tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88253671794455000792024-03-19T01:08:24.002-06:00Dianna's DiaryENCOURAGING THOUGHTS FROM GOD'S WORDDianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.comBlogger524125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-49330997574999666702024-03-15T06:00:00.001-06:002024-03-15T06:00:00.255-06:00Does Forgiveness Strengthen Our Homes?<p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">How Do We Strengthen Our Homes?</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 18:21-22 ESV</span></i></b></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PIoc1WI6R-LA9jML26LJaBUL09riuh8fBe2sNn_444m6CKq5UfgJVVq0jxuk1AwiZIvB2J7JWWIw1msL1J6gZbRtirubY57Q_Q7_iP41U3ah-DK4KSGWEgdL2xXzb8VHWH0zFOn8xwGyLsgSLfrWXii96Xg6C0uQPKCMrNMG3el4-dN1OyjsJxGwOF6I/s360/Colossians%203-13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="346" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PIoc1WI6R-LA9jML26LJaBUL09riuh8fBe2sNn_444m6CKq5UfgJVVq0jxuk1AwiZIvB2J7JWWIw1msL1J6gZbRtirubY57Q_Q7_iP41U3ah-DK4KSGWEgdL2xXzb8VHWH0zFOn8xwGyLsgSLfrWXii96Xg6C0uQPKCMrNMG3el4-dN1OyjsJxGwOF6I/w472-h395/Colossians%203-13.jpeg" width="472" /></a></i></div><p></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Does the Bible have an answer for us on how we are to strengthen our Homes?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Yes,” whatever God calls us to do; He enables and equips us to achieve. What is the most important action in our families that impacts our relationships resulting in a renewed dedication to one another? “FORGIVENESS.” Forgiveness is an act of love that is most likely undeserved and frequently unearned. It declares to the one offended that there is no longer any anger, hatred, or a desire for vengeance present.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p7" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The guilt has been removed, and the blame is gone just as God's compassionate grace is demonstrated towards sinners. He grants to us a promise of unconditional love through His precious Gospel. Our reproach and humiliation have been removed, and God's attitude towards those who have put their faith in Him is His unfathomable understanding.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p7" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Forgiveness is what makes a lasting relationship flourish and no resentments or unresolved grievances are harbored. In Colossians 3:13, Paul says, “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.</span></p><p class="p7" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unforgiveness imprisons and keeps people chained to their past. As long as they are unwilling to forgive offenders and their offenses, they are shackled to them, keeping their pain alive like an open sore. Christ is our model of forgiveness and has pardoned all our sins––the most critical truth in Scripture. </span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13,14). </span></p><p class="p7" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></b></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">He canceled your sin debt against a holy God and redeemed you (fulfilled the necessary payment for sin) with His blood (Colossians 1:14). How can you, who have been forgiven so much, not forgive someone who has sinned against you? To make your home strong, you need to release others through a heart of forgiveness walking in love as Christ has loved you. (Ephesians 4:32;5:2).</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;"><i>Lord, help me to build my home and show love and forgiveness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Amen!</i></b> </span></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-78642452947652516932024-03-08T06:00:00.001-07:002024-03-08T06:00:00.143-07:00The Fool, Who Is He?<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who<span class="s1" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">’</span>s a Fool?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 14:1a NASB</span></i></b></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The fool has said in his heart, </i>“<i>There is no God.”</i></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 53:1 ESV</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”They are corrupt, doing abominable</span></i></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>iniquity; there is none who does good.