tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28804553301965364742024-03-29T05:20:51.951-07:00The Backside of the PulpitRon Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.comBlogger4629125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-66027274967177082092024-03-29T05:20:00.000-07:002024-03-29T05:20:11.176-07:00WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT GOOD FRIDAY?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">GOOD Friday, March 29,
2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a name="_Hlk100908695"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT GOOD
FRIDAY</span></u></i></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Mark 15:15-25<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">15
And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and
delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">16
And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call
together the whole band.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">17
And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it
about his head,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">18
And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">19
And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing
their knees worshipped him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">20
And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his
own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">21
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country,
the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">22
And they bring him unto the place <st1:place w:st="on">Golgotha</st1:place>,
which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">23
And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">24
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon
them, what every man should take.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">25
And it was the third hour,[mid-day] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>and they crucified him</u></i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Today
is the Friday before Easter</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">. It is referred to as Good Friday and black
is its liturgical color. No bells are sounded in the bell towers and no organ
is played on this day. Fourteen crosses or stations of the cross are set up in
the church which trace Christ’s walk along the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Via Dolorosa</i> or the Way of Suffering. Three times Jesus falls to
the ground along this way. According to Catholic tradition, a woman named
Veronica stops to wipe the blood and grime from Jesus’ face. <b>She is nowhere so
named in the Bible</b>. An unnamed or “certain” woman is described in Luke 11:27.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">There
is some controversy regarding this day</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> being the
day upon which Jesus was crucified because it is difficult to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">squeeze</b> three days and also three
nights into the time between Friday afternoon, according to John’s sixth hour,
and dawn on Sunday. Some scholars say that each <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">partial day</b> represents a full day, but it seems to be an attempt to
put a square peg into a round hole. We are left to our own preferences for
either a precise interpretation or a more liberal view. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">After
all that has been said</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">, the question remains as to <b>what is good</b>
about Good Friday. Well, if Jesus had not suffered and died there would be no
punishment for sin. He carried the <b>full weight of sin</b> for every man and
then extended salvation by grace through faith. Those who claim to win heaven
by their own moral behavior mock and shame the sacrifice of Jesus by doing so.
Even the wicked Caiaphas understood that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jesus
was to be a sacrifice</b> although he applied his logic to the political
situation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">John 11:49-50<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">49
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said
unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it is expedient for us, that one
man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not</i></b>.</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Today
is a day to reflect</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> upon the suffering of the Savior. Whether it
be the traditional stations of the cross or simply a review of the biblical
account, let us remember what it cost to redeem us. Let this humble us and make
us grateful. Let this motivate us to deeper devotion. This is what is <b>good</b>
about Good Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk100908695;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear
Lord, we would complain with Peter that you should not suffer such a death, but
we would be as wrong as he. Thank you for taking each blow meant for me. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-82759319124404538752024-03-28T08:32:00.000-07:002024-03-28T08:32:26.066-07:00JESUS IN THE HOUSE!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Thursday, March 28, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">JESUS IN THE HOUSE</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">John 12:1-3<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">12 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Then Jesus six days before the passover came
to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the
dead.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">2 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">There they made him a supper; and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Martha
served:</u></i></b> but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Then took Mary a pound of ointment</u></i></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the
feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with
the odour of the ointment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Jesus often resorted
to Bethany</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> where He
enjoyed the hospitality of His friends Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. As I read
this story, I imagine Martha as the elder of the three. She was certainly the
house boss, and her gift was serving. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I think all three
hosts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> acted in
a manner befitting their gifts, personalities, and circumstance. Martha served!
She was a fastidious manager of the home and such a guest as Jesus required
that she do her very best. Mary was, I think, wispy and emotional. Her natural
inclination would be to simply enjoy and provide companionship. Lazarus, the
man of the house, had been sick. In fact, Lazarus had been dead – four days
dead. Lazarus sat at the table with Jesus. There is no record of anything
Lazarus said. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Many will host family
and friends this weekend. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">There
is a ham in the fridge which will become the centerpiece of the noon meal. Children
will want to bake – egg shaped cookies. Some will surely color eggs and then
hide and find them. Guests will be welcomed into a house cleaned and prefect,
but it won’t be long before the house will look “lived in.” It will be like
Christmas without the tree.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Whether we serve, sit,
or spend lavishly,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">
when Jesus is in the house it is a special time. He stands at the door
knocking, this morning. Let him in!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, come on in and make yourself at
home. Let me sit at your feet and worship. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-30853720633254169362024-03-27T05:50:00.000-07:002024-03-27T05:50:48.785-07:00BEHOLD THE MAN!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Wednesday, March 27, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">BEHOLD THE MAN</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">John 19:1-5</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">19 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and
scourged him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns,
and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they
smote him with their hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith
unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no
fault in him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">5 Then came Jesus forth, <b><i>wearing the
crown of thorns, and the purple robe</i></b>. And Pilate saith unto them,
Behold the man!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">What do you see when
you see it?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> As
strange as that question might be it begs to be answered. Pilate could hardly
understand why the Jewish leaders were so insistent on killing Jesus. He said:
“Why? What evil hath he done?” Truth be told, Pilate didn’t understand much
about the Jews or their land. It was a dry and inhospitable place full of
strange people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Behold the Man!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> See what <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I</b>
have done? I am more powerful than your king. I have proven him to be weak and
ineffective. I have made him and you to be a joke. I have given him a crown of
pain and a robe of mockery. I have bound his hands that he can’t act. I have
humbled him. I have done what I was sent here to do; to quell riots and to keep
peace with an iron hand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Behold the Man!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> See what <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you</b>
have done. Why torture him further? Hasn’t he suffered enough? He is at the
point of death. Send him on his way. He will not trouble you anymore. Why
demand his life? Have you no sympathy or natural pity?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Behold the Man!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> Does he not reveal something evil in all of
us? Is he not a mirror reflecting our violence and our hatred? Is this why he
must be killed? He must be taken away because we can’t run away. He condemns us
just by standing here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Behold the Man!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> Ye who look for a savior look to Jesus. He
suffers all this for you. He was slapped in the face before Annas the priest,
spat upon and beaten before Caiaphas, scourged before Pilate, and mocked by the
soldiers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">When I Survey The Wondrous Cross<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Were
the whole realm of nature mine,<br />
That were a present far too small:<br />
Love so amazing, so divine,<br />
Demands my soul, my life, my all.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Jesus! It is hard to look upon your
suffering. My heart melts inside me when I think that each blow has come from
my sinful hand. Thank you, Lord, for the cleansing blood. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-85985213304799534522024-03-26T05:43:00.000-07:002024-03-26T05:43:25.513-07:00PLEASE DON’T GO!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Tuesday, March 26, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">PLEASE DON’T GO</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Matt 16:21-23<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 14.2pt 35.2pt 71.25pt 107.2pt 143.2pt 179.25pt 215.25pt 251.25pt 287.25pt 323.2pt 359.2pt 395.2pt 431.2pt 467.2pt 503.2pt 539.2pt; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-text-raise: 3.0pt; position: relative; top: -3.0pt;">21</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his
disciples, how that he must go unto <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>,
and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be
killed, and be raised again the third day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 14.2pt 35.2pt 71.25pt 107.2pt 143.2pt 179.25pt 215.25pt 251.25pt 287.25pt 323.2pt 359.2pt 395.2pt 431.2pt 467.2pt 503.2pt 539.2pt; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-text-raise: 3.0pt; position: relative; top: -3.0pt;">22</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be
it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 14.2pt 35.2pt 71.25pt 107.2pt 143.2pt 179.25pt 215.25pt 251.25pt 287.25pt 323.2pt 359.2pt 395.2pt 431.2pt 467.2pt 503.2pt 539.2pt; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-text-raise: 3.0pt; position: relative; top: -3.0pt;">23</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">But he turned, and said unto Peter, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou
savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">It is not easy for us
to grasp</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> the oppression that was practiced upon the
people by the religious elite of that day. They walked about in royal robes and
added tax upon tax while working hand in hand with the oppressive Romans.
