleasing or winsome in individuals.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A former boss made demands
for extreme excellence. I received frequent 'butt-chewings' before
attaining <span style="font-style: normal;"><u>his</u></span> level of
quality. Daily practice made 'extreme excellence' routine. I became
excellent at video tape editing. Consistent high expectations brought
high quality results. <i>My thinking changed</i>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If I demand myself to
consistently search for what is lovely, I will find it. I will enjoy
it. I will raise my personal expectations to match.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First, I will identify what
is needed to be quality, to have ideal family time, to accomplish
great community service, and valuable service to God.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Second, I will induce others
to that same level of acceptance. I will demonstrate joy and
pleasantness gained from quality.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/JCB_3CX_Backhoe_loader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/JCB_3CX_Backhoe_loader.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Third, I develop an
admiration for anyone who does anything well. I can enjoy watching a
backhoe operator or a cable television repairman. I will develop the
ability to learn desirable ways from just about anyone who
exemplifies quality.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thinking about anything that
is lovely, quality, or acceptable is good for us, our families, and
our friends. Whatever is LOVELY....</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Philippians 4:8 “Finally,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if
there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on
these things.”</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul is perpetually preparing us. Let's
study <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-2.html" target="_blank">truth</a>, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-3.html" target="_blank">honor</a>,</span> <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-4.html" target="_blank">pure</a> and lovely. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-6911759484834076842013-01-13T12:50:00.000-06:002013-01-16T08:47:45.552-06:00Whatever is .... (4)<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The world was shocked in 1939. Clark
Gable uttered his now-famous word in <i>Gone With the Wind</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Richard Pryor, the so-called comedian,
made a healthy living using profanity and irreverence.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What is Ax Men about? I watched to find
out. I did not. There were not enough sentences that made sense. What
they saying got lost in all the bleeps.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Is this entertainment? Or are we not
thinking at all? Either way, it leads to people holding nothing
sacred, modest or clean. Carnality reigns.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul is persuading the Philippians to
adopt a refreshing thought pattern. It requires considerable time
appraising <b>whatever is PURE.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What could happen
for a Christian if they spent time thinking of the sacred, modest,
and clean?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.iwojima.com/statue/lflage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.iwojima.com/statue/lflage.gif" width="161" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Name anything that
is modesty, chaste, or venerable. What about professions working at
rape crises centers or battered women's shelters? Remember Iwo Jima.
Describe the character of the men that raised the flag? What makes Abraham
Lincoln so revered? Why is the Nobel Peace Prize cherished? Why is
the silence deafening at the Vietnam Memorial? Why are Red Skelton,
Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball still popular? Why do soldiers salute
a flag-draped casket as it moves? These are special. Chaste. Revered.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Will a man with
pure thoughts curse? Will purity-pursuers defraud an insurance
company, or the government, or the grocery store clerk?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To establish why
these are important to us will take some time. Inspection of pure
lives will cause us to practice purity and reverence.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Becoming venerable
is achievable if we will constantly look for whatever is pure, and
decide to emulate those qualities. Think about purity and become
pure.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Philippians 4:8 “Finally,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if
there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on
these things.”</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul continues to train us. Let's study <a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-2.html" target="_blank">truth</a>, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-3.html" target="_blank">honor</a>, </span>and purity.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-45338696537914434952013-01-11T23:44:00.000-06:002013-01-11T23:49:21.780-06:00Whatever is ... (3)<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/files/peace-silver-dollar-obverse-2.jpg?9d7bd4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/files/peace-silver-dollar-obverse-2.jpg?9d7bd4" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Two boys were walking along a road
through a field, when they came upon an old coat and a badly worn
pair of shoes. Off in the distance a farmer was working his field.
The younger boy thought it would be fun to hide the coat and shoes,
and then wait in the bushes to see the farmer's expression upon
finding his things missing. The older boy thought about that, but
then told his friend that the farmer must be awfully poor to have
clothing so worn. Instead he suggested that he would put a silver
dollar in a shoe, then they could hide and watch the expression on
the farmer's face,. Silver dollars were worth a lot to a boy in
those days, but the boys agreed that this was a good idea so they
each did it. By and by the farmer came out of the field and put his
foot in one shoe. He pulled his foot back out, reached into the shoe,
and withdrew the coin with considerable surprise., The farmer looked
around and couldn't see anyone, so proceeded to put on the shoe
again, and then to try the other one. Finding the second silver
dollar, the farmer knelt on the ground and prayed aloud to the Lord,
rejoicing because he would now be able to help his wife, who was
sick, and his children, who had no bread.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That lesson was worth far more to the
boys than $2.00.” (borrowed from
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://user.xmission.com/~wake/honor.html">http://user.xmission.com/~wake/honor.html</a></u></span></span>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Whatever
is honorable</b></span>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you see honor in the story? Do you
get a lump in your throat when you read stories about people doing
the right thing, the honorable thing?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What if you inspired reverence and
admiration? The aged should be respected and admired. It is better to
be younger and still command respect and admiration because of
personal dignity and the sharing of dignity.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Spend some time considering:
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<ul style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What happens when we are
consistently treating others with dignity and honor?
</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What results from refusing
association with unsavory individuals and questionable activities?
</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How will we be treated if we
promote reputable places instead of unwholesome bars, above-board
business practices instead of questionable accounting, fair play as
opposed to cheating, clean talk as a replacement for obscene
language and dirty jokes, and preferring kindness over meanness?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you see Jesus <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%2017:24-27&version=NASB">paying
taxes</a>?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why did Jesus <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%208:8-10&version=NASB">honor
the centurion</a>?
</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why did parents want their
children near Jesus?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What happens to us when we think
about honorable events? If we keep thinking about honor, will we do
what is honorable?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do we revere dignified
individuals? How about those who dignify others?