</span></i></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkRuPwcZSNafI9dCx6yyY0sCxet7SQoE5H8SKUY6WUTt9baOxpuAmdJ9N6FahU5ClQKJXVYr2ioOVsuYPGbriYw6HPG-EohOLDuRqoYPp05rNYTh1I85a8FITGgRyx-cGhUGnHIWt8TOxLrPh_XOZlbbxFGCXS4aT0mKhAqVh2zvRhD-e6CHbrS_Tn2JA/s469/Proverbs%2013-20%20walk%20with%20the%20wise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="469" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkRuPwcZSNafI9dCx6yyY0sCxet7SQoE5H8SKUY6WUTt9baOxpuAmdJ9N6FahU5ClQKJXVYr2ioOVsuYPGbriYw6HPG-EohOLDuRqoYPp05rNYTh1I85a8FITGgRyx-cGhUGnHIWt8TOxLrPh_XOZlbbxFGCXS4aT0mKhAqVh2zvRhD-e6CHbrS_Tn2JA/w512-h272/Proverbs%2013-20%20walk%20with%20the%20wise.jpeg" width="512" /></a></i></div><p></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><i></i><br /></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>The Bible has much to say about a fool and who he is. The word fool can mean: purposeless, without cause or intelligence. A fool is someone who ignores the Word of God and whose heart turns towards foolishness continuously. Fools do not always learn their lessons, as we see in Proverbs 26:11, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Fools repeatedly do the same foolish things, leading to their destruction and humiliation. <br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Fools hate knowledge. They plot out evil schemes and eventually cause themselves heartache with their proud speech. Foolish people have a quick temper, make fun of sin and bring grief to their parents. The Bible gives explicit warning to individuals not to associate with fools, “Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge”<i> </i>(Proverbs 14:7). If you walk with the wise, you will become wise, but if you accompany fools, you will suffer the consequences of their folly––harm (Proverbs 13:20).<br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>A notable definition of a fool is in Psalm 14:1 and 53:1. This definition records what the fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” Their ways are disgraceful and corrupt, and none among them do good. The meaning of both Scriptures is that fools do not believe in God. It is wicked to challenge God, and a terrible lifestyle often accompanies a denial of Him.<br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Call to Faith</i></b></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>As a Christian, you should exhibit love and compassion towards those that have turned their hearts away from God. Believers who walk in wisdom may be instrumental in setting a soul apart from destruction and unto eternal salvation (James 5:20). The gospel’s good news is that God’s forgiving grace is more significant than all our sins (Romans 5:20). <br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, may I walk in Your wisdom before a lost and dying world. </span></i></b></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="p7" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><b><i></i></b><br /></p><p class="p8" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p9" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-25416610439109798202024-03-01T06:00:00.009-07:002024-03-01T06:00:00.255-07:00I've Sinned, Now What?<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino;">I’ve Sinned</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZlKtjPigmeJhMKcdWhCRJR70q1bsHJKtzzBEftz115p3i5TPP8L8bGc38GeVPUDQPCA_vsdA8O5ChdYluaTVTke26XbvrijGkscP0_fbMpMtkZQR0yFFT5ykzgeM6ujbiBWxNfmKKrGGbAUPxnoWY_fKkl2v6aINTKJgvAmdBt6U4cif9EZ8VxUvh9-c/s458/Psalm%2032-1,2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="458" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZlKtjPigmeJhMKcdWhCRJR70q1bsHJKtzzBEftz115p3i5TPP8L8bGc38GeVPUDQPCA_vsdA8O5ChdYluaTVTke26XbvrijGkscP0_fbMpMtkZQR0yFFT5ykzgeM6ujbiBWxNfmKKrGGbAUPxnoWY_fKkl2v6aINTKJgvAmdBt6U4cif9EZ8VxUvh9-c/w524-h283/Psalm%2032-1,2.jpeg" width="524" /></a></div><p></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b><i>Psalm 51:3-4</i></b></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i>"For I know my transgressions, </i></span><i>and my sin is ever before me.</i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i>Against you, you only, have I sinned </i></span><i>and done what is evil in your sight, </i><i>so that you may be justified in your words </i><i>and blameless in your judgment."</i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">When David was confronted with his transgressions, he realized that his sin was against God and prayed a prayer of repentance taking full responsibility for what he had done. As a Christian, you will war with Satan in his efforts to undermine you. But, a believer has already been provided a way of escape according to (I Corinthians 10:13)<b><i>. </i></b>Although your offenses against God may seem as though they will require some desperate measures, you do have hope <i>“through Jesus Christ our Lord”</i> (Romans 7:25).</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"><span>Hebrews 4:15,<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">16 says, <i>"</i></span></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i>Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Because of His unchanging, and matchless, character, Christ’s infinite grace has forgiven all your sins.