Rightly did Jesus advise his followers to listen to their teaching but to shun
their behavior. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The scriptures at hand
indicate</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> either an end of the beginning or the
beginning of the end. Jesus began and <b><i>kept on teaching</i></b> his
disciples that immediately ahead was trouble. The very people who represented
God to the people would perpetrate unthinkable cruelty upon the Son of God.
Jesus would be killed and that is all that Peter could grasp. We wonder if he
even heard the last part of the message – “and be raised again the third day.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">What a burning rebuke
it was</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> to hear Jesus call Peter “Satan!” I am sure
that Peter’s only motivation was <b><i>the preservation of his Master</i></b>
but his resistance to God’s clear plan was devilish. Confusion and wonder
filled Peter’s mind. He was not thinking spiritually but naturally. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">If we stand before our
tilled garden</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> with seeds in our hand, we are faced with a
decision and a choice. If we look at the seeds with a desire to keep them, we
will have no harvest. We must sacrifice them to the ground so that death might
produce life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Thomas Jefferson</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">, a great man,
nevertheless could not accept the miraculous elements in Scripture. He edited
his own special version of the Bible in which all references to the
supernatural were deleted. <st1:place w:st="on">Jefferson</st1:place>, in
editing the Gospels, confined himself solely to the moral teachings of Jesus.
The closing words of <st1:place w:st="on">Jefferson</st1:place>'s Bible are
these: "There laid they Jesus and rolled a great stone at the mouth of the
sepulchre and departed." Thank God that is not the way the story really
ends! --<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">James S. Hewett<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, Peter begged you not to go. I beg you now to return. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-42632588520563475902024-03-25T04:09:00.000-07:002024-03-25T04:09:29.258-07:00PASSOVER DRAWS NEAR<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Monday, March 25, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">PASSOVER DRAWS NEAR</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Luke 22:1-7<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">22 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew
nigh, which is called the Passover.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how
they might kill him; <b><i>for they feared the people.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed
Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">4 And he went his way, and communed with the
chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give
him money.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to
betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, <b><i>when
the Passover must be killed</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The Passover
commemorated the deliverance of Israel</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> from Egyptian bondage. A nation was born in a day and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region></st1:place>
was spoiled of all their goods. Every year Jewish males were required to come
to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place> to
celebrate the Passover. It would have been an opportune time for a revolt. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The Romans were always
nervous during these feasts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">,
especially Passover, as the comparison of Romans and Egyptians was so very
clear. Both were harsh and enslaving. The Romans were always wary of some
would-be Messiah bent on overthrowing Roman rule. It was also why King Herod
and Pontius Pilate were in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>.
They were there to help keep the peace. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Jesus, during
questioning, explained</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">
that his kingdom was “not of this world” (John 18:36). Pilate need not fear a
violent revolt spawned by His followers. Those who needed to fear were the
religious elite.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">One of the liturgical
aspects of Passover</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">
was the removal of all leaven from Jewish homes. It was a reminder that <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> so hastily left <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region></st1:place> that they had no time to
apply yeast to their bread. Leaven had become a symbol of sin, and Jews
carefully swept their cupboards clean. Jesus warned His followers to avoid the
leaven of the Pharisees which was hypocrisy. Now their hypocrisy would
perpetrate an indescribable evil during <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s most holy week.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">At this time Satan
made his move</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> by
entering into Judas the thief but Satan miscalculated the result of his
actions. Satan’s participation in the death of Jesus was actually his undoing
for in dying Jesus conquered both death and Satan himself. In rising again
Jesus sealed Satan’s doom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Living
– He loved me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dying
– He saved me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Buried
– He carried my sins far away!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Rising
– He justified, freely forever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">One
day – He’s coming! Oh, glorious day!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, I am amazed that you so calmly
prepared for your own sacrifice. You prepared yourself. You prepared your
disciples. Every detail was known by you, and you did not shrink from any of
the evil. Thank you, Lord, for your great sacrifice. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-87796997717389051302024-03-24T05:22:00.000-07:002024-03-24T05:22:18.471-07:00SAVE NOW!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Sunday, March 24, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">SAVE NOW</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Ps 118:22-27<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">22 The stone which the builders refused is
become the head stone of the corner.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">23 This is the Lord 's doing; it is marvellous
in our eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">24 This is the day which the Lord<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">25 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord</u></i></b>
: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of
the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">27 God is the Lord, which hath shewed us
light: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar</u></i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Matt 21:6-9<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus
commanded them,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put
on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">8 And a very great multitude spread their
garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them
in the way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">9 And the multitudes that went before, and
that followed, cried, saying, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is
he that cometh in the name of the Lord</u></i></b>; Hosanna in the highest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The word “Hosanna”
literally means “oh, save!”</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> As
Jesus rode into <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>
as the King of Peace, the people cried out for salvation. Some cried out for
political change, no doubt, but there must have been some in the crowd who
understood that their souls needed saving. Cursed by the fall, they had ruined
their lives with poor choices and selfish concerns. They needed to be saved!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Caught up in this
impromptu coronation</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place> still did not
understand who this man was (see Matthew 21:10). Some acknowledged Him as a
Prophet and with that honor they still failed to realize His full authority. So
it is with us! No matter how much we honor Him, He is always much more than we
perceive Him to be. Today is a day for praising Him, for crowning Him and for
telling others about Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Zech 9:9<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of <st1:city w:st="on">Zion</st1:city>; shout, O daughter of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>: behold, thy King cometh unto thee:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>he
is just, and having salvation</u></i></b>; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and