</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who do you admire, and why? Is it
because of acts of kindness or generosity? Or because of their
character?</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Look long and hard for people to do
honorable things. You will find them. Then study what they did to</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">receive your honor.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did Jesus do the honorable things as a
child? Was his life honorable? Was his death honorable in spite of a
dying with thieves?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Study honor. You will become what you
study.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Philippians 4:8 “Finally,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if
there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on
these things.”</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul is training us. Let's study honor
and </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://timzstruggle.blogspot.com/2013/01/whatever-is-2.html" target="_blank">truth</a></span>.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-48486588738491770572013-01-10T23:25:00.000-06:002013-01-11T23:34:57.666-06:00Whatever is .... (2)<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He writes to his
infant grand daughter, posting it on Facebook. He gives her simple
advice, and then lists pieces of 'useful' (??) information. A sample:
“1) The Bee Gees sound an awful lot alike; 2) Don't notice that the
presents from Santa and the gifts from your parents are the same
paper. 3) Count your blessings and not your presents.” Each of the
20 pieces of info are considered by every reader, albeit ever so
briefly. Some are entertaining. Others actual encourage. But ALL are
evaluated.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">To
self-control your mind so as to make it functional for God's plans
necessitates considerations. It is crucial to conscientiously analyze
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Whatever is TRUE</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;">.</span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jesus is the 'way, <u>the truth</u>,
and the life', and Paul wants each and every one of his students at
Philippi to become like Him. But how? How do you take people
entrenched in Judaism and change them to be Christ-like. How do you
take a pagan, idol-worshiping person and create a masterpiece for the
Lord?
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The answer starts with spending <u>ample
time examining</u> the effects of whatever is true. Consider these:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<ul style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What happens as people come to
love truth?
</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Is <a href="http://studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=Prov+23:23&section=0&translation=nas&oq=Philippi&new=1&sr=1">truth
profitable</a>? Why?
</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Since God is <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%207:28&version=NASB">always
truthful</a>, are people who love truth acquiring a love for God?
Are they more like God?
</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When we tell the truth are we
looking for <a href="http://studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=Prov+12:19)&section=0&translation=nas&oq=2%20Samuel%207:28&new=1&sr=1&nb=2sa&ng=7&ncc=7">something
lasting</a>?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When forming opinions, should we
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah%208:16&version=NASB">evaluate
with truth</a>?
</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Are God's methods a <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psa%2086:11&version=NASB">highway</a>
to an exceptional life?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If truth reveals to us we lack His
qualities, should we be <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2010:17-22&version=NASB">glad
or sad</a>?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Is <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:11&version=NASB">hunting
truth noble</a>?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Will truth-lovers be called into
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Tim%203:8&version=NASB">question
or resisted?</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Would life be simpler if you do
not need to remember all the lies or deceptions?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Can deceit, cheating, or
insincerity be part of us and still be a lover of truth?</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/seek_truth_by_beautifullyevil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/seek_truth_by_beautifullyevil.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Once a love for truth is established,
then consistent truth-telling becomes habitual. People will trust
you. Friends believe you will not harm them, but will direct them to
ways that are factual, informative, and accurate. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Truth is derived
from unbiased facts, solid information, and accurate, complete
reports.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Truth allows the mind to rest. Gossip's
agitation is gone. Worries are whipped. Direction is determined.
Goals are gathered. Progress is possible.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Becoming a lover of truth opens
opportunities. Let's search for truth in EVERY THING we do, say, or
see.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Philippians 4:8 “Finally,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if
there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on
these things.”</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-53528221907115688492013-01-10T12:27:00.003-06:002013-01-11T23:32:41.935-06:00Whatever is ....<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Years ago my father gave me an curious
Christmas present – a roll of toilet paper.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://debsawsome.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/toilet-paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://debsawsome.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/toilet-paper.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Inside a cheerfully wrapped box was a
mass of news papers and a single solitary roll of toilet paper. I
chucked out the newspaper, picked up the toilet paper roll and
pitched it, then restarted my quest for the enormous “special”
present destined for my discovery. But the box was barren.
Grief-stricken. No surprise. Granny was close. She entreated me to
inspect all the papers. I picked up each crumpled newspaper. Nothing
here. Then I noticed the toilet paper. It was the wrong color. It had
a green hue. Why? I scrutinized, then unrolled it. Once every two
laps I found a crisp, new one-dollar bill. By the end of the roll I
had $50, a lot of money. I was rich.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Philippians 4:8 is like my curious
Christmas present. It can be easily neglected, but is of enormous
benefit when thoughtfully 'unrolled.' A quick glance will not
suffice.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I will 'unroll' this hidden gift. It
can reward you with happiness, joy and contentment. Each part
delivers a study fashioned by God precisely for your peace of mind.
You <u>must</u> check the links at the bottom of each page, as they appear.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Christian soldiers fight for the
consummate victorious life is not about resisting sin and observing a
code of dos and don'ts, but the transforming of who we are into who
He is.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/US_Army_Green_Berets_DF-SD-02-02957.JPEG/220px-US_Army_Green_Berets_DF-SD-02-02957.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/US_Army_Green_Berets_DF-SD-02-02957.JPEG/220px-US_Army_Green_Berets_DF-SD-02-02957.JPEG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A Green Beret in the Lord's army knows
the battleground is not in the bar, bedroom, or brawls. It is not in
binges, backbiting, boiling over, or bad mouthing. It is not about
blame, bickering, betrayal, or begrudging. The fight is not in
belittling, boredom, or being a baby.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The fight is for control of the mind.