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some Christians assume that certain sins cannot be forgiven or that they are too far gone to be helped. Such unbelief breeds disobedience and despair. We as Christians need to remember that the teaching of the New Testament is <i>“With God nothing shall be impossible”</i> (Luke 1:37)<b><i>. </i></b>A faithful God does not expect us to do what we cannot; He supplies the strength we need (Philippians 4:13). <b><i> </i></b>Paul, in essence, was saying, “<i>My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”</i> (2 Corinthians 12:9)<b><i>. </i></b></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>“</b>He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” </i>(Isaiah 40:29-31).</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Call to Faith</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"><span>You can reflect on the reassuring words of Paul, who declares, <i>“</i></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i>He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"><span><i>”</i> (2 Corinthians 1:10)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Be assured that Christ has forgiven every sin you have ever committed whether it be past, present, or future sins.</span><span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>"</i></span><i>Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, </i></span><i><span>whose sin is covered. </span><span>Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, </span></i><span><i>and in whose spirit there is no deceit"</i> (Psalm 32:1,2). Why? Because you are His!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, Your grace and forgiveness are sufficient.</span></i></b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-54907620836284618362024-02-23T06:00:00.004-07:002024-02-23T06:00:00.148-07:00My Soul Is Redeemed<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino;">He Redeemed My Soul</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0AHXuu4YZPYmGlqofRRq2iJUWg4hxnPk07a7o9Mhi8DM67wCZVoZ0HOEPg5LB5zwNQBhQ9JsOaAOBVNjFq1ymVT_RqcHz4atRi6MpKahgHQIHUFCyhAtTJ7JhDyhEhcijN4Tjz7wiPb33H4AbqLzeZ7GYs7uMZd6GxMOjhZraYCGIF1EkTa6MaXA3cQu/s474/1%20Corinthians%206-20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="474" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0AHXuu4YZPYmGlqofRRq2iJUWg4hxnPk07a7o9Mhi8DM67wCZVoZ0HOEPg5LB5zwNQBhQ9JsOaAOBVNjFq1ymVT_RqcHz4atRi6MpKahgHQIHUFCyhAtTJ7JhDyhEhcijN4Tjz7wiPb33H4AbqLzeZ7GYs7uMZd6GxMOjhZraYCGIF1EkTa6MaXA3cQu/w484-h364/1%20Corinthians%206-20.jpeg" width="484" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Titus 2:14</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are not our own; our bodies, our souls, are not our’s but God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” We were bought with a tremendous price for our sins, and only Jesus could pay that sin debt we owe.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The trial of Jesus was a mockery before God. The Sanhedrin wanted to intimidate Pilate and make him listen to their plea. They hoped Pilate would do whatever they told him, but Pilate was unwilling to cooperate so readily. It was clear the charges against Jesus were false and had no foundation. Pilate took Jesus to Herod’s palace for a short walk through the city’s narrow streets. Herod and Pilate agreed that Jesus was no threat to Rome, all the Sanhedrin’s charges were false, and their intent was only evil.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How could one vindicate their soul amid such abuse and torture as Christ would experience? The hostile crowd persisted upon Jesus’ crucifixion. There was no stopping the scheme of the Sanhedrin. Pilate, the highest ruler in the region, could not stop this unbelievable plea for Jesus’ crucifixion. The flogging of Jesus was only the beginning of the physical and emotional torture He would have to endure before His death.</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus endured the shame and brutality of the cross so that we may have rest in our souls. His pain brought us to the path of righteousness. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Though the abuse and torture of Christ are hard for you to comprehend, there is nothing that compares to the wrath of God placed upon His Son when He bore your sins on the cross. Christ’s crucifixion, death, and glorious resurrection remain the very essence of the gospel. Jesus, the deliverer, redeemed your soul through His righteousness, which was created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Hallelujah! The blood of the Lamb redeemed my soul.</span></i></b></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-14628174366759766612024-02-16T06:24:00.002-07:002024-02-16T06:26:38.115-07:00Who Shall Separate Us?<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino; font-size: xx-large;">Sacrificial Love</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uyW0SESvYpxPuFjVppXKdCDqdRES3Xbn2ZbMRPOLiSLSTTzRGgmnp4Hvklo4i_tKI0-fixMXz4fFgGgXlaygkqAcEElfz-AkHWQIW0N1cXNtZUJcx1JtWDtUtKnRXMH5nF54EXKBOvDfZsEesCecOcoVCWqTpGTqikPPWTyXdUraaY8kTIXYUE6ebp4U/s370/Romans%208-38.