tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36910175868818064662024-02-20T23:47:20.432-08:00His Eye Is On the Sparrow
2014 Theme: Create in me a clean hearthis eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-36609785414455974572015-01-08T19:46:00.004-08:002015-01-08T19:46:28.752-08:00new websiteI have moved to a new site! Hope to have fewer problems here. . . we'll see!<br />
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I hope you'll come with me and share in the conversation. Please let me know if you have any problems getting into or in "following" it.<br />
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Vicki<br />
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http://thesparrow-vicki.blogspot.com/his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-49739595302202898792014-12-16T10:35:00.004-08:002014-12-16T10:35:40.616-08:00Rejoice in the lord always?<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Rejoice in the LORD always, again I say, rejoice."</i></span></b> ~Phillipians 4:4<br />
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Although it is one of my favorites, this verse has always made me a bit uncomfortable.<br />
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<i><b>Always </b></i>rejoice? </div>
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How, Lord?</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">How can I possibly rejoice when I've just loss someone so precious to me, whom I loved so dearly?</span></div>
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Because the Creator of the universe loves ME enough to send His Son to die to redeem me, </div>
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I can rejoice</div>
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even while suffering the emptiness of loss.</div>
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When I'm wounded and bleeding from the knife of a trusted friend, how can I rejoice?</div>
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Because the Son of Man, my Saviour, loves me enough to say YES to the betrayal of His friends, to the abuse and cruelty of evil men; YES to death on the cross</div>
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I can rejoice</div>
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despite the bloody wounds of my own.</div>
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When my world has been turned upside-down by financial loss, illness, accident, neglect or abandonment . . . rejoice?</div>
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Yes.</div>
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Because a price so exorbitant, which I could never pay, was paid for me. Because a debt I owe has been wiped away; because a vigilant Shepherd watches over me day and night</div>
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I can rejoice</div>
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even while my life here below rocks and churns and crashes and burns</div>
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I can rejoice.</div>
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<b>Always.</b></div>
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<br />his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-45888761277015777102014-12-12T10:41:00.004-08:002014-12-12T10:42:24.602-08:00one thousand gifts<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am reading a truly life-changing book and I want to recommend it to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The author states some pretty obvious facts about God and faith, but she is able to dig so deeply into them that it is like seeing them for the first time. We've all heard about keeping a gratefulness journal, and many of us have kept them. This is the story of where one woman's journaling took her, and how it changed her whole perspective on life.</span><br />
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<img alt="Image result for one thousand gifts" height="320" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="217" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>one thousand gifts by Ann Voskamp</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you only read one book in the new year (I can't imagine it!) consider this one.</span></div>
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<br />his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-65271891762719090512014-05-29T11:37:00.002-07:002014-05-29T11:37:29.922-07:00THE REFINING PROCESS<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">He is tender and loving and patient with me,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">While <b>He cleanses my heart of its dross,</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">But "there's no condemnation"-- </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">I know I am free,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;">For my sins are all nailed to the cross.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"> from the hymn <u>Nailed to the Cross</u></span></div>
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Cleansing my heart of its dross is a reference to the refining process that silver and gold must go through- to go from its natural, rough, impure state to a state of refined purity and beauty and high value.</div>
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Psalm 66:10 says <i>For You, O God, have tested us;</i></div>
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<i>You have <b>refined us as silver is refined.</b></i></div>
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To think that God is actively involved in the refining process of my life is both humbling and exciting!</div>
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I put a lot of pressure on myself to do this myself and then I am reminded by verses such as these that it is God working the process! What a relief!! Of course I must be willing to submit to His hand in this process, and that is the hard part. Because refining requires heat and pressure- neither of which are comfortable.</div>
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The raw metal must be heated to a very high temperature for the <i><b>dross (impurities) to be removed.</b></i></div>
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Psalm 66 continues the thought:</div>
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<i>You brought us into the net;</i></div>
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<i>You laid affliction on our backs.</i></div>
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<i>You have caused men to ride over our heads;</i></div>
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<i><b>We went through fire</b></i></div>
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<i><b>and through water;</b></i></div>
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<i>But You brought is out to rich fulfillment.</i></div>