Control creates credibility, certainty, and candor. The controlled
mind can be constant, conclusive, celebrated, considerate, courteous,
and courageous. Controlled thinking leads to civility, compliments
(given and accepted), competence, constraint, and charm. A
consecrated mind cheers excellence, commands respect, is composed and
carefree. A mind controlled by God will be classy, content, calm,
commendable and commending, charitable, cheerful and commissioned.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Thought control is clearly the
practice Paul enjoined here,” Burton Coffman said. “We are
responsible for our thoughts and can hold them to high and holy
ideals.” (Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A listing of qualities was not Paul's
goal, but the development of these traits, first in the mind, then
the metamorphosis of life.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you are ready to become like Him,
read the coming posts and consider.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Philippians 4:8 “Finally,
brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if
there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on
these things.”</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-56960345118355175142012-11-02T20:08:00.000-05:002012-11-02T20:23:03.505-05:00Elections<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Elections
are almost here. The part of me that does not like the ads,
brochures, flyers and signs will cheer when it is over. The part of
me that senses accountability is uneasy.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Every
important privilege brings with it duties. We live in a country of
freedoms. So, Christians have responsibilities to the government. Rom
13:1 says, "</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Let
</i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u>every
person be in subjection to the governing authorities </u></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>for
there is no Authority accept from God and those which exist are
established by God.</i></span><span style="font-size: medium;">"</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRoD0q8T9S1wBaujfguClu6Zu0IPWOMPy8qkduvVjx-DmWIqe-3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRoD0q8T9S1wBaujfguClu6Zu0IPWOMPy8qkduvVjx-DmWIqe-3" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
responsible citizens vote.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
many countries, Christians do not have an opportunity to improve,
correct or refine their nation, their state, or county through
democratic voting.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Voting
brings with it four challenges. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
first challenge is to vote for the man most moral. Morals are founded
on principles of right conduct rather than legalities, enactments, or
customs. Since my country is needing to return to the principles of
right conduct, in the presidential race I must vote for the man
following God's principals. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://evanolsen.org.s56299.gridserver.com/images/posts/Why-Homosexual-Marriage-is-Wrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://evanolsen.org.s56299.gridserver.com/images/posts/Why-Homosexual-Marriage-is-Wrong.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From http://evanolsen.org/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God
gave up on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%201:26-27&version=NASB" target="_blank">homosexuals</a> thus setting a principle of
right conduct. We will not vote for a man who endorses homosexuality
as an "</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>alternative
</u></span><span style="font-size: medium;">lifestyle".</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
second challenge is to vote for the man with the best employment
program. God wants us to work. 2 Thessalonians 3:10. "</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>For
even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone
will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear that some among you
are living an undisciplined life, </i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u>doing
no work at all,</u></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>
but acting like busy bodies. Now such persons we command and exhort
in the Lord Jesus Christ to </i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u>work
</u></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>in
quiet fashion and eat their own bread."</i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Some
states, such as Arkansas, can also vote for issues that </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><u>keep
</u></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">their
citizens working</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>.
</i></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
should NOT vote for candidates who allow able workers to </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>stay
</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">on
welfare programs.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTtLLRZJ_QyY6Q3ij7c08S3AIJXqp5oFjTyMI8IjWVizOsCW3trlfGz8w" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTtLLRZJ_QyY6Q3ij7c08S3AIJXqp5oFjTyMI8IjWVizOsCW3trlfGz8w" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Challenge
#3 is to vote against issues, or candidates, that will ruin people.
Colorado shows was clearly legalized medical marijuana does not work.
Law enforcement officials believe it results in more pain than it
removes. In Arkansas, we need to vote </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>against
</u></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">legalizing
</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">medical
marijuana.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
final challenge is to vote for a candidate that practices good
stewardship. Companies such as T.D.Ameritrade and Edward Jones are
practicing stewardship. They manage properties and financial matters.
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My
bank helps me practice good stewardship. If I spend more than I have
deposited, I am charged a severe penalty. Good stewards do not spend
more then they take in. Nor do good stewards "gamble" with
someone else's money (mine) in an attempt to spend their way out of
debt. Will your bank let you spend your way out of debt?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-47101508329046711932012-10-31T08:41:00.000-05:002012-10-31T08:41:24.515-05:00Exclusive Policy
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worshiping like other
nations is not in God's policy. As he set the laws for His new nation
of 600,000 men, He made it very simple and explicit what He did </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>not</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">
want. “</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>You shall NOT do what is done in the
land of Egypt... nor are you to do what is done in the land of
Canaan... you shall NOT walk in their statutes</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">.”
(</span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2018:3&version=NASB" target="_blank">Leviticus 18:3</a>).
The same directive was repeated in Leviticus <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2018:24&version=NASB" target="_blank">18:24</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2020:23&version=NASB" target="_blank">20:23</a> </span></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whale.to/b/020105bgrove6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.whale.to/b/020105bgrove6.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">God discards the
assumption that what everyone else does is ok. He perceives the
impact of imported opinions on His people. He knew they would do what
others do, and that was sinful in His eyes. They were to have nothing
to do with idols (</span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:4&version=NASB" target="_blank">Lev 19:4</a>). No child was to be offered to Molech, a Canaanite god
(</span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2020:2&version=NASB" target="_blank">Lev 20:2</a>).
Mediums or spiritists were <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2020:6&version=NASB" target="_blank">o<span style="font-size: small;">ff<span style="font-size: small;">-limits</span></span></a></span><span style="font-size: small;">. 'Cussing out' your mom or dad would <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2020:9&version=NASB" target="_blank">result in death</a></span><span style="font-size: small;">. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2020:10-16&version=NASB" target="_blank">Adultery</a>, in any combination, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2020:10-16&version=NASB" target="_blank">was not acceptable</a>.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Moreover, you shall
not follow the customs of the nation which I shall drive out before
you, for they did all these things, and therefore I have abhorred
them.</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">” Leviticus 20:23.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://dontgiveupworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Respect-your-elders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://dontgiveupworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Respect-your-elders.jpg" width="170" /></a><a href="http://dontgiveupworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Respect-your-elders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Living according to His
judgments is His policy. “</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>You are to perform
My judgments and keep My statues, to live in accord with them.</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">”
(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2018:4&version=NASB" target="_blank">Leviticus 18:4</a>). <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2018:6-17&version=NASB" target="_blank">Personal chasteness</a> was presumed</span><span style="font-size: small;">. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2018:22&version=NASB" target="_blank">Homosexuality</a> was forbidden</span><span style="font-size: small;">. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:3&version=NASB" target="_blank">Reverence for parents</a> was required ( </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>LINK</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">
29:3). Corners of the fields, and some grapes, were left
unharvested for the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:9-10&version=NASB" target="_blank">poor and widows</a></span><span style="font-size: small;">. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:13&version=NASB" target="_blank">Neighbors</a> were not oppressed</span><span style="font-size: small;">. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:13&version=NASB" target="_blank">Workers</a> were paid promptly every evening</span><span style="font-size: small;">. Cursing the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:14&version=NASB" target="_blank">deaf</a> and tripping the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:14&version=NASB" target="_blank">blind</a> was irreverent to God</span><span style="font-size: small;">.<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:15&version=NASB" target="_blank">Impartial justice</a> was imperative</span><span style="font-size: small;">.