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="370" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uyW0SESvYpxPuFjVppXKdCDqdRES3Xbn2ZbMRPOLiSLSTTzRGgmnp4Hvklo4i_tKI0-fixMXz4fFgGgXlaygkqAcEElfz-AkHWQIW0N1cXNtZUJcx1JtWDtUtKnRXMH5nF54EXKBOvDfZsEesCecOcoVCWqTpGTqikPPWTyXdUraaY8kTIXYUE6ebp4U/w470-h439/Romans%208-38.jpeg" width="470" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;"><i>Romans 8:31-39</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paul declares Christ’s love for us by posing this question; <i>Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? </i>The fear of separation from God is impossible for those who are in Christ. If we are truly born again by the Spirit of God, we can know and experience the boundless, unwavering love of Christ. <i> </i>What security this brings to the believer. There is no need to ever fear the past, the present, or the future––– we are safe and protected, in the love of Christ.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i></i></span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">God assures us that the hard things in life are working for our good and not against us. He encourages us that we are <i>more than conquerors through him that loved us </i>(Romans 8:37)<i>. </i>God allows the trials of life to come so that He may use them in our lives for His glory. He will never desert us, or leave us (Hebrews 13:5), for He is closest to us when we go through the most difficult times of our life. We, my friend, are victorious in Christ. We need not fear what may come into our lives because–––He gives the victory with no conditions attached.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Believers can experience defeat, discouragement, or depression at times. Our God is concerned with the trials we face and what could cause us to give way to frustration or despair. All our suffering will one day be gone and we will be with Christ in glory. The best is yet to come for us and we are to anticipate and long for His coming! What hope we have in Him who will one day take us home to heaven. </span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Call to Faith</b></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">This should cause your heart to rejoice, knowing; victory is yours through Christ, who <b><i>loved</i></b> you enough, to die in your place. You are His beloved and nothing can separate you from His deep affectionate love. <i>"</i></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><i>For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).</i></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, thank You for Your sacrificial love shown on the cross of Calvary for me.</span></i></b></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-91435177367676772272024-02-09T06:00:00.003-07:002024-02-09T06:00:00.129-07:00"That's Not Fair!"<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino;">Life’s Unfair!</span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Daniel 1:3,4</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOb6kRUa3Lk2kIOxX8RNvWekMYJLm8z8ZgHdWRtMb3YXykxkiQYgUPqYPpbUszPrgbsBvJtdE-6pZ1KWb0gA9H8L-og09NfIPu0qP8Cl08FTaYAdQUvx7QUf1cWYY9drAW4EiZfUydc3BW8w8DqS7sXqk0yyagY1SVhMtyiK43-dSeJMhSrYCuMhyIf8f/s468/2%20Peter%201-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="468" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOb6kRUa3Lk2kIOxX8RNvWekMYJLm8z8ZgHdWRtMb3YXykxkiQYgUPqYPpbUszPrgbsBvJtdE-6pZ1KWb0gA9H8L-og09NfIPu0qP8Cl08FTaYAdQUvx7QUf1cWYY9drAW4EiZfUydc3BW8w8DqS7sXqk0yyagY1SVhMtyiK43-dSeJMhSrYCuMhyIf8f/w483-h300/2%20Peter%201-3.jpeg" width="483" /></a></div><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>How many times have we heard this said, "That's not fair?" We all have experienced things in our lives that we could say are "not fair." In the book of Daniel, God gave such encouragement to Daniel's three young friends and Daniel while in exile. There is nothing fair about being uprooted from home, then taken away from one's family, or removed from the way of life these young men had been accustomed to living.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Daniel never gave in to the powerful authorities over him even though he knew he might suffer for his faith. He purposed in his heart not to conform to the king's ways and responded to the rule over him with conviction and courage. Daniel could have reacted in doubt and fear when facing the lion's den, but he trusted God instead and believed that God could do anything but fail. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>As Christians, we need to understand that we can battle difficulties if we remember the incredible power in the riches of our salvation (Ephesians 1:3). When you feel like life is just not fair, remember God controls all the details of your life and puts all things together for your good and His glory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Have you forgotten that you are a treasured possession through salvation? Sometimes we need a reminder of how great our salvation truly is, even during the seemingly unfair trials of life. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">He has given us his precious and very great promises so that through them we may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desires (2 Peter 1:3-4).</span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, thank You for my salvation and Your unequaled promises to me.</span></i></b></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-26584640773553621312024-02-02T06:00:00.002-07:002024-02-02T06:08:09.676-07:00God's Appointed Day<p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fearful of Dying?</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR6rmq_MZsthlU98g-yviAXGiecs_vWbZ2yLvKoMzi-s_g8-nL7RlDkj_3deOmvBzn1Sdg5hRdHxOxgAm-5IRp5qqF5WDVj3pZ-E0K9bf_crdmpIwwHBupM8eAmF5k-SV90OtMUrp7w-2dqPOt8HBN30uvjUcGPyXZY8HpSuEb-UH6exMHU-oSrfIgK0j/s360/John%205-22.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="358" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR6rmq_MZsthlU98g-yviAXGiecs_vWbZ2yLvKoMzi-s_g8-nL7RlDkj_3deOmvBzn1Sdg5hRdHxOxgAm-5IRp5qqF5WDVj3pZ-E0K9bf_crdmpIwwHBupM8eAmF5k-SV90OtMUrp7w-2dqPOt8HBN30uvjUcGPyXZY8HpSuEb-UH6exMHU-oSrfIgK0j/w470-h402/John%205-22.jpeg" width="470" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Acts 17:30-31</span></i></b></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.</span></i></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>God has appointed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus Christ. Some may have believed that God the Father was to judge the world, but according to John 5:22-24, His Son, Jesus, will judge. Therefore, we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each person may receive what is due them for what they have done in their body, whether good or evil (2 Corinthians 5:10).</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>The Word of God encourages us to anticipate the Lord’s return, but some will be fearful of His appearing. We must remember that the One who will be our Judge is the One who died for us and has given us His righteousness. He has pleaded for us when we have sinned, defended, and advocated for us. He is the One who will sit on the judgment seat before us. </span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>On this seat, Christ will declare us righteous and say, “Well done, enter into the joy of the Lord.” We need not be afraid of dying if we have trusted Christ and believe that He died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and now is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).</span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></b></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Of course, Christ would undoubtedly want you to deter from sin and be watchful, for no one knows the hour of His return. Therefore, you can be joyous and fully anticipate His return. A crown of righteousness is laid up for you, which the righteous Judge will award to you on that day and to all who have loved His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;"><i>Lord, thank You for our Righteous Judge.</i></b> </span></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-56492757150645371572024-01-26T06:00:00.020-07:002024-01-26T08:50:37.834-07:00Putting on the Belt of Truth<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino;">Belt of Truth -Spiritual Warfare - part 1</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugucLbvx8ndd9WEZsqjLxV6-LA8GbmCsZ_8Wvb7GTUY0g9Q1R4bzEXyb0jnzV8d1FhVDcRtsubjBRB8C-9JGbXeNlt2MNfOrMp5vMaUhXWQm3aHdk9K4ci2gNlTqAjYN4MdF8fJP3uCfwEbs5j5tQHMJK1sbIz2pyVGrpiEW7_Rap044Xms31JFpsUHxc/s470/John%2014-6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="470" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugucLbvx8ndd9WEZsqjLxV6-LA8GbmCsZ_8Wvb7GTUY0g9Q1R4bzEXyb0jnzV8d1FhVDcRtsubjBRB8C-9JGbXeNlt2MNfOrMp5vMaUhXWQm3aHdk9K4ci2gNlTqAjYN4MdF8fJP3uCfwEbs5j5tQHMJK1sbIz2pyVGrpiEW7_Rap044Xms31JFpsUHxc/w508-h345/John%2014-6.jpeg" width="508" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Ephesians 6:10,14a</span></i></b></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth."</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What is truth or true is not always what we can see. We can’t see Jesus, but we know He is the Truth, according to John 14:6. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:21 that “the truth is in Jesus.” Some would say, well, “If I can’t see it, it doesn’t exist. But, we must open our minds to the reality that someone in us (the Spirit of God) discerns truth in us and for us. We can’t miss why we need the<b> belt of truth i</b>n our lives.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>As Christians, we know we are born in this world, but God does not want us to be at home here. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In other words, What is truth!! We need to identify what Biblical truth is.</span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.Truth is not mutable. It doesn’t change or evolve</b>––All truth comes from God.