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Submitting to the process, I believe, means trusting God through the difficult times. Times when we are fearful, doubting, struggling, suffering because of our own sins or the sins of others.</div>
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It means <i>keep on keepin' on!</i></div>
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Keep reading His Word- IT IS YOUR FOOD-YOUR SUSTENANCE.</div>
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Keep praying- it is your communication with your Savior. </div>
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Keep assembling with your brothers and sisters- there is strength here!</div>
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Keep looking for the value in your suffering-how you are learning to lean upon the LORD.</div>
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Remember He said <i>I will never leave you nor forsake you!</i></div>
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I am confident that He truly IS always THERE. </div>
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My feeling that He may be distant or disinterested is simply that:</div>
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my feeling. Nothing more.</div>
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God still has A LOT of work to do in refining me, but I'm so glad that He loves each one of us enough to do it.</div>
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And HE does all things well.</div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-80378155252179522522014-03-28T12:55:00.000-07:002014-03-28T12:55:46.616-07:00purification's juicy effect<em></em><br />
<em>". . .looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and<strong> purify</strong> for Himself His own special people, <strong>zealous</strong> for good works" </em>Titus 2:14<br />
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Even if these were the only words a person ever heard about Jesus, wouldn't the</div>
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<em>IMMENSE LOVE</em></div>
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expressed in this passage compel them to respond to our amazing Savior?</div>
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What stands between <em><strong>lawless deeds</strong></em> and <strong><em>zealous</em></strong> <strong><em>good works </em></strong>in this verse is <em><strong>purification. </strong></em></div>
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The ongoing, loving <strong><em>purification</em></strong> of the blood of Christ compels me to try to do better. </div>
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To put the <em>lawless deeds</em> behind and eagerly, willingly,<strong> </strong><em><strong>zealously</strong> </em>serve such a</div>
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LOVING SAVIOR</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEK9A5l6pw04Laic8eEWsFpAMEXtft8J2n9toS4VCV0HWhRQ5NpRKSrIX9WOCMvuc69FBG1TZIevWBZwJ-Q3Zdt9zGgbrqEpFW5QvtjJLOkMKiZKNPKWqj3vRwjoLBUI3zi49W89AVeo/s1600/ORANGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEK9A5l6pw04Laic8eEWsFpAMEXtft8J2n9toS4VCV0HWhRQ5NpRKSrIX9WOCMvuc69FBG1TZIevWBZwJ-Q3Zdt9zGgbrqEpFW5QvtjJLOkMKiZKNPKWqj3vRwjoLBUI3zi49W89AVeo/s1600/ORANGE.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">with all the good works I can squeeze into my day!</span></div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-9140263611898115042014-03-27T11:14:00.002-07:002014-03-27T11:14:40.112-07:00BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEARTJesus includes the condition of having a pure/clean heart in the Beatitudes:<br />
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<i>Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.</i></div>
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Like many Bible verses over the years, my initial understanding of this verse, I think, was not complete or as in depth as it later became. It's that beautiful aspect of the Word being <i>living and active</i> that makes it exciting and rich and meaningful to dig into.</div>
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Anyway, I used to assume that the <i>seeing of God </i>here, was after death- in heaven. But it now occurs to me that we can <i>see </i>God even while living on this earth. </div>
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David said in Psalm 141:8 <i><u>my eyes are upon You</u>, O GOD the Lord.</i></div>
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He is also the one who said <i>create in me a <u>clean heart</u>, O GOD </i>in Psalm 51:10.</div>
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It seems that a pure heart produces pure vision.</div>
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If my heart is full of those selfish little "demons" that like to live there, my spiritual vision is obscured. I can only see through a lens which has become clouded, blurry and warped- God, and all His goodness, is not visible through this lens.</div>
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Small children, I believe, have a "clear" lens with which to see GOD. Why? Because they still have pure hearts. </div>
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So. My quest for a completely pure heart so that my ZEAL is renewed brings an added benefit:</div>
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SEEING GOD</div>
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Not just later, in heaven. But NOW. In this life.</div>
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WOW.</div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-57326344077923182802014-02-27T16:34:00.000-08:002014-02-27T16:34:14.746-08:00Create in me a clean heart, O God<br />
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At first my theme for 2014 was to be about ZEAL . . . re-energizing.<br />
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Bur as I read verses in the Bible on the subject I began to realize there was something that must come BEFORE zeal:<br />
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A CLEANSING OF THE HEART</div>
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As with all issues which impede our service to our Lord, a lack of zeal is really a HEART issue.</div>
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<b>"<i>Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10</i></b></div>
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Psalm 51 is David's prayer of repentance after he was confronted with his great sin by Nathan the prophet.</div>
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He prays for forgiveness and for a right spirit. And rightly so. His sin was great.</div>
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But having a "wrong spirit" can also be the result of someone sinning against us.</div>
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"Uncleanness" can dwell in the heart of the <i>offended</i> as well as the <i>offender</i>. </div>
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Having once swept our hearts clean of bitterness, we turn around</div>