upon a colt the foal of an ass.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, let me crown you king of my life
today. Thank you for bringing salvation! AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-84366794824346737122024-03-23T07:50:00.000-07:002024-03-23T07:50:20.465-07:00CONTINUE!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Saturday, March 23, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">CONTINUE</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">John 8:31-32<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">31 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed
on him, If ye <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>continue in my word</u></i></b>, then are ye my disciples <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>indeed</u></i></b>;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">32 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">And ye shall know the truth, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>the
truth shall make you free</u></i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Notice that Jesus
addressed</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> what we
might today call “new converts.” These were not only Jews, but they were also
Jews “which believed on him.” Jesus was about to set them on a steadfast path
of discipleship. He points out <b><i>three important things</i></b> to
consider.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">He says that
continuing</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> in His
teaching was the attestation, proof, and confirmation of the reality of their
faith. The word “continue” is the Greek word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">meno</i></b> which means “abide,
continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, and tarry!” Since they had
believed they were to <b><i>stick with it.</i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Their continuing would
give proof</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">, both to
themselves and to observers, that they had real faith. The word “indeed” is the
Greek word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">alethos</i></b> which means “surely, truly, and verily.” So, the
concept of continuance is reinforced. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Taking up permanent
residence</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> in the
truth would result in knowing the truth and that would make them truly free.
The word “truth” is the word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aletheia</i></b> which is a variation of the
word used for “indeed” and has the same meaning. It means “truly and verily.”
Continuing in Christ’s teaching would move one from speculation to
confirmation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Sadly</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">, the word “free” was filtered through the
paradigm and pride of their culture and they were instantly offended. They
claimed to never have been enslaved but their own history made them liars. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Jesus concludes</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> by telling them that a “change of residence”
was necessary. In verse 34 the word “committeth” indicates <b>habitual practice</b>
and not occasional failure. So, we read, “Whosoever habitually practices sin is
the servant of sin.” The one who claims salvation yet habitually practices sin
is both deceived and a deceiver.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, I know I cannot produce salvation
by my good works, but I know that salvation will produce good works in me.
Thank you for your grace. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-27945571990508059662024-03-22T06:02:00.000-07:002024-03-22T06:02:01.813-07:00LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Friday, March 22, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Matt
5:14-16<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot
be hid.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">16 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Let your light so shine</u></i></b> before men, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>that they may see</u></i></b>
your good works, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>and glorify your Father</u></i></b> which is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to give up a
trade secret</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> among ministers this morning. There are times
when we get sick and tired of being “nice.” We get tired to death of
restraining ourselves from giving certain individuals a valuable piece of our
mind because they seem not to have much of a mind themselves. We grow morbidly
weary of being called upon to pray some magic little prayer that will eliminate
the consequences of stupidity. How we sometimes envy those whose task in life
is to stand in some assembly line and unendingly attach some widget to some gadget.
Perhaps this is why most ministers resist the call to such a life. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
candle may resent the flame – but will always yield to it.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Like a candle</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">, we may resent the heat of the flame of ministry. We know that this
flame will gradually wear us away, but we also know that this is our purpose
and reason for existence. Fancier candles may give off their sweet perfume but
that is not their purpose or design. They are to give forth light and in order
to do that they must yield to the flame. We care because God’s care has been
melted and formed within us. It is part of our nature. We respond because the
spirit of the Good Samaritan has been poured into us. We shine because the
master regularly trims our wick. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">You too are a candle </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">formed and poured by the Lord. Do not resist the flame of obligation.
Do not hide your light under the basket of selfishness. Take your place on the
candlestick and let your light shine. Men will see your good works and
understand that God is at the center of them. Glorify God today!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, I yield to the flame today! Use me to send forth your
light. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-63491526279546192352024-03-21T04:05:00.000-07:002024-03-21T04:05:34.426-07:00AN UNCHANGING GOD!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Thursday, March 21, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">AN UNCHANGING GOD</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Mal 3:6-9<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">6 For I am the Lord, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>I change not</u></i></b>;
therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are
gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I
will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we
return?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me.
But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have
robbed me, even this whole nation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Sitting in the shadows</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> of the tithing issue is the important
doctrine of the immutability of God. He is an essential being. He exists
without cause and is Himself the cause of all things. From everlasting [before
time] to everlasting [after time] He is God (Psalm 90:2). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">He is unchangeable in
his attributes.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">
There can be no increase or decrease in his power, wisdom, holiness, or love.
We may understand them more or less but these never change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">He is unchangeable in
his purposes</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">. Nothing
catches Him off guard. He is not challenged by the suggestion of an improvement
to His plans. He is not defeated by any supposed superior logic or argument.
Those who cooperate with His plans are blessed by having their own plans
succeed. Those who resist His plans fail in their own schemes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">He is therefore
faithful.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> Happy is
the lender who lends to God for he has no fear of being repaid! Happy is the
man who has Jehovah’s name upon a contract. The continued existence of the
church is not due to her faithfulness but to God’s faithfulness. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He
who doubts the continuation of his salvation doubts the willingness and ability
of God to keep promises</i></b>. Verse 6 clearly states the case.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Although God does not
change, He is not an uncaring stone</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">. He is relational and interactive. He is subject to appeal by those
whom He loves. His heart is touched by our condition, and He moves to remedy
our faults and supply our needs. Why would a God who does not need us be so
responsive to those who need Him? Yet everywhere we see God acting in
compassion and mercy and we take courage knowing that this too never changes.