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah 40:8 reads, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Where do we learn the truth? We learn truth from the Word of God.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Understanding where truth comes from is essential. You might ask, But Why is knowing truth so important?</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Understanding where truth comes from is essential. You might ask, But why is knowing truth so important? Because the world’s truth keeps changing, some will say, “Coffee is bad for you; you should never drink coffee.” “NO, coffee is good for you; you can drink as much as you want.” “Eggs are bad for you; you should never eat eggs. No, eggs are the best source of protein you can eat.”</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>What is it?</b> Did the truth change, or did our understanding of it change? Our world has been wrestling with this since the dawn of time. Galileo was a philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician. His improvements to the telescope led to advances in the field of astronomy. Sir Isaac Newton later expanded on Galileo’s work when developing his own theories.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In 1633, Galileo was convicted of teaching heresy by the Pope. He was put under house arrest for the rest of his life, where he later died. Why? Galileo believed that the <b>sun</b> did not revolve around the earth but that the earth revolved around the sun, and from that theory, he believed that the world was not flat but round. The Pope said, “That’s heresy!” We have learned since then that the Earth is round and revolves around the sun. They called it heresy because they were convinced that Scripture taught that the sun evolved around the Earth.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>There is only One truth, no matter what you may be talking about. Jesus says He is the truth, which is important because Jesus is God. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” If Jesus is the same forever, then His Word never changes.</span></p><p class="p9" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.</b> <b>Truth is not subjective (personalized or only for one individual)–</b>––<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>We hear in movies sometimes, “Live Your Truth.” “Follow your heart and what is true for you.” “Do whatever feels right to you!” The Bible says: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own “ understanding. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5,7).</span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Here’s a Lie: What is true for me may not be true for you. What? That’s why we have young women and older women aborting babies. They say, “I believe this is best for me.” Let’s look at Romans 1:22-26a. What happens when you make up your own truth?</span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Romans 1:24-26a “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions.”</span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When humans decide that truth is subjective (personalized or only for one individual), God says, well, I have some results for you. He gives them over to their own lust, which is damaging, destructive, and dangerous. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p9" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></b></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If soldiers are not sure they are under the protection of the King, they will have a hard time-fighting. As a soldier of Christ, you can be sure that your King will provide you with infallible, assuring, and unwavering armor in your fight against the fiery darts of Satan. </span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>The God of the universe has said, “I have saved you, I will protect you, and I will give you a heavenly home that is safe and secure. You can put your 100% trust in that. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">You will fail if you try to stand in your own wisdom and power.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). </span></p><p class="p9" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, thank You for truth; Your Word is truth.</span></i></b></p><p class="p9" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p9" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-39400797221339887482024-01-19T06:00:00.002-07:002024-01-19T06:06:11.633-07:00God's Purpose in Pain<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Zapfino;">Here’s My Heart</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Psalms 66:10, 20</span></i></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.</span></i></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer</span></i></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">or removed his steadfast love from me!