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and there it is again;</div>
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uninvited and unwelcome.</div>
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So, exploring what the Bible says about cleansing the heart will be the subject which will then, hopefully, lead into the second part of David's prayer:</div>
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RENEW A STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME.</div>
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It is my goal to become more zealous, more productive and more useful for my Lord in His kingdom and I believe this is where it starts.</div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-82780255956931411422013-12-21T12:16:00.002-08:002013-12-21T12:16:21.181-08:00Keeping the WORD<em>Continuing on the shirttails of the last post . . .</em><br />
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<em>Perpetual Sunshine in God's Presence</em></div>
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<em>Tree of Life, with its life-giving fruit and healing leaves</em></div>
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<em>Pure River of Water of Life</em></div>
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<em>Four times in the last book of the Bible it states very clearly that the ones who will be enjoying the above </em><em>are those who </em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">"keep the words of the prophecy of this book."</span></em></div>
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<em>First Jesus Himself says it to John.</em></div>
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<em>Then an angel says to John "I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who<span style="color: #cc0000;"> keep the words of this book</span>. Worship God."</em></div>
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<em>Verse 14: "Blessed are those <span style="color: #cc0000;">who do His commandments,</span> that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city."</em></div>
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<em>Verse 18: "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book:</em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"> If anyone adds to these things,</span> God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;</em></div>
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<em>and if anyone<span style="color: #cc0000;"> takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy</span>, </em></div>
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<em>God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."</em></div>
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<em>I really try not to preach here, </em><em>there are others who are much more qualified, but . . .</em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I am very afraid!</strong></span> </em></div>
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<em>I s</em><em>ee brothers and sisters in Christ playing with God's Word:</em></div>
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<em>-T</em><em>rying to "update" it (Its author is not bound by time- His Word is timeless)</em></div>
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<em></em>-Trying to m<em>ake i</em><em>t more "appealing" to the world (The world won't be drawn to something that looks like its ugly se</em><em>lf! </em><em> but to something that is much better!)</em></div>
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<em>-Trying to m</em><em>ake it less restricting (i.e. sin just isn't THAT bad)</em></div>
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<em>WHAT ARE THEY THINKING??!!!</em></div>
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<em>Do they seriously think they can make one single word better than the Creator of the Universe??!!</em></div>
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<em>And YES! God apparently IS serious about EVERY SINGLE WORD. None are to be ignored.</em></div>
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<em>I'm not claiming perfection in the keeping of God's Word, but I hope that we all would WANT to keep it perfectly. </em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing is worth missing out on Heaven.</span></em></div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-38678612116562650142013-11-14T22:00:00.000-08:002013-11-14T22:03:10.844-08:00the tree of life revisted<div style="text-align: center;">
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Have you noticed that the Bible begins and ends with the <strong>Tree of Life</strong>?</div>
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Adam and Eve had free access to it- it was their source of immortality (Gen. 3:22)</div>
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When they sinned their <strong>real</strong> punishment was that access was denied.</div>
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<em>"So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, </em></div>
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<em>and a flaming sword which turned every way,</em></div>
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<strong><em>to guard the way to the tree of life.</em></strong> (verse 24)</div>
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The next time we read about the Tree is at the very end of the Bible:</div>
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<em>"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me,</em></div>
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<em> to give to every one according to his work.</em></div>
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<em>I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.</em></div>
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<em>Blessed are those who do His commandments,</em></div>
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<em> that they may have the right to</em></div>
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<em><strong> the tree of life,</strong> </em></div>
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<em>and may enter through the gates into the city."</em></div>
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Revelation 22:12-14</div>
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Life as a pilgrimage to get back to the tree of life.</div>
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I like that imagery.</div>
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Can you imagine the JOY of Adam and Eve being reunited with the Tree after their deaths?</div>
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Can you imagine YOUR JOY seeing it for the first time?!</div>
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<em>"But I [John] saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.</em></div>