Gentle correction of<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:17&version=NASB" target="_blank"> your neighbor</a> was condoned</span><span style="font-size: small;">. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:18&version=NASB" target="_blank">Loving your neighbor</a> was legal</span><span style="font-size: small;">. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:29&version=NASB" target="_blank">Pimpingyour daughter</a> was punishable</span><span style="font-size: small;">. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:32&version=NASB" target="_blank">Respecting the gray-haired</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:32&version=NASB" target="_blank">aged</a> was required</span><span style="font-size: small;">. Legal aliens<span id="goog_2039580047"></span><span id="goog_2039580048"></span> were kindly treated</span><span style="font-size: small;">. Preserving <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev%2019:35-36&version=NASB" target="_blank">fair trade practices</a> was expected</span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>You are therefore to
keep all My statutes and all My ordinances and do them,...</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">”
(Leviticus 20:22)</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tolerance, acceptance, or
worship for <u>any god or version of God</u>, other than the one stated in
the Bible, is not in God's worship policy. “</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The
graven images of their gods you are to burn with fire; you shall not
covet the silver or the gold that is on them, nor take it for
yourselves, lest you be snared by it, for it is an abomination to the
Lord your God.</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">” (Deuteronomy 7:25). And,
“</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>...I will not give glory to another, Nor my
praise to graven images.</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">” (Isaiah 42:8)</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reverence for these gods
(with a little “g”) was rejected.</span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ashtaroth, a goddess
of the Phoenicians.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baal, a god of
Phoenicia and Canaanite tribes.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baal-Peor, a god of
the Moabites.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chemish, another god
of the Moabites.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dagon, a god of the
Philistines.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Artemis / Diana, a
goddess of the Ephesians</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dg6bvu0oBCg/TzVE6bsTeII/AAAAAAAABBg/BSssuZApktE/s1600/worshiping_the_golden_calf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dg6bvu0oBCg/TzVE6bsTeII/AAAAAAAABBg/BSssuZApktE/s320/worshiping_the_golden_calf.jpg" width="282" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Molech / Sikkuth, an
Ammonite god.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Among His people he
condemned the:</span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Golden calf of Aaron.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Golden calves of
Jeroboam.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Any heavenly body.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Any household idol.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">People worshiping.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Demon worship.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQLHkFxUB-ncNirhTtYR-Nb3cbpplWnQ2sW9KXfzQMqaNJdMWKz" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQLHkFxUB-ncNirhTtYR-Nb3cbpplWnQ2sW9KXfzQMqaNJdMWKz" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, does this mean God
rejects Islam? Hindi? Buddha? What about religions that combine the
best of each? Will God accept worship from 'Christian' religions that
reject parts of His Bible, or add their own spin to sections? </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ancientlyre.com/images/destruction_temp_2_gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://ancientlyre.com/images/destruction_temp_2_gallery.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many years later God
punished His people, the Jews, because they continued to not follow
His policies. He allowed an evil nation, Babylon, to conquer them and
enslave them for 70 years. In about A.D. 70, God completely did away
with the Jewish religion. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So what does He do now?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Conversion</b> is His policy.
He still rejects the worship of all gods, or modifying of His plans.
Instead of terminating their offensive worship through genocide, He
<u><i>converts</i></u> them to His policies. His Apostle Paul spoke to worshipers
of the “</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:23&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>unknown God</i></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">”</span><span style="font-size: small;">. He
proclaimed the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:24-25&version=NASB" target="_blank">God of creation</a></span><span style="font-size: small;">. He implored them to “</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:27&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>grope</i></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">”
for God</span><span style="font-size: small;">.
He cautioned them to not think of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:29&version=NASB" target="_blank">God as gold, silver or stone </a>formed
by man's hands</span><span style="font-size: small;">. He forcefully concluded, “</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Therefore
having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men
that all everywhere should repent, because he has fixed a day in
which He will judge the world in righteousness...</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">”
(Acts 17:30-31a)</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">His policy is exclusive.
“</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I am the Lord YOUR God</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">.”
Levi</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">ticus</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
18:2</span></span></div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-10222107560909012512012-09-17T21:04:00.000-05:002012-09-17T21:11:56.349-05:00Are There Not Enough Graves?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Camp
where I tell you. It will look like we are meandering aimlessly,"
God told Moses, adding, "I'm going to harden Pharaoh's heart one
more time. ...The Egyptians are going to </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>know
</b></span><b><i><u><span style="font-size: small;">I
</span></u></i></b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>am
the Lord</b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>,
</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"
God concluded.</span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://hal_macgregor.tripod.com/gregor/Chariot.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://hal_macgregor.tripod.com/gregor/Chariot.gif" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moses
understood God's plans, but the Israelis did not. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pharaoh
gathered his chariots and pursued the Israelis. The Israelis saw the
Egyptians were coming.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wildly
they ask, "Were there not enough graves in Egypt? Moses, why have
you treat us like this?" </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why was counting on God so strenuous?</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their
irrational behavior, recognized as exaggeration, reflects fear.