“He is kind to the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Heb 4:15-16<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">15 For we have not an high priest which cannot
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted
like as we are, yet without sin.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the
throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of
need.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Oh, unchangeable God! Hear our prayers when we
call unto thee and let thy heart be touched by our condition. Be faithful to
thy unfaithful ones. Be kind even though we are unthankful. Draw us to thy
heart because you do not change. Establish us and make us like thyself. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-39355971723309386852024-03-20T07:28:00.000-07:002024-03-20T07:28:31.463-07:00A FORM OF INSANITY<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Wednesday, March 20, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A FORM OF INSANITY</span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Matt 12:38-40<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">38 Then certain of the
scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from
thee.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">39 But he answered and
said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and
there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">40 For as Jonas was three
days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three
days and three nights <b><i>in the heart of the earth</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Albert Einstein did not say</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">,
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting the same result.”
The actual quote, as obscure as it may sound, comes from a mystery author named
<b>Rita Mae Brown</b>. She wrote, in her 1983 book <i>Sudden Death</i>, that
“Unfortunately, Susan didn’t remember what Jane Fulton once said. ‘Insanity is
doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.'” (quotesexplained.com)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The Pharisees</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
demanded a sign from Jesus while observing signs over and over again. Jesus
healed the sick and it was attributed to spells, magic, and slight of hand. They
also focused on the tiny, insignificant aspects of their faith while
intentionally violating the larger principles. Jesus described it as “staining
at a gnat but swallowing a camel.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
they had so long “walked by sight”, they demanded something they could see. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">John 10:24-25<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">24 Then came the Jews
round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to <b>doubt</b>?
If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">25 Jesus answered them, I
told you, and ye believed not: <b><i>the works that I do in my Father's name,
they bear witness of me.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Our world</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">,
our nation, and some Christians are doing the same things repeatedly hoping for
a different product. <b>It is lunacy</b>. We keep straining at gnats and
ignoring the weightier matters of our faith. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Dear Lord, let me not be
trapped in the insane cycle of not seeing the clearly observable evidence of
your existence, your mercy, and your love. AMEN <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-56172659489361921462024-03-19T05:55:00.000-07:002024-03-19T05:55:18.990-07:00YOU ARE UNIQUE<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Tuesday, March 19, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">YOU ARE UNIQUE</span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Gen 1:2<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">24 And <b>God said</b>,
Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and
creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: <b>and it was so</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Gen 2:7<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">7 And the LORD <b>God
formed</b> man of the dust of the ground <b>and breathed</b> into his nostrils
the breath of life; <b>and man became a living soul</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">You are different from the animals.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
Those were spoken into existence by the powerful, creative voice of God at the
beginning of day 6. You, on the other hand, were “formed” <b><i>yatsar</i></b>,
“to squeeze into shape” from the dust of the ground. Oh, and this <b>same word</b>,
<b><i>yatsar</i></b>, is used to describe the formation of a baby in the womb. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Jer 1:4-5<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">4 Then the word of the
Lord came unto me, saying,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">5 Before <b>I formed thee
</b>in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I
sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">AWESOME
SPIRIT BEING CONFESSION<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Because
of Christ’s redemption</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">I
am an awesome spirit being,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">of
magnificent worth as a person.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">I
am deeply loved,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">I
am completely forgiven,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">I
am fully pleasing to God,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">totally
accepted by God in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">I
am absolutely complete in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">When
<b><i>my performance</i></b> reflects my<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">new
identity in Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">that
reflection is <b><i>dynamically unique</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">There
has never been another person<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">like
myself in the history of mankind,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">nor
will there ever be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">God
has made me <b><i>an original</i></b>,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">one
of a kind,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">a
special person.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">lifebuilderscounseling.org
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Dear Lord, thank You for reminding
me that I am not like others and therefore my worth is not to be measured
against others. My affirmation comes from you as does my worth. Thank You for
seeing in me value that I can’t even see in myself. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-32364016529021836282024-03-18T05:58:00.000-07:002024-03-18T05:58:27.346-07:00NOT ENDED – EXTENDED<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Monday, March 18, 2024</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">NOT ENDED –
EXTENDED</span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">2 Tim 2:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">1 Thou therefore, my son,
be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">2 And the things that
thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful
men, who shall be able to <b><i>teach others also</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">I had a bit of an epiphany</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
while on the way to church yesterday. Although I am retired from active
pastoral ministry, that ministry has not ended, it is instead extended through
the lives of those I have shepherded through the years. They are the “others
also.” It was a refreshing thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">In every ministry</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">,
even the smaller ones, there have been those who have picked up the baton and
continued the race. The little girl we picked up in our car and brought to
Sunday school is now a pastor’s wife with children who have become
missionaries. The brilliant young man who knelt beside my old yellow plastic
couch to trust Jesus is now a retired law officer and judge with grandchildren
of his own. The couple who are dear friends though miles away are now retired
pastors with two missionary children. One teen boy is now a pastor in Virginia.
Another teen girl is now a pastor’s wife with children in Bible college. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">It is significant</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
that Paul is talking to young Timothy. Paul was “ready to be offered.” (2 Tim.
4:6) He was about to deliver his own ministry into the hands of a younger man. He
urged Timothy to do the same. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">In the Christmas classic</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">,
<i>A Wonderful Life</i>, Clarence said to George Bailey, “You see, George, you
really had a wonderful life.” George didn’t have much because he had given so much
away, and that spirit of giving had reproduced itself repeatedly. The gospel is
like that. When committed to faithful men, it just keeps going and going. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">2 Tim 4:7-8<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">7 I have fought a good
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">8 Henceforth there is
laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love
his appearing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Thank you, Lord, for the
rich memories of your blessings. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-5952988380849822852024-03-17T04:56:00.000-07:002024-03-17T04:56:26.891-07:00THE RAISING OF LAZARUS<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Sunday, March 17, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">THE RAISING OF
LAZARUS<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">John 11:11-14<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">11 These things said he:
and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that
I may awake him out of sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">12 Then said his
disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">13 Howbeit Jesus spake of
his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">14 Then said Jesus unto
them plainly, <b><i>Lazarus is dead</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">John 12:9-10<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">9 Much people of the Jews
therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but
that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">10 <b><i>But the chief
priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">It is interesting, isn’t it,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
that Jeus sought how He might make Lazarus LIVE, and the chief priests sought
how they might make him DIE. Therin rests the horrible divide between Jesus and
the Jewish leaders. One tends toward life and the other tends toward death.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Examine your lifestyle</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
for a moment. Mentally follow the things you believe and the things that you do
and see where they lead you. Take drinking as only one <b>example</b>. At first
it is fun and social, and the drink itself lifts the spirit. After awhile it
becomes demanding and controlling. Later balance and reason are lost to
foolishness and stumbling. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but
the end thereof are <b>the ways of death</b>.” <b><u>Prov 14:12</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">John 10:10<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">10 The thief cometh not,
but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have
life, and that they might have it more abundantly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Dear Lord, help me to
evaluate my lifestyle and rightly determine their value and their end. Let me follow
those things that tend toward life. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-11536675655060512122024-03-16T07:21:00.000-07:002024-03-16T07:21:00.591-07:00CONFIDENCE IN TURMOIL<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Saturday, March 16, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">CONFIDENCE IN TURMOIL</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">2 Tim 3:1<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">This know also, that in the last days <b>perilous
times</b> shall come.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Luke 21:25-26<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">25 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">And there shall be signs in the sun, and in
the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with
perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">26 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Men's hearts failing them for fear</u></i></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">, and for looking after those things which are
coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Americans had</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>134,279,612</u> babies</b> in 2023 according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between January 1 and May
31, 2023, an estimated <b><u>7.1 million</u></b> guns have been sold. That’s
about <b><u>1.4 million </u></b>guns a month on average. Background checks for
the same period was more than eight million.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Americans do not feel
safe in our own country</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">.