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<em>They city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for <strong>the glory of God illuminated it.</strong> The Lamb is its light.</em> . . <em>And he showed me a <strong>pure river of water of life</strong>, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the <strong>tree of life</strong> . . ." </em> (Rev. 21:22-23; 22:1-2))</div>
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If I keep my mind focused on this glorious scene, how can I have anything but <strong>JOY</strong>?</div>
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I think I will teach this verse to my granddaughters and begin to lay before them the </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Glorious Joy</span></div>
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that we just don't want to miss.</div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-29377190383299171882013-10-14T22:19:00.002-07:002013-10-14T22:22:05.097-07:00today i choose joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-33747828304116287652013-09-28T16:40:00.004-07:002015-02-07T17:29:02.711-08:00She hath wings<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Be like the bird that, halting in her flight</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><br /></em></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Awhile on boughs too slight,</em></span></div>
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Feels them give way beneath her and yet</div>
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sings--</div>
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Knowing that she hath wings.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> --Victor Hugo</em></span></div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-37768355381790395752013-08-13T22:19:00.001-07:002013-08-13T22:20:49.374-07:00His Eye Is On the Sparrow<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7CS5vKFSPtM?list=PL2018498757FD7A76" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-8378383160185100012013-07-30T21:04:00.001-07:002013-07-30T21:09:31.953-07:00Source of Joy<br />
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Paul points out in chapter one of Philippians that sharing the Gospel is a source of <span style="color: red;">JOY</span> for himself <br />
and that he also receives <span style="color: red;">JOY</span> in knowing that the Philippian Christians are sharing the Gospel with others.<br />
It's kind of a snowball effect:<br />
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I shared with you <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">(</span>JOY</span>), </div>
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you shared with others (<span style="color: red;">JOY-JOY</span>),</div>
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I'm happy that you are sharing with others (<span style="color: red;">Triple-JOY</span>)</div>
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But . . .<br />
He is under house arrest; his chains restricting him to a small house in Rome. He is separated from those who are dear to him. He has been beaten, tortured, imprisoned, shipwrecked. His body must have been racked with constant pain, even on good days. He knows that very soon he will be sentenced to death for doing what THE LORD has called him to do.<br />
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Yet, in<u> <em>this state of affairs</em></u>, he writes a letter whose constant theme is <span style="color: red;">JOY</span>.<br />
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His famous<em> </em>quote<br />
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<em>"<span style="color: red;">Rejoice</span> in the LORD always! Again, I say, <span style="color: red;">rejoice</span>!"</em> </div>
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in chapter 4 seems like he can hardly contain himself!<br />
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And why should he.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #cc0000;"> He knows where </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #cc0000;">TRUE JOY is found.</span></div>
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It is found in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and <span style="color: red;">rejoicing</span> with others who are doing the same.<br />
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Maybe that's why so many of us aren't so <span style="color: red;">joyful</span>. We simply aren't <em><strong>sharing </strong></em>the Good News.<br />
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<br />his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-65153432866657086292013-07-02T19:01:00.000-07:002013-07-02T19:03:33.806-07:00The Sparrow at Starbucks<span style="color: orange;">Thanks, Mom, for sharing this email.</span><br />
<b> </b><b><br /></b><b>It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square . Early November weather in New York City holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's</b><b> </b><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right. Apparently, we</span></span></b><b> </b><br />
<b><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing. It was a fun, low-pressure gig - I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few original tunes thrown in. During our emotional rendition of the classic, <i>"If You Don't Know Me by Now," </i>I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along.<br /><br />After the tune was over, she approached me. <i>"I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked. "No," </i>I replied.<i> </i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"We love it when t he audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?"</i>To my delight, she accepted my invitation.. <i>"You choose," </i>I said. </span><i><span style="font-size: small;">"What are you in the mood to sing?"</span>"Well. ... do you know any hymns?"</i><span style="font-size: small;">Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Name one."<br /><br />"Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one."<br /><br />"Okay," </i>I replied. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?"<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMTfq-1zpw4rMI4NODEZGTdMcFgEir23I_YTZoOQ_wo3PEl8oxxpFoJ0YjY9Yrlr6T_wgM0k9_P_BzYfxi2_Vnuuq2zPQ3NwkfxwGDH1QEcCPI7MoTjo9ajRo6IcTP4Cl-_TqXQp2Vkg/s233/framed+sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></i></span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, <i>"Yeah. Let's do that one." </i>She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing.</span><br /></span></b><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come?</span></i></b><b>The</b><b> </b><b>audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed . Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion.</b><b><i><span style="color: blue;">I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free. For His eye</span></i></b><b><i> </i></b><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">is on the sparrow And I know He watches me.</span></span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, <i>"Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!" </i>But the ovation continued..