Fear reveals limited faith. Their 'embellishments' came from weak,
inexperienced reasoning. Were these the early signs of a hard hearted
people??</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do
hard hearted people <u>ignore</u> faith-causing information or events? </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consider
these New Testament stories.</span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.cordellmusicgroup.com/print_color017001.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cordellmusicgroup.com/print_color017001.gif" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There
was hard-packed soil in the parable of the sower. Why was the “seed”
ineffective on this soil?</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lazarus
was joyously resurrected. But the Pharisees brushed off his
resurrection, plotting to kill Jesus. </span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So
intent on obedience to </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>their
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Sabbath</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
laws, they </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">ignored
the healings </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">of
Jesus.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.picturesofjesus4you.com/images/healing_of_the_blind_man_jekel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.picturesofjesus4you.com/images/healing_of_the_blind_man_jekel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jesus
gave sight to a blind man (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%209&version=NASB" target="_blank">John 9</a>). The religious leaders
interrogated him. They belittled his intelligence. They said,
"...but as for this man (<i>referring to Jesus</i>), <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%209:29&version=NASB" target="_blank">we do not know where He is from</a>.</span><span style="font-size: small;">”</span><span style="font-size: small;">
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%209:30&version=NASB" target="_blank">Verse 30</a> adds, "The man answered and said to them,</span><span style="font-size: small;">“</span><span style="font-size: small;">Well,
here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and
yet He opened my eyes. ...<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%209:33&version=NASB" target="_blank">If this man were not from God, He could do nothing</a>.</span><span style="font-size: small;">”</span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What are
preventatives to hard-heartedness?</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here are a few
answers.</span></span></div>
<ol style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Delight
over the good luck (or blessings??) of friends.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Determine
if its God's blessing or the Devil's tool. Not all “blessings”
are truly blessed.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank
God for every blessing. “Count your many blessings, name the one
by one,” the song echos.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy
every event remembering it came from God.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ask
God's help frequently.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Acknowledge
God's justice.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tell
your family and friends what great things God has done for you.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Study
nature, and inspect His knowledge.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Accept
God-given joy from obedience.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before
you decide God is not answering your prayer, look for alternate ways
He may have already answered.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be
guided by his way, and not your inferior wisdom..</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ask
him to build your faith.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be
aware of God. Watch His doings. Find evidences of His working.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-39763489844001731942012-09-08T09:03:00.000-05:002012-09-08T09:03:04.950-05:00Mechanic or Angel?
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bill</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Jim, I was blessed so much Labor Day!</span></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jim</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Whatcha ya' mean?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://mantivities.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/mechanic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://mantivities.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/mechanic.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bill</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Me and some friends were on the road on Labor Day when I had car
trouble. A good mechanic came to where I was, fixed the car in the
heat right where I was. And it was a holiday! Get this: He did it all
for free. All he wanted was a handshake.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jim</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
What?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bill</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Yeah, you heard me. Amazing, huh?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jim</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Sure nuf!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bill</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Jim, do you think he was an angel, or was it just God blessing me?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jim</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Good question. Sounds like the good Lord is tak'n a likin' to ya'.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">******************</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">God
told Moses He would harden the heart of Pharaoh so He (God) could do
His signs and wonders.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why?
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"...<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exod%2010:1-2&version=NASB">THAT
<b>YOU</b> MAY <b>TELL</b></a>...." and "... <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exod%2010:1-2&version=NASB">THAT
<b>YOU</b> MAY <b>KNOW</b></a>... ".</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What
would develop if you told your family of God's <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph%203:20&version=NASB">working
in your life</a>?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do
you have <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1:17&version=NASB">good
fortune</a> to relish?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are
you <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%203:5&version=NASB">saved
by His mercy</a>?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tell
your family and friends who God is to you, and what He has done!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-9348326810531922312012-09-02T08:58:00.000-05:002012-09-02T08:58:14.309-05:00Rut Riding<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
safe highway near my home has become dangerous, even
life-threatening.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz9y1remgr0/T3EJvl8ihEI/AAAAAAAAIdI/FBYoJqV1f9k/s1600/gravel+sunday+3-12+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz9y1remgr0/T3EJvl8ihEI/AAAAAAAAIdI/FBYoJqV1f9k/s400/gravel+sunday+3-12+002.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
highway department resurfaced the road using tar and pea-sized
gravel, lots of gravel. For inexperienced cycle riders, gravel is
a grave enemy.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After
a day of traffic, the highway has four ruts and five rows of gravel.
It is the five rows motorcyclists MUST stay away from. Getting out of
the safe ruts and onto the treacherous rows has results ranging from
a mere rough and noisy ride or a complete loss of control. The
ultimate threats range from serious case of "road rash" to
death.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rut riding
is the best choice.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
same is true for believers. They need the path that is clear of sins
and struggles; a rut cleared by Jesus.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
Christian that wonders from the rut of Christ finds "bumps",
threats of losing their marital status, integrity, composure,
decision making skills, and dedication. They may experience betrayal,
addictions, guilt's weights, and powerlessness to correct self. They
may even renounce Christianity as <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor%201:18-25&version=NASB">foolishness.</a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
rut ride with Christ requires a constant focus as to where you are on
life's "road". Stay in the ruts where forgiveness, hope,
control, and dedication are found. Experience His loyalty, </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">His
power, and His light weights. He will take you to the mountain tops
to see His "vistas" of eternal life and God.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be
a rut-rider with Christ.</span></span></div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-58471975515868117162012-08-31T14:26:00.000-05:002012-08-31T14:26:01.026-05:00Jeremiah Wasn't the First
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jeremiah wasn't the first.</span></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jeremiah
was commissioned by God to preach everything God told him. He
preached his entire life. He converted no one.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">God
knew Jeremiah would not be effective, so why have him preach? So the
Jews would have no excuse. They could not say, "I was never
told".</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
Jeremiah wasn't the first.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moses
and Aaron were commanded to communicate to Pharaoh everything God had
said. But God advised them He would inhibit Pharaoh from complying.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So