We fear the spreading violence that has accompanied loose immigration
management. Those on terrorist watch lists have made us uncomfortable by
bringing into our country soldiers pretending to be refugees. We fear our own
government because it is now being run by professional politicians who have
lost touch with their constituents. The Department of Justice seems to be operating
unjustly. Their decisions seem insane. We fear our own culture.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">This was foreseen by
both Paul and Jesus</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">
who warned that “in the last days” <b>perilous times</b> would come. Paul said
that the main cause would be that men would become “lovers of their own
selves.” Jesus said that the “sea and the waves would be roaring” which
symbolize the fact that the world would be in a <b>chaotic state</b>. If we are
ever to feel safe, we must run to Jesus as our strong tower.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Prov 18:10<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">10 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the
righteous runneth into it, and is safe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, perilous times are already here.
Keep us safe here until we are safe at home. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-22557972675854797892024-03-15T06:56:00.000-07:002024-03-15T06:56:06.930-07:00CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Friday, March 15, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">1 Cor 12:25-26<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">25 That there should be no schism in the body;
but that the members should <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>have the same care one for another</u></i></b>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">26 And whether one member suffer, all the
members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with
it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Luke 10:33-35<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed,
came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds,
pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an
inn, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>took care of him</u></i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took
out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Take
care of him</u></i></b>; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again,
I will repay thee.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">What would it be like
to be truly carefree?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">
What would it be like to have no anxiety about anything or anyone? Our first
response, I think, is always wrong because we think it would be heavenly. Upon
further contemplation, however, we would discover that we love no one but
ourselves and that all our pleasant things no longer satisfy us. God built into
each one of us the capacity to care. The first man – even before Eve – was
given the task of naming all the animals and “taking care” of the perfectly
formed garden. <b><i>Man without a care is not so carefree after all.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The word and concept
of “care” is different in our two portions this morning</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">. The word used in Corinthians which talks
about mutual care of each other is the Greek word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">merimnao</i></b> and means “to be
anxious about or to take thought.” The idea is that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>someone is on my mind</u></i></b>
and that I desire them to be happy, healthy, and well looked after. Now,
imagine that there is nothing or nobody in your heart that causes you to care!
It is hard to wrap your mind around the concept, isn’t it? We care for our
spouses, our children, our friends, and a host of others. It means that we have
the capacity to love someone other than ourselves. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thank God for that!</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">In the story of the
Good Samaritan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> the word <b>care</b>
is the Greek word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">epimeleomai</i></b> and means “to minister to someone physically or
practically.” This is when concern springs into action. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It is always costly!</i></b> The
Samaritan cared because he had compassion. He felt the pain of another. He
allowed himself to be inconvenienced and to suffer a small financial loss. It
was not an investment <b>– it was a gift! <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">God gave us the
capacity to care and the energy to do something about that concern</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">. He knows that when we minister to others it
costs us something physically, psychologically, and often financially. However,
he does not want us to be burdened down with care. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1 Peter 5:7</u></b> invites us to “Cast all our care upon him; for
he cares for us.” In this verse the idea of care is that we are <b>distracted.</b>
When it gets too heavy give it to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Is someone heavy on
your mind?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> Pray for
them! Do they have a need? Minister to them in a practical way! Is it so heavy
it is driving you to distraction? Give it to Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, I care for many of my friends and
loved ones this morning. When possible, let me minister to them in a practical
way. When the burden gets to be too heavy, please lift my load. Thank you. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-85939978010188179462024-03-14T06:50:00.000-07:002024-03-14T06:50:11.302-07:00THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Thursday, March 14, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">THERE IS A DIFFERENCE</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Ezek 22:26<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">26 Her [<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s] priests have violated my
law, and have profaned mine holy things: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>they have put no difference between the
holy and profane</u></i></b>, neither have they shewed difference between the
unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am
profaned among them.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Ezek 44:23<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">23 And they shall teach my people <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>the
difference between the holy and profane</u></i></b>, and cause them to discern
between the unclean and the clean.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Along with the
cultural upheaval which so marks our time</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">, we see a confusion between right and wrong!
In questioning the sacrosanct we have committed sacrilege. In abandoning the
vestments and instruments of worship, religion has become common. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We gasp at nothing!</b> We have lost both
sophistication and deportment in approaching a holy God. In abandoning
traditions, we have gone too far and have blurred the lines between the holy
and the profane.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">In the Old Testament,
whenever God wanted to do something with a man,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> he revealed himself in both majesty and
holiness, for He could hardly do otherwise. In Isaiah chapter 6, Isaiah saw God
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">high and lifted up</b>. God revealed
himself in <b><i>grandeur</i></b> that was awe inspiring. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The contrast was so keen that
Isaiah was immediately reminded of his sins.</i></b> Shame, repentance, and
worship were the results. In Genesis 28:16, Jacob saw a vision of a great
staircase upon which angels ascended and descended from heaven to earth. He
concluded that God was in that place and that he had been ignorant of it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">It is the duty of the
priest or pastor</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> to
teach the people that there is a difference between the holy and the profane.