<br /><br />I embraced my new friend. </span><i><span style="font-size: small;">"You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!"<br /><br />"Well, it's funny that you</span></i></span></b><b><i> </i></b><b><i>picked that particular hymn," </i></b><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">she said.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Why is that?"<br /><br />"Well . .." </i>she hesitated again, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"that was my daughter's favorite song."<br /><br />"Really!"</i> I exclaimed.<br /><br /><i>"Yes," </i>she said, and then grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual.. </span><i><span style="font-size: small;">"She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week."</span></i><span style="font-size: small;">I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Are you going to be okay?"</i>She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. <i>"I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine."</i> She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.<br /><br />Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop? Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the</span></span></b><b> </b><b>week before? I refuse to believe it.</b><b> </b><br />
<b></b><b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMTfq-1zpw4rMI4NODEZGTdMcFgEir23I_YTZoOQ_wo3PEl8oxxpFoJ0YjY9Yrlr6T_wgM0k9_P_BzYfxi2_Vnuuq2zPQ3NwkfxwGDH1QEcCPI7MoTjo9ajRo6IcTP4Cl-_TqXQp2Vkg/s233/framed+sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMTfq-1zpw4rMI4NODEZGTdMcFgEir23I_YTZoOQ_wo3PEl8oxxpFoJ0YjY9Yrlr6T_wgM0k9_P_BzYfxi2_Vnuuq2zPQ3NwkfxwGDH1QEcCPI7MoTjo9ajRo6IcTP4Cl-_TqXQp2Vkg/s233/framed+sparrow.jpg" /></a> </b><br />
his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-87903530291618808852013-06-29T11:39:00.000-07:002013-06-29T11:39:45.363-07:00Undeterred Love<em></em><br />
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<em>"through <strong>one man's righteous act</strong></em></div>
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<em> the free gift came to all men,</em></div>
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<em> resulting in justification of life."</em></div>
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<em>Romans 5:18 </em></div>
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In light of my last post regarding Judas, it occurs to me that Jesus' act of washing Judas' feet was definitely part of this <em><strong>righteous act ,</strong></em> not discounting His death on the cross, but including it.<br />
What if Jesus hadn't been able to get over the betrayal of Judas? Where would we be?<br />
He could have stopped the whole thing right then and there.<br />
But a<span style="font-size: large;"> love </span><span style="font-size: small;">greater than anything ever seen before was at work.</span><br />
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A<span style="font-size: large;"> love </span><span style="font-size: small;">that never was deterred,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> never turned to bitterness,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> was never consumed with self-pity. </span></div>
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No matter how terrible He was treated.</div>
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That's the kind of love He wants me to have too.</div>
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Lord, MY love isn't like that.</div>
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Fill me with YOUR <span style="font-size: large;">love</span> instead.</div>
his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-20591056343326660202013-06-29T11:35:00.000-07:002013-06-29T11:44:05.067-07:00He Also Made the StarsSometimes it's refreshing to get back to the basics, which is why I started reading in <br />
Genesis chapter one.<br />
It's as though I am peeking through a window and observing<br />
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The POWER TO SPEAK the world into existence. </div>
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Wow. That's <strong><em>MY</em></strong> Father!</div>
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<em>HE SAID</em> Let there be light.</div>
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And there was light.</div>
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<em>He SAID</em> Let there be grass.</div>
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And there was grass.</div>
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(Now it get's REALLY good!)</div>
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<em>Then God made two great lights;</em></div>
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<em>the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.</em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">He also made the stars.</span></em></div>
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It's probably just me, but it struck me as funny that the creation of the innumerable, brilliant multitude of the heavens, which have captivated scientists, astronomers, lovers, sailors, worshippers since their creation,</div>
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is mentioned almost as an afterthought.</div>
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like</div>
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<em>Oh yah, don't forget to mention the stars.</em></div>
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smile</div>
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God can do that.</div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-62846537078774849022013-05-24T12:07:00.000-07:002013-05-24T12:09:09.916-07:00Freedom From NegativityThe word JOY connotes a very strong image in my mind. I see a child, with a huge ear to ear, eyes-closed grin, grasping balloons which are slightly lifting her feet off the ground.<br />
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(Ya, like that!)</div>
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Reading the 35 verses in scripture that mention joy I sensed an unspoken element:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">freedom from negativity</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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Negativity in one area of our life robs us of joy in ALL areas!</div>
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The overriding theme of JOY in scripture is that it is </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">found in God's presence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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We cannot be in his presence if we harbor grudges, envy, unforgiveness, wrath, if we think evil, harbor untruth, are easily provoked . . . any sin which we hold on to!</div>
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The thing that all of these have in common is: <strong> negativity</strong>.</div>