"I can multiply MY signs and MY wonders. I AM THE LORD." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%207:2-5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Exodus 7:2-5</a> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Egyptians would be without excuse.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What
has this have to do with you and me?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
are the "Jeremiah's" of this generation. Like Moses and
Aaron, we tell unlikely respondents about God's great works. And like
Moses, we tell them again, and again, and again. They NEED to know
who the Lord is. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who
will you speak to today?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-14724865740891597002012-08-21T17:31:00.001-05:002012-09-11T21:46:20.291-05:00Wrongs to Right<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">How
many wrongs does is needed to make one right? Does it take three
evils to make one action glorious? Or are seven injurious actions
required?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
story of Joseph being delivered to slavery is found in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2037:31-35&version=NASB" target="_blank">Genesis37:31-35</a>. How many low actions or attitudes do you count in
this story? </span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">His
older brothers sold him as a slave.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Joseph's
father was deceived by those older brothers.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">They
pretended to be ignorant of what happened to Joseph.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Those
brothers caused their father deep emotional pain.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
11 brothers attempted to 'comfort' their father, while it was their
idea that caused his pain.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It
was wrong from beginning to end. Wrongs <u>never</u> create right. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">But
God took all these 'wrongs' and made them into a great plan for <u>His</u>
glory, and for the good of Abraham' great-grandchildren.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Much
like you, I have experienced depressing events in my life. But my
relationship with God has allowed <u>Him</u> to find good purposes for those
tragedies.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Is
life a rose bed or a briar patch? The way you look at life, either
good or bad, simply reveals your trust-level in God.</span></div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-91471634345276166942012-08-21T15:40:00.000-05:002012-08-21T15:40:01.073-05:00Stuck In Anaerobic?<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://newspaper.li/static/e9b7c973691655ac2c84aecdae6a8dc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://newspaper.li/static/e9b7c973691655ac2c84aecdae6a8dc5.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="gtitle">http://newspaper.li/bacteria/</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The decay of debris at the
depths of a pond is done by bacteria. And sometimes bacteria are more
adaptive than humans. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">On sweltering summer days
the wind is still, and oxygen is not dissolved in the water. As
dissolved oxygen is depletes, bacteria change living and growing to
survival and struggle. They switch to anaerobic respiration. These
days are not good.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">When the wind blows, waves
add oxygen to the water. When oxygen is present, bacteria use aerobic
respiration to break down the debris. These are the good days.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Bacteria switch back calmly and
without hesitation.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Some opportunities look
good and we look forward to great successes. Time after time the
Devil tricks us. Once more, he has played us for fools. Now sinners,
we battle against unfavorable conditions. We feel bogged down.
Improvement appears impossible. Liars feel compelled to continue
lying. Thieves have no choice but to continue stealing. Unchecked
anger agonizes over titanic outcomes. It is survival and struggle. These are not good days.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Then the refreshing breeze
of hope comes. He is Jesus. He furnishes the freedom to switch. He
presents to the burdened consummate circumstances in which to thrive.
Jesus presents liars freedom to tell the truth, thieves to earn a
living, and anger governed. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So why does mankind
persist in prospecting for solutions that exclude Jesus?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Bacteria switches,
instantly, when the opportunity for oxygen comes. Are bacteria
brighter than we are???</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
How about posting your comments on FaceBook's post?
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-46263810249951561072012-08-14T21:05:00.000-05:002012-08-14T21:05:50.925-05:00Civil Disobedience<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/MKGandhi.jpg/200px-MKGandhi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/MKGandhi.jpg/200px-MKGandhi.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This
is NOT about civil disobedience as a tool of Mohandas Ghandi. He used
nonviolent resistance as his political device.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFmGAp8CisFY3Vq7TEP6myyuDs5wHxSHZREJP_bUsQf7Oi8Ff0" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFmGAp8CisFY3Vq7TEP6myyuDs5wHxSHZREJP_bUsQf7Oi8Ff0" width="162" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Nor
is Henry David Thoreau's book, <i>Civil Disobedience</i>, the object of this
post. As an advocate for people not permitting governments to control
a conscience, he urged citizens to avoid acquiescence, thus not
becoming agents of injustice.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Being
civil disobedient <u>usually</u> is recognized as non-violent passive
resistance. Demands are made, but nothing happens.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">God
agrees. Note these examples.</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%201:15-20&version=NASB">Exodus
1:15-20</a>, the king of Egypt told the Hebrew midwives to execute
all males emerging from the womb. But the Hebrew midwives "feared
God". </span><span style="font-size: small;"><u>They
did not obey </u></span><span style="font-size: small;">the
kings demand. They let the boys live. Demands were made, but nothing
happened.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Peter
was (again) brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jews governing body.
They had ordered him (and Jesus' other apostles) to not preach or
teach Jesus. But they did. Peter's reply to them: "we must obey God
<u>rather than men</u>." <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205:29&version=NASB">Acts
5:29 </a>. Demands were made, but an atypical civil disobedience
occurred.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Uncle_Sam_%28pointing_finger%29.jpg/244px-Uncle_Sam_%28pointing_finger%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Uncle_Sam_%28pointing_finger%29.jpg/244px-Uncle_Sam_%28pointing_finger%29.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Sam</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Christians
are true-blue to Uncle Sam. Christians comply with the edicts of
governments. Laws are for our good. But civil disobedience is
imperative when laws or government codes collide with God's
commands or doctrine. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What
should Christians do when homosexuals, and those promoting or
protecting them, cloak themselves behind man's laws? (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom%201:27-32&version=NASB">Rom
1:27-32</a>)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Should
I pay taxes to a government that endorses </span><span style="font-size: small;"><u>embryonic
</u></span><span style="font-size: small;">stem
cell research, knowing the cells came from a "</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><u>sacrificed</u></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">human
embryo?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Should
I support the prolonged process of executing a convicted criminal for
a capital crime when God says punishment should be prompt. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%208:11&version=NASB">Eccl
8:11</a>)?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Should
I vote for government leaders that champion evil groups (gays,
immigration law violators, etc.)?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Besides,
who is mightier than the almighty government? <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom%2013:2&version=NASB">Romans
13:2</a>. (LINK)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Make
your comments on <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">TheStruggles </span></b>Facebook corresponding post. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br />
</div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-80176655884904634292012-08-11T09:08:00.000-05:002012-08-11T09:08:54.483-05:00If Joseph Carries a Grudge...<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In
the movie "Rainman" the main character kept a journal of
all wrongs done to him. He recorded them.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Most
of us harbor aggressions in our head or heart.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After
Jacob was buried, Joseph's brothers asked themselves "<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2050:15&version=NASB">What
if Joseph carries a grudge?</a>" The thought scared them
sufficiently for them to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2050:17&version=NASB">beg
forgiveness</a>.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Someone
once said a grudge is "the heaviest thing to carry." </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Psychcentral.com
has "</span><a href="http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/12/11/8-tips-to-stop-holding-a-grudge/"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>8
Tips To Stop Holding A Grudge</u></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">".