Only when we grasp this will our relationship with God be what it should be. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Open
My Eyes, That I May See<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Open my eyes, that I may see<br />
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;<br />
Place in my hands the wonderful key<br />
That shall unclasp and set me free.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Refrain<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br />
Silently now I wait for Thee,<br />
Ready my God, Thy will to see,<br />
Open my eyes, illumine me,<br />
Spirit divine! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, make crisp the lines of right and
wrong in my life. Be thou holy unto me. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-11490541205552164622024-03-13T11:02:00.000-07:002024-03-13T11:02:23.989-07:00A MILE IN THEIR MOCCASINS<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Wednesday, March 13, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">A MILE IN THEIR MOCCASINS <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Matt 7:1-5<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">7 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Judge not, that ye be not judged.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">2 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be
judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy
brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">4 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me
pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">5 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of
thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy
brother's eye.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">It is not clear</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> who first said, “Do not judge a man until you
have first walked a mile in their moccasins.” The saying needs little comment
and is generally understood that we seldom know the difficulties that others
are going through. Some latitude is needed as we view the struggles of those we
consider failures.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Becoming a Pharisee is
so easy!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> When we
become comfortable with our brand of Christianity it is so easy to yield to the
temptation to judge others who don’t measure up. Almost always that kind of
judgment is done without regard to the peculiar circumstances and hindrances of
the one being judged. To say all that in fewer words, we simply are not
empathetic to the pain of others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Certainly, Jesus was
not suggesting</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> that we
tolerate wrong thinking or wrongdoing in others. <b>Both</b> the judge and the
one being judged <b><i>had something in their eye</i></b>. Neither could see clearly,
and <b><i>both were suffering pain</i></b>. Neither was in a position to see
clearly enough to evaluate the needs or ills of the other. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Phil 2:3-5<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Let nothing be done through strife or
vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">4 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Look not every man on his own things, but
every man also on the things of others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">5 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Merciful Father, let me be a little meeker
with a brother who is weaker. Let me think a little more of others and a little
less of me. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-68341862866715204362024-03-12T06:38:00.000-07:002024-03-12T06:38:59.157-07:00HE WAS - AND IS - AND IS TO COME<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Tuesday, March 12, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">HE WAS - AND IS - AND
IS TO COME<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rev 1:4<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">4 John to the seven
churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him <b><i>which
is, and which was, and which is to come</i></b>; and from the seven Spirits
which are before his throne;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rev 1:8<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">8 I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, <b><i>which is, and which was,
and which is to come</i></b>, the Almighty.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rev 4:8<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Holy, holy, holy, Lord
God Almighty, <b><i>which was, and is, and is to come</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">It is hard for us,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
as finite beings, to make sense of the eternality of Jesus. We can’t remember our
youngest years of childhood. We rely on stories of our baby days. Old photos
and documents give some insight into the lives of relatives before our birth.
It is called history and some of us have a true hunger for it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Day after day</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
we transition from former to future while living in the present. We don’t give
it much thought and when we do it is a fearful thing. Even those whose future
is secure in Jesus, have some discomfort in that final transition from body to
spirit. It is called death, and it has a sting. (First Corinthians 15:55)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Easter arrives early</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
on this year’s calendar, and we welcome it enthusiastically. It is a reminder
of eternal life which Jeus promised to those who believe. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">John 14:19-20<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">19 Yet a little while,
and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: <b><i>because I live, ye shall
live also.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">20 At that day ye shall
know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Thank you, Lord, for the
promise of life with You. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-69066094147445670862024-03-11T05:08:00.000-07:002024-03-11T05:08:10.959-07:00THE LONG ROAD TO MATURITY!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday, March 11, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">THE LONG ROAD TO MATURITY</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Eph
4:11-15</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">11 And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>he gave some, </u></i></b>apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">12 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>For the perfecting of the saints</u></i></b>, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">perfecting </i>in verse 12</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> is the Greek <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">katartismos</i></b> which means “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete
furnishing.”</i></b> However, the word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">perfect </i></b>in verse 13 is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">teleios
</i></b>which indicates <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">reaching an appointed goal</i></b>, coming
to complete physical, moral and mental completeness. The clue to our
understanding is in verse 14 when the disciple is presented as no longer a
child tossed between opinions and options. He has made his choices and stands
firm with them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Merriam-Webster says</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> that maturity is: [1] that which is based on slow careful
consideration [2] having attained a final or desired state [3] of or relating
to a condition of full development. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The church</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> is a classroom</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> preparing the believer for heaven and not a side show to entertain
him until the bus arrives to take him there</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">! The maturing of the saints is the stated purpose of apostles,
prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The word “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">until</i></b>” indicates that it
could be a long process. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">If a child is found</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> sitting on the carpet finger painting with mustard and catsup the
parent normally does not sit down to join in the fun. He must first stop the
immature and damaging behavior, explain why it is wrong to do such a thing and
administer measured discipline. Finally, he must clean up the mess. Restrictive
boundaries must be reviewed with the hope that this same behavior is not
repeated. This process is repeated until the child understands that the
behavior is wrong and is able (mature enough) to restrain himself. The endeavor
is not for the faint of heart!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Heb 13:17</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for
they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it
with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Lord, give me patience as one who disciples souls and wisdom as
one who is moving on toward maturity. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-81556532848220521712024-03-10T05:06:00.000-07:002024-03-10T05:06:27.712-07:00A HIGH AND HOLY GOD!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Sunday, March 10, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A HIGH AND HOLY GOD</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isa
57:15<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15 For thus saith <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>the high and lofty One</u></i></b> that
inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place,
with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of
the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isa
6:1-3<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord
sitting upon a throne<b>, <i>high and lifted up,</i></b> and his train filled
the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with
twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain
he did fly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is
the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT MATTERS</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">how we
view God</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah
continues to see Jehovah in the way that he first saw Him in chapter six, Holy
and exalted. This is as it should be! Because Calvary has made God instantly <b><i>accessible</i></b>,
we have made him <b><i>casual</i></b> and <b><i>familiar</i></b>. In making Him
our Friend I fear we have ceased to see Him as Lord. In making His Word more
readable, through multiple modern translations, we have lost the <b><i>majesty</i></b>
of His words.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHO HE IS</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">determines
how He acts and reacts to us.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is Holy! That is His name! He dwells in a holy place
with others. He Himself has made us holy also. This is both good and bad news.