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So, we find JOY in God's presence.</div>
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But we cannot<em> be</em> in HIS presence if we allow anything negative to cling to us.</div>
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<em>"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, AND TO KEEP ONESELF UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD."</em></div>
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~James 1:27</div>
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I have understood this verse to mean we should keep ourselves free of sin and the influences of the world, but I now sense the more subtle aspect of simply keeping anything negative from clinging to me; whether it's a news story that is upsetting, or something closer to home. </div>
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JUST LET IT GO!</div>
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I will not let negativity rob me of</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THE JOY OF BEING IN GOD'S PRESENCE!</span></div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-87820158782055758682013-05-03T10:01:00.000-07:002013-05-03T10:01:02.091-07:00No Greater Joy<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"<strong>I have no greater JOY than to hear that my children walk in truth."</strong></em> 3 John 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have recently been blessed with another granddaughter whose middle name Joy is taken from mine, Joyce (a great improvement, in my opinion!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As, coincidentally, my blog theme is JOY, I thought I could talk about grandchildren for a moment. <em>(If I MUST!!)</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">A friend told me at the arrival of my first grand, that children are God's reward to us for raising our children. It sure seems that way! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My own grandmother was one of the greatest spriitual influences in my life. She never "preached" to me, she just quietly and graciously lived a life of love and faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I grew older I heard of some of the difficulties she had to deal with in her life over the years, but she never complained or seemed bitter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Lord came first in her life. Everyone knew that. But I don't ever remember her saying that. She just lived it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Turning again to my own grands, I know I want to be that kind of influence in their lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Before my sons were even born, and continuing now into their adult lives, my prayer has always been for their salvation. At this point they all have obeyed the Gospel call and continue to lead faithful lives, and <em>"I have no greater JOY than to hear that my children walk in truth."</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> I agree John. There is no greater JOY.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Except now I realize that that JOY continues on into the lives of our grandchildren.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm going to do all I can to help my grands find their way to the Light of God's grace so that I can one day say</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em><strong>"I have no greater JOY than to hear that my grandchildren walk in truth."</strong></em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span>his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-1885349885115079422013-03-22T12:25:00.000-07:002013-03-22T12:25:52.731-07:00Fullness of JOYAs I continue to pursue the topic of JOY, the direct connection between JOY and HOPE is increasingly established in my mind.<br />
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<em>"I have set the LORD always before me;</em></div>
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<em>Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.</em></div>
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<em><span style="color: red;">"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory REJOICES;</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: red;">My flesh also will rest in HOPE."</span></em></div>
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<em>"You will show me the path of life;</em></div>
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<em><span style="color: red;">In Your presence is fullness of JOY;</span></em></div>
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<em>At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."</em></div>
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<em></em> Psalm 16:8,9,11</div>
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It seems to me the key to the JOY and HOPE which David describes here lies in the very first phrase:</div>
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<strong> setting the LORD always before me</strong></div>
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There is a confidence, a security which springs from being in His Divine Presence; of knowing who HE is, what HE wants of me and where I am going.</div>
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<em>I shall not be moved</em></div>
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<em>You will show me the path </em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What glorious words in this world of darkness and uncertainty!</span></div>
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Armed and protected by THIS knowledge of THIS GOD,</div>
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JOY and HOPE</div>
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of being victorious in this life</div>
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and partaking of the eternal pleasures</div>
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are mine.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Praise God!</span></div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-31413556822720160822013-03-01T09:54:00.001-08:002013-03-01T09:54:22.155-08:00The Joy of Thy Salvation<div style="text-align: center;">
The other night I was praying. I was asking God to<u> help me</u> unload ALL of my burdens and cares. Isn't that sad.</div>
The LORD has offered to take on ALL of my cares, all I have to do is "cast" them upon Him.<br />
But I can't even seem to do that without His help. <br />
I cast them.<br />
Then I take them right back.<br />
<em>Just kidding Lord.</em><br />
<em>I really DO want to carry this huge ball and chain around. (??)</em><br />
Anyway.<br />
As I am speaking with God about this, a sweet, beautiful psalm comes to mind:<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em> </em><span style="font-size: small;"> (Psalm51:12)</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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Yes! That's it! That's what I am seeking!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once again, it seems to me, the Lord has reminded me of one of the most basic principle of Christianity: Keep your mind dwelling on the Lord and what He had done and will do for you.And go tell others.</span></span></div>