<br /></span></i></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyLcGP_z3PGEn061DMPw4Y-Ls6xa6iqm1E4a7DsmoZymU49X3JkAPdA9AfrYBM8wXgoD3shX30TAjTSjpbmfuEDgXlLCe0z11faNVeUiSPmwfWZxJUxkQiNmZxS9-U0xBPQhQUGPTs4PJytAyFmgcz1LDud1DggeoNtVHQQauMGeIXzcN_2EVxbGM-3P9/s360/Philippians%204-6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="344" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyLcGP_z3PGEn061DMPw4Y-Ls6xa6iqm1E4a7DsmoZymU49X3JkAPdA9AfrYBM8wXgoD3shX30TAjTSjpbmfuEDgXlLCe0z11faNVeUiSPmwfWZxJUxkQiNmZxS9-U0xBPQhQUGPTs4PJytAyFmgcz1LDud1DggeoNtVHQQauMGeIXzcN_2EVxbGM-3P9/w533-h350/Philippians%204-6.jpeg" width="533" /></a></i></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Is there a purpose in God taking you through painful or difficult circumstances? Yes! God uses difficult circumstances in your life to test and refine you. The question we most frequently ask is, “Why?” Why has this happened to my family or me? Is there any good that will come from this pain and suffering? How will I ever give thanks when I hurt so bad? These are hard questions that fill our minds when experiencing tremendous loss. <br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The humiliation of the rejection of those we love and the dull ache of loneliness after death or separation contributes to the anxiety and emotional pain we suffer. Sometimes we are even called upon to help carry the burdens of others while we are hurting ourselves to the point of devastation. Yet, we know that when friends and loved ones are hurting, we are to suffer along with them.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When going through difficult times, we are to praise God and trust Him amid adversity. We are to ask Him to search our hearts and confess any sin against Him (Psalm 139:23,24). We can thank God for the trials He has used to test us and praise Him for His promise to bring us through those trials to accomplish His will. <br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We must admit to God any sin we have been holding on to and seek forgiveness. Ask Him to give you a submissive heart and pray that your heart will openly receive whatever God brings into your life. As you trust Him to strengthen you, seek peace in and through the storm. When all looks hopeless, remember you are not alone. God is always there with you (Hebrews 13:5).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> "</span></i></b>Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4)! We are not to be happy about the painful circumstances, but rejoice in who He is and what He has done for you for all eternity. Pray and be thankful, letting your requests be made known to the Lord. Then, God’s peace, which exceeds all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus to bring you through.</span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord Jesus, here’s my heart to do with as You will.</span></i></b></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-89000001368848184412024-01-10T16:25:00.009-07:002024-01-11T05:50:18.701-07:00Walking Through the Valley of Death<p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What Does It Mean to Be a Widow?</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsmcg79nZHvACVcdcbNDR2MXcKQqnm1yjoJdxOXD5m4IFFc_kNIiJarvCys0ePkbpxkj-FLMk-6j3vTHJEgKHed2rZfm_17jM75WiYSArLhvV4wkzWg6Q_SGDMTkHZ8cG5p3_GVJlclLdFHFHn6FY-8m7q3mqeSqzxPdnby2buFUJ6PrFNaxhDsF1ib1G/s388/Psalm%2023-4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="388" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsmcg79nZHvACVcdcbNDR2MXcKQqnm1yjoJdxOXD5m4IFFc_kNIiJarvCys0ePkbpxkj-FLMk-6j3vTHJEgKHed2rZfm_17jM75WiYSArLhvV4wkzWg6Q_SGDMTkHZ8cG5p3_GVJlclLdFHFHn6FY-8m7q3mqeSqzxPdnby2buFUJ6PrFNaxhDsF1ib1G/w423-h431/Psalm%2023-4.jpeg" width="423" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 68:5</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Most of you who read this devotional will need help understanding the widow’s position. The purpose for writing about the widow is to plead for her and try to explain the tremendous loss and overwhelming feelings of grief that accompany the reality of death. Scripture says, “A judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation” in the King James Version of the Bible. The word judge means “defender and advocate.” In His holy habitation, God is her support, guardian, Lord, master, teacher, advisor, and counselor. What comfort that brings to the widow in her need of solace.</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Numbness is a word many widows would use to explain the aftermath of shock in the passing of life. Some ask, “Did this happen or am I dreaming?” “What just happened? Am I going to be all right? What will I do now?” The immense feeling of loss begins to take hold, and then unexpectedly, everything appears in parts.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Where you used to go to church together, you now find yourself driving to church alone. Bedtime is hard now because you are used to sharing the day’s events and maybe even laughing a little. Now, there’s no one on his side–––all is still. The snoring that used to annoy you has stopped, and silence fills the night