They include:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Acknowledge
the problem.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Share
your feelings.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Switch
places.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Accept
what is.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Take
the positive.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1789751063280553443" name="en-NASB-1527"></a><span style="font-size: small;">These
project prudence and pleasantness, but Joseph's answer uncovers an
uncomplicated comprehensive course of action. Genesis 50:20 says;
“</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>As
for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in
order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people
alive.</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">”</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">God
can change your conflicts into peaceful, positive purposes for
others. Like Joseph said, "...to preserve many people." He
can take:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">unwanted
marital unfaithfulness, and commission you to counsel others..</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">disillusionment,
and sanction you show others how to deal with disappointment.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">people's
anger at you, and offer you opportunities to develop their
self-control.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">alcoholism
surrounding you, and allow you demonstrate resilience.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">rebellious
family members, and enable you to demonstrate God's powerful,
gentle perseverance.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">lies
about you, and validate your use of truth as your strength.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
goal of this struggle is to allow God to mature you for His use.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br />
</div>
Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-27071110231278477562012-06-13T14:39:00.000-05:002012-06-13T14:39:55.555-05:00Chairs<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Shade tree on a summer day. Strong sun in full blaze. And a small group of chairs in the cool shade. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
What happened in the chairs beneath the cool shade? Were they telling family stories on each other? Were they shelling peas or silking the corn? Were they eating a hamburger or eating watermelon?</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
They are just chairs in the shade of a large tree.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
But as I drove buy that rural house and saw the semi-circle of metal and wooden straight-backed chairs, I could almost hear the sound of cheer.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
What did this family possess that so many others can not find? Time spent <u><b>together</b></u>. Underneath that tree had been a family that liked being <u>together</u>, working <u>together</u>, or enjoying simple pleasures <u>together</u>. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
They were not strongly tied to the television, smartphone, or computer. They were tied <u>together</u>.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
So many families hurt and ache because although they live together, they don't know each other. Husbands loose touch with their wives, and wives don't understand their husbands. Dad does not know why the kids seem to always be 'glued' to a smartphone, and mom is wonders who her daughter is chatting with on the computer. And no one knows who their uncles, aunts, are. What are cousins? </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Maybe what this world needs is a power outage. Force people to get outside under the trees, and remember who they are. Tell silly stores on each other. Do a project together. Eat a juicy peaches and laugh at as the juice drips from our chins.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Friends, what have you done to bring your family together this week?</div>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-43487411045168348272012-06-09T07:13:00.002-05:002012-06-09T07:14:42.862-05:00Too Much Like Me<span style="font-size: small;"><i>(Writer's
note: Quoted text conversation. Used with permission.)</i></span><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Daughter</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Called the dealership. They know you are coming.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dad</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Just left Donaldson.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Daughter</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Oh boy!!! I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas when they know
they're going to get their favorite present. Would it be too much to
ask you to bring it by here on your way back?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dad</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
I told your step-mom you would probably want to have me bring it to
your office. Ha! Ha! Should be no problem.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Daughter</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Oh thank you so much!!! You know me so well!!! Probably because you
raised me!!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dad</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">:
Yeah. You are TOO much like me!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As
a former teacher, I developed a skill of knowing parents before I met
them. How? Kids mirror their parents. Want to know the parents? Study
the child. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fact:
Parents are not perfect prototypes.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fact:
Children learn patterns and paradigms from parents.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fact:
Parents crave for their children to be an improved, more
sophisticated version of themselves.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">How
is the cycle of mirror images shattered? Parents must habitually,
methodically drill until the converted, reformed, transformed, mature
person arrives. Kids see a </span><span style="font-size: small;"><u>demonstration
</u></span><span style="font-size: small;">of
how to change for the better. If the parents do not try to improve,
how can the child know?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">"</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Let
your light so shine before men</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">
(including your children) </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>in
such a way they may see your good works and glorify your Father who
is in heaven.</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">"
-- Matthew 5:16!</span></div>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-773032619496446472012-06-05T20:27:00.000-05:002012-06-05T20:27:26.592-05:00Burn Out<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
It looks sad.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
You see the portable basketball goal for the little children in the front yard. There is a heap of warped corrugated roofing. Chard lumps of ??? are everywhere. A charcoal wall teeters. The soot-covered chimney weeps for the better days.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
In the heart of winter I rode by this same place, as I had many times before. But this day was sad. The red, rotating lights on the fire truck, from the nearby rural volunteer fire department, flashed as the flames blazed from the second story windows. A disconsolate firemen held a dripping hose, having used all the water available. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
In the evening the family picked through the debris, looking for anything. This day was sad.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
All this reminds me of a struggle I face frequently, although not alone. John said to "Love not the world, <u>neither the things</u> of the world." (<a href="http://studylight.org/desk/?query=1jo+2:15&translation=nas&st=1&new=1&sr=1&l=en" target="_blank">1 John 2:15</a>). Paul wrote <a href="http://studylight.org/desk/?l=en&query=Col.+3%3A1&section=0&translation=nas&oq=1jo%25202%3A15&new=1&sr=1&nb=1jo&ng=2&ncc=2" target="_blank">Colossians 3:1</a> to keep seeking the things above. Possessing the possessions, instead of vise versa, is the continuing struggle. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
But when possessions are lost, suddenly, traumatically, as in the case of a fire, those with the proper command of them should be the first to show compassion. When a scene, like the one above occurs, Christians should be first on the scene with help. Now in words, but in deeds (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John+3:18&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 John 3:18</a>).</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I am completely unsure what I would do in the event of a burn out, but these might be helpful?</div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<li>Collect money from friends to add to your sacrificial contribution. It will be days before insurance matters are settle, but this <i><u>same day</u></i> they will need clothes, food, a place to stay, etc. Don't let the smoke settle before help arrives.</li>
<li>Don't offer your home as a place to stay. <i><u>Insist</u></i> on it. Cause them to use your home for a few days as they study and consider their options. </li>
<li>Give them a week with your cell phone and charger. Communications with be in high demand. </li>
<li>Don't be concerned as to whether they are members of your fellowship or not. There spiritual state is not your concern, but God's. let Him handle that part. As for you, remember <a href="http://studylight.org/desk/?query=ga+6:10&translation=nas&st=1&new=1&sr=1&l=en" target="_blank">Gal 6:10</a> begins, "As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good to <i>all men</i>....</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
If you have experienced a traumatic or sudden loss of possessions such as this, or a flood, tornado, etc. would you please add to these suggestions, or revise them. Let us know what did work for you, or what would have been better. <b><i>PLEASE,</i></b> teach your fellow readers! </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-23123613432824569552012-06-03T08:33:00.000-05:002012-06-03T08:33:44.451-05:00You Can't Come In<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
scanner barked the information to the patrol officer. "Two males beating on a church door. Inside, the members are watching a
movie. They just want the men to go away."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">People
beating on the doors to get in and members trying to make them go
away? Am I just dense, or is there something wrong with this picture?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Yes
there is something wrong, but there has been something wrong for
centuries.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Four
men tore away a roof to get to Jesus. Inside were the curious, the
self-righteous, and observers of the Jesus phenomenon. They were in
the way. They prevented the needy from getting in.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Bartemaeus,
the blind man, wanted his sight. With an obnoxiously load voice, he
pleaded for Jesus' mercy. Instead of bringing him to Jesus, many
sternly told him to shut up! </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Parents
brought their children to Jesus so he could touch them. But Jesus'
own disciples were rebuking the parents. His own people were in the
way.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
people of Dalmanuthia needed assistance in meeting Jesus. Their leaders insisted Jesus show them a sign as proof of his authority. The very people who could have helped, blocked access to the
Savior.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Real
occurrences. Real people. Real needs. But good people got in the way.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I
ask myself these questions.</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Does
my occasional apathetic attitude get in the way of people who really
need Jesus?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Am
I in church to see, or be seen, by others? </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Is
my attitude preventing someone from knowing Jesus? </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do
I want people to improve my life, or do I just want them to go away
and leave me alone?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Does
my sense of church etiquette get in the way of someone crying for
His attention?</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What
answers do you get when you ask yourself these questions?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-30806328619914342562012-06-01T09:33:00.000-05:002012-06-01T09:33:30.950-05:00Whose??<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
She was a famous singer. She died form an drug overdose. Now her home is for sale. It has been appraised for four million. That is a 4 with <i><u>six</u></i> zeros. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I am sure the house is wonderful. With that much money she could have a basketball court, or a large pond stocked with 8-lbs bass, or an amazingview of the ocean. I certainly hope she spend a lot of time there and was able to enjoy all its features repeatedly. It would be hard to get $4,000,000 worth of pleasure out of any home.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
But I have this voice in the back of my head that keeps saying, "And then whose shall these things be?" I think it is my version of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2012:16-20&version=NASB" target="_blank">Luke 12:16-20</a>. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
We can have nice things, enjoy them properly, and still be good servants of God. But greed is extremely sneaky. He will convince us that we "need" more, or that we "need" bigger, or better. Opulence follows, and that is not God's way.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
In the 1930s a young preacher, walking on foot from one place to another, kept praying for God to send him good transportation. He envisioned traveling from place to place in a Model T. He just knew he could do more preaching if he was not spending so much time walking. But till God would answer his prayer, he decided, he would continue to walk. He continued to walk past farms with signs about horses for sale. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
How much of what we "need" is really a need?</div>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789751063280553443.post-14774260952676633572012-05-31T18:40:00.000-05:002012-05-31T18:40:32.626-05:00Straight Line<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">I managed to do it again,
and I did it very well.</span>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm mowed a straight line
across my wide yard.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Not amazed? You should be.
My yard is 75 yards wide. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">How do I do it? I stare
at an object 100 yards beyond where I need to go. I </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><u>fix
</u></i></span><span style="font-size: small;">my eyes on the object.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As long as I keep my eyes
on the object, I can drive a straight line. But the moment I look
away, I get out of line.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As long as Peter stared at
Jesus, he walked on water. When he looked away and saw the waves, he
sank.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209:51&version=NASB" target="_blank">Luke 9:51</a> indicates that
when Jesus realized his ascension was approaching, he became
determined to go to Jerusalem. Going to Jerusalem would cost him his
life. So he 'fixed' his eyes on heaven and he endured the cross.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012:1-2&version=NASB" target="_blank">Hebrews 12:1-2</a> reminds us
about 'fixing' our eyes on Jesus. The passage has 2 challenges: </span>
</div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">to put aside the sins
that weigh us down,</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">to live with patience
the life before us, keeping our eyes 'fixed' on Jesus.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">If I
fix my eyes on Jesus, I will see him:</span>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">overcoming temptation
with Bible verses.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">preaching repentance.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">serving the ill.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">telling people how to
be happy.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">warning people about
following him, and the trouble that </span><span style="font-size: small;"><u>will
</u></span><span style="font-size: small;">come.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">teaching the extent
of our influence.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">indicating the
importance of conflict resolution.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">teaching the
extreme need to not stumble with sins like adultery.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">urging careful mate
selection.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">promoting promise
keeping.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">retarding
retaliation.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">loving his enemies.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">practicing a
non-showy piety.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">praying.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">mastering money.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">wiping out worry.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">showing the
self-condemning nature of judging others.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">handcuffing
hypocrisy.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This
is the author and perfecter of our faith. When I fix my eyes on him,
I will walk his straight line.</span></div>Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16281597652679210050noreply@blogger.com1