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REMEMBER</div>
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that you've been saved from an eternity of misery.</div>
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REMEMBER </div>
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that HEAVEN will surely be worth it all.</div>
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REMEMBER</div>
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that we SHOULD live on a higher plane, free of the burdens this life throws on us.</div>
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REMEMBER</div>
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that God has always been in control.</div>
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Just typing that last thought makes me smile.</div>
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Wait, what was that?!</div>
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I think it was a weight lifting off of my shoulders!</div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-55272761576870569602013-02-22T22:42:00.000-08:002013-02-22T22:42:07.321-08:00The prospect of possessing<fb:like class="fb_edge_widget_with_comment fb_iframe_widget" fb-xfbml-state="rendered" font="" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joy%5B1%5D" layout="button_count" send="false" show_faces="false" width="90"></fb:like><br />
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<h2 class="def-header">
<span>Definition of <em>JOY <span style="font-size: small;">(by Miriam Webster, the old school definer)</span></em></span></h2>
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<span class="ssens"> <em class="sn">a</em><strong>:</strong> the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <u>prospect of possessing what one desires</u> </span><strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delight"><span style="color: black;">delight</span></a></span> </div>
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If our measure of joy were purely determined by our current "well-being, success or good fortune" </div>
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how joy-less our lives would sometimes be! </div>
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But, the<strong> "prospect of possessing"</strong> what we desire,</div>
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regardless of our circumstance, </div>
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is the JOY which Christians are granted.</div>
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We have a sure HOPE . .. .</div>
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which produces true JOY!</div>
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And so.</div>
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If I am feeling JOY-LESS</div>
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Isn't it because I have taken my eyes off of</div>
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the prospect of possessing what I desire?</div>
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Being eternally in the presence of GOD</div>
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is what I desire.</div>
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HE has assured me of my prospect.</div>
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How could I NOT be</div>
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FILLED WITH JOY?!</div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-56934395330498037542013-02-01T09:29:00.000-08:002013-02-01T09:29:48.450-08:00Joy in hopeIn my Bible, at the top of the page beginning I Peter, it is noted that the key word in the book is <strong>suffering</strong>. And yet I turned to I Peter this morning to read the several uplifting verses about <strong>joy!</strong><br />
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Why am I looking for verses about joy?</div>
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Because of suffering!</div>
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God knows me so much better than I know myself.</div>
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In some strange way, the two go hand-in-hand. Opposite sides of the same coin.<br />
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Peter points this out with striking contrast:<br />
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<em>In this you greatly <strong>rejoiced</strong>, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been <strong>grieved </strong>by various trials . . . (1:6)</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>that the genuineness of your faith . . .though <strong>it is tested by fire</strong>, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus . . .though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you<strong> rejoice with joy</strong> <strong>inexpressible</strong> . . .receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. (1:7-9)</em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joy, then, does not spring from our current circumstances, but from our HOPE</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkeSamIeBIRWI5lCT9Ty4ArNVcohikPNKJXp2q8GSp2spB8xJolRum7rA8Fl_-WToG-pGXfEvpVhgZ5I3JPvS9M3oqh4DoKe-CWcMNjiEFBak555lnbd8lYMcETJ016IBDB8yWBS57_w/s1600/images%5B4%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkeSamIeBIRWI5lCT9Ty4ArNVcohikPNKJXp2q8GSp2spB8xJolRum7rA8Fl_-WToG-pGXfEvpVhgZ5I3JPvS9M3oqh4DoKe-CWcMNjiEFBak555lnbd8lYMcETJ016IBDB8yWBS57_w/s1600/images%5B4%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
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Keep hoping my friends. Never, never, never, never give up hope.</div>
<em></em><br />
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<em></em>his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-77807100559967028072013-01-05T12:29:00.001-08:002013-01-05T12:29:28.958-08:00Exceeding Joy<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.</em></div>
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<em>And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear,</em></div>
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<em> pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.</em></div>
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<em>Now to Him who is able to keep you</em><em> from stumbling,</em></div>
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<em> And to present you faultless </em></div>
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<em>before the presence of His</em></div>
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<em> glory with exceeding joy,</em></div>
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<em> To God our Savior, </em></div>
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<em>Who alone is wise, </em></div>