Those who have been made holy by the blood of His Son Jesus will one day dwell
with him but the wicked cannot dwell there. The wicked are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>so incompatible with the holy</u></i></b>
that both would be eternally frustrated. Like eggs and golf balls, both are of
the same color and relative size, but they have different natures. You might
refrigerate golf balls but could never eat them. You might smash an egg off the
tee box, but the result would not be pleasant. Each has its own place. They cannot
dwell together.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GOD TRANSFORMS</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the contrite heart. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The holy God is easily entreated and responds favorably to
those who are bruised with sorrow for their sin. To view our sins in the same
way that God views them is to share His nature <b><i>and opinion</i></b>. God
moves quickly to solidify this and to transform the penitent sinner into a holy
being through redemption. The penitent has been <b>enlightened</b> by the
Spirit, <b>convinced</b> of his sinfulness, and <b>brought</b> to repentance.
God continues to fashion him for His own holy dwelling place. <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GOD PUTS PRAISE ON OUR LIPS. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
Judah would repent and turn from his backsliding ways (see v.18) God would
remove the affliction which is only to turn him and would replace the pining
with praise. But there is no peace, God says, to the wicked. His own wickedness
afflicts him. His thoughts control him, and his deeds destroy him. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">BUT WE ARE BUILT FOR PRAISE. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heaven is a holy
place inhabited by holy people. It is not, as some think, a place where our
every lust will be satisfied. It is a place where our spirit and our heart are
revived and restored.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh Lord! Early will I praise thee! I will bless thee as long
as my soul lives. Purge me and I shall be clean. Wash me and I shall be whiter
than snow. AMEN</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-84084705351786108152024-03-09T04:55:00.000-08:002024-03-09T04:55:51.649-08:00REST IS COMING!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Saturday, March 9, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">REST IS COMING</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Heb
4:9-10<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>There remaineth therefore a rest to the
people of God</u></i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased
from his own works, as God did from his.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When God delivered the Jews</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> from Egypt, He delivered them as slaves. One of the gifts
they received was a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>required rest</u></i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ex
31:13<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13 Speak thou also unto the children of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>, saying, Verily my sabbaths
ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations;
that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That God should force rest</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
upon slaves is a curious thing. They had been conditioned by years of harshness
to think of it as normal. They had been trained by the whip that idleness was a
bad thing. Today’s frenzied pace is whipping us into the same mind-set. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gradually</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
the machinery of life spun faster and “overtime” was invented with its lure of
wealth. Finally, one man could not perform all the labor <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>thought to be needed</u></i></b>
so mother went to work as well. Housework and parenting went begging. <b>Rest
ceased!</b> Worship was postponed to another day that never came. We had once
again become slaves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The spirit needs rest</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark
6:31<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a
desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they
had no leisure so much as to eat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you carefully read the verses that precede this one</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> it is clear that one need was drowned out by the cries of another,
and one task hardly was finished before life’s assembly line presented another.
Ministry, for Jesus and His followers, had become <b><i>the dance of the weary</i></b>.
Jesus put a stop to it. A short Sabbath was needed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">it is not
just the cessation of labor that Jesus recommends. It is the focus of prayer
and the presence of God that the spirit needs. Communion with the Creator
revitalizes the soul as no amount of entertainment or amusement can ever
provide!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What master whips you</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
so that Sunday worship is neglected? Who or what has conditioned you to forego
what Jesus described to Martha as “the good part?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke
10:41-11:1<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>thou
art careful and troubled about many things</u></i></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen <b>that
good part</b>, which shall not be taken away from her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There remains a rest</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
for the people of God. Heaven is that eternal Sabbath where there shall not
enter in anything that troubles us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2
Thess 1:7<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7 And to you who are troubled <b>rest with us</b>, when the
Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Lord, I acknowledge my soul’s need for rest. I sense a
great hunger for prayer and meditation, but the demands of a busy life have me
enslaved. Liberate me and help me to find a place in the house of worship this
week. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-40356639946142365642024-03-08T05:56:00.000-08:002024-03-08T05:56:23.365-08:00THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Friday, March 8, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Acts
21:10-14<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from <st1:place w:st="on">Judaea</st1:place> a certain prophet, named Agabus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and
bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the
Jews at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>
bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of
the Gentiles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that
place, besought him not to go up to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break
mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> for the name of
the Lord Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The
will of the Lord be done</u></i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who was Agabus</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He is mentioned only one other time when he prophesied that
there would be a great drought and famine which came to pass under Claudius. It
is not clear whether this Jew was a Christian as well but it is clear that he
was connected to God’s network of knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Acts
11:28<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">28 And there stood up one of them named <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Agabus</u></i></b>, and
signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the
world: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>which came to pass</u></i></b> in the days of Claudius Caesar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What was the significance of the girdle – or belt</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul was determined to go to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> to finish a vow he had made and to
worship. There were rumblings of persecution against believers in Christ and it
was feared that Paul would be a target. Once a persecutor himself, Paul now is
an avid evangelist, and his former friends would certainly want him silenced. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As prophets are prone to do, Agabus used symbolic gestures
to foretell future events. He took Paul’s girdle, that long belt that held
everything in place and used it to tie his own hands and feet. This signified
that the owner of the belt would be bound and taken captive. This would have
been a tremendous blow to the program of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His friends warned him not to go</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul’s friends got the message! Do not go down to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> because you
will be taken captive and brought to trial. God was obviously giving a warning
that should be heeded…or was He? Could it be simply a forecasting, not of
events to be avoided, but of events that were sure to take place? The message
was clear but the response to it was not. Should Paul stay, as his friend
suggested, or should he go and submit to the prophecy?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul was determined to go</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul was ready not only to be bound but to die if necessary.
If this was what God wanted, then it was what Paul wanted also. He silenced the
argument by saying “the will of the Lord be done.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What about God’s will</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know of nothing in the Christian life so confusing and
controversial than discerning the will of God. So much goes into knowing His
will that it is easy to misinterpret the signals. First there are our own human
opinions and tendencies conditioned by so many things there is not room to
include them here. Surely, we think, God’s will would not contradict common
sense, otherwise known as the way I see things! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is the will of God always to be thought of as unpleasant?
Does God always call us to a life of missions in <st1:place w:st="on">Africa</st1:place>
where we are doomed to be eaten by lions? Must we, dressed in white linen, set
our faces against fate, and die with the proper attitude? Could it be that
God’s will or plan for us is sometimes something other than martyrdom? Might it
even be pleasant and desirable? We are sure that the plan of God is always
purposeful!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s strange isn’t it that we never ascribe pleasant things
to God. We simply take them for granted. Cool breezes on bright days are the
way things <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">SHOULD</i></b> be. Insurance companies are clear that earthquakes,
floods, high winds, and hail are all “acts of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet, if being bound and suffering pain should be Paul’s lot,
he was determined to follow God’s plan.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Lord, we do not know what today will bring forth. We
have no Agabus to warn us. Guide us clearly into thy will and give us the
courage to comply. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-42000284190150151472024-03-07T04:03:00.000-08:002024-03-07T04:03:22.717-08:00SOMEONE TO HELP<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Thursday, March 7, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">SOMEONE TO HELP<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Gen 2:18<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">18 And the LORD God said,
It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for
him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Not every English</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
word that we find in Scripture has a corresponding original word. In the verse
above the word <b>“help”</b> is not in the original. What is translated into
our English is the word <b>“meet.”</b> This is the word <b><i>‘ezer </i></b>and
it simply means help or aid. It springs from the primitive word <b><i>‘azar</i></b>
which has a very tender meaning which is “to surround; to protect; to aid; and
to succor.” <b><i>Such is the wife that Adam received as a gift.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Sometimes I forget</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
that the most loving thing I can do for my wife is to be needed. To need help. I
am both<b><i> independent</i></b> and <b><i>stubborn</i></b>, and a few other
things I won’t mention here. Sometimes I frustrate my wife by insisting that I
do it myself, whatever it is. I become like a toddler who wants to accomplish and
succeed without considering that “to help” is <b><i>her very purpose</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">1 Peter 3:7<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">7 Likewise, ye husbands,
dwell with them <b>according to knowledge</b>, giving <b>honour </b>unto the
wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of
life; that your prayers be not hindered. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 120%;">It is interesting</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">
to me that the word which we see as honour is the word TIME [tee-may] in the
original and it means “valuables, honor, and dignity.” Once again, the word <b>“meet”</b>
means “suitable, a perfect counterpart, a perfect fit.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Dear Lord, let me yield
to the purpose of my wife and allow myself to be helped by her. It means I must
relinquish some independence and become somewhat vulnerable. Let me help her to
help me. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-32300630439739824502024-03-06T05:21:00.000-08:002024-03-06T05:21:18.597-08:00STUBBORN JOY!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Wednesday, March 6, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">STUBBORN JOY</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hab
3:17-18<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall
fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall
yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no
herd in the stalls:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will
joy in the God of my salvation</u></i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here we have a prophet</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
having just delivered the horrible news of the invasion of the Chaldeans and
the devastation of Israel, yet stubbornly declaring his faith in Jehovah. All
the evidence would have excused despair and complaining but the prophet does
neither. Instead, he actually uses the word JOY to describe his condition. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stubborn JOY discounts the obvious</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Habakkuk carefully and painfully paints the desolate
landscape of after-war. Vineyards had been trampled by the hooves of horses and
the feet of men until it looked like newly plowed ground watered with blood.
The fig blooms had fallen and there would be no fruit. Anything of any good had
been consumed by the invaders including most of the flocks and herds. The cruelty
of the enemy refused to replace or to rebuild. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But stubborn joy discounts all this because it is part of
the decree of God. It is part of his plan, and his plan is always best. We may
not understand it, but we stubbornly cling to this hope because of God’s nature
and the history of his mercy. We know, deep inside, that God will provide.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stubborn JOY stands upon faith</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The prophet concludes his letter with verse 19 which says: “The
LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will
make me to walk upon mine high places.” Have you ever seen mountain goats climb
what seemed like impossible ridges? They seem to need no more than a pebble for
their footing and they do not seem afraid in the least. They are equipped for
these lofty places by their Maker, and it is in their Creator – not their
footing – they put their trust! Note carefully that he does NOT say that his
joy is in his <b>circumstances</b> but in the God of his salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And so, we remember that good old hymn: “On Christ the Solid
Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking
sand.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lam
3:25-26<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul
that seeketh him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26 It is good that a man should <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>both hope and quietly wait</u></i></b>
for the salvation of the LORD.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Lord, I will both hope and STUBBORNLY wait until you
rescue me. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2880455330196536474.post-73268454031243693052024-03-05T06:34:00.000-08:002024-03-05T06:34:55.796-08:00TWO IMPOSSIBLE CHALLENGES!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday, March 5, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">TWO IMPOSSIBLE CHALLENGES</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark
8:23-26<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of
the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he
asked him if he saw ought.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made
him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go
into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHALLENGE #1 – THE UNSEEING EYES<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Old Testament prophesied that when Messiah came He would
restore sight to the blind. John the Baptist, imprisoned and discouraged
wondered about the man he had baptized and promoted as the anointed one. He
mused in his dungeon as to whether Jesus was really that one. He sent
messengers to Jesus for confirmation and Jesus responded by pointing out
fulfilled prophecy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matt
11:4-5<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again
those things which ye do hear and see:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the
lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor
have the gospel preached to them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Much has been made by some of the spittle of Jesus upon the
eyes of the blind saying that the act was nasty or even humorous but no eye
salve could have done what was done on that day. Personally I think it was an
act of re-creation. Jesus made fresh eyes for the man! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man had come from no sight at all to incomplete sight.
He said, “I see men as trees walking!” Can you imagine the mixture of
excitement and disappointment that must have been his? It is hard to miss the
spiritual application of this as well. We move from spiritual blindness to
salvation and then on to spiritual maturity with all the emotional
complications of that journey. After Jesus’ second touch the man saw all things
clearly. Oh, how we long for that day. Paul told the Corinthians that we now see
through a glass, darkly, but one day we will see face to face. May that day
soon come!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHALLENGE #2 – DON’T TELL ANYONE ABOUT THIS</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark
8:26<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Neither
go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town</u></i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In verse 23 Jesus led the man out of “the town.” Now, in
verse 26 Jesus tells the exuberant man neither to go into “the town” nor to
tell this to any in “the town.” I wonder what the problem was with this
particular town. No matter, they would soon hear the good news from this one
who had received his sight! When Jesus touched his eyes He also loosened his
lips. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ps
63:3-4<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips
shall praise thee.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my
hands in thy name.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Lord, you have touched my eyes and made me see now open
my mouth that I may tell the good news to others that sit in darkness. AMEN<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Ron Abbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08025396438476249882noreply@blogger.com0