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<em>Be glory and majesty,</em></div>
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<em> Dominion and power,</em></div>
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<em> Both now and forever. </em></div>
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<em> Amen."</em></div>
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<strong>Jude 20-25</strong></div>
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I ran across this verse this morning. I read it. Reread it. Then read it again. </div>
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The walk of the Christian life, crystalized.</div>
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All of the sweetness, power, hopefulness, fellowship, responsibility, purity, </div>
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and love squeezed into one wonderfully encouraging, sobering bite.</div>
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<em><strong>"TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO PRESENT YOU FAULTLESS BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY WITH EXCEEDING JOY"</strong></em></div>
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<strong><em></em></strong> </div>
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I can't even describle how that makes me feel to read those words, except to say that it might be like tasting medicine that goes down so sweetly and immediately takes effect. Like an antidote to all of the diseases in this world.</div>
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With <strong>God our Savior</strong> on our side,</div>
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what else could we feel but</div>
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<em> <strong>EXCEEDING JOY ?!</strong></em></div>
his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-62750509921863999172012-12-04T12:47:00.000-08:002012-12-04T12:47:40.671-08:00Best OfferI want to apologize for the whining in my last post.<br />
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Since then I was told I DON"T have to have surgery (contrary to the first report),<br />
son qualified for another student loan, and I am trying to take advantage of my "free time" to get cards written and other misc. things.<br />
I watched <em>"Annie"</em> (among the many other movies my sweet friends brought me to help pass the time) and, of course, she sang "<em>Tomorrow," </em>which made me laugh at myself, and yes, count my blessings!<br />
Anyway, our sermon Sunday was on one of my favorite psalms--no, "favorite" is too light a word, like ice cream flavors. Psalm 46 has been a lifeline for me. In the "Matched" trilogy, the totalitarian govt. has determined that only 100 poems would to be preserved and viewed by the populous, the rest were (presumably) destroyed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Psalm 46 would definitely be among my 100.</span></div>
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<em>"God is our refuge and strength,</em></div>
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<em>A very present help in trouble.</em></div>
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<em>Therefore we will not fear."</em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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Later in the psalm the writer says</div>
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<em>"Be still and know that I am God"</em></div>
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God shows me (AGAIN!) that</div>
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HE</div>
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is in control of the situation, and that HE is, indeed, very <em>present.</em></div>
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I need to be still, acknowledge HIM </div>
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and remember that HE</div>
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<em>"will be exalted among the nations."</em></div>
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With or without their consent.</div>
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That is the kind of power God invites me to take refuge in.</div>
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Wouldn't it be crazy NOT TO take advantage of such an offer?</div>
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his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691017586881806466.post-41974499472251561812012-11-28T11:56:00.000-08:002012-11-28T11:56:16.230-08:00Growing Weary<span style="font-size: large;"> I have to admit, I'm a a bit weary.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The "reality" of my life is this: Finances are at a breaking point, college wants more money than last year and is threatening our son's expulsion if we don't come up with it soon, we badly need a new roof, a new car . . . and I just broke my leg. And won't be working. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This morning, however, the Lord nudged me back to HIS reality:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all . . ." <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></em></span><span style="font-size: small;">Galatians 6:9</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After reading it three times, I got it:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>while</strong> doing good</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes God is so subtle (or not) that I miss the real point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As long as I <strong>am doing good</strong> I <u>will not</u> grow weary and lose heart!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't think it's even possible to do so!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As long as I am helping others, seeking their good, encouraging, edifying, praying for others, my problems are not at the forefront of my mind. Plus, while doing good to others everything falls into the proper perspective. Now, my problems are not nearly as bad as those around me, my prayers change from whining to praising and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">rather than losing heart,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">my heart is strengthened.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXNQ3ojByKuS6QRgqA62h1V-XPQw-VPGCEivZFb22mMlsYYkvoZkrOOs_NDMa7rXZVwMZCt8AdtW3RTnTi9tMgKLXhNb90q5HlIYooZlNBF7UIetYEkq9ses7O6rx3gesB50AUoM3MXU/s1600/images%5B6%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXNQ3ojByKuS6QRgqA62h1V-XPQw-VPGCEivZFb22mMlsYYkvoZkrOOs_NDMa7rXZVwMZCt8AdtW3RTnTi9tMgKLXhNb90q5HlIYooZlNBF7UIetYEkq9ses7O6rx3gesB50AUoM3MXU/s1600/images%5B6%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">For such a loving, caring and wise God I am eternally thankful.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em>his eye is on the sparrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09533101865807775737noreply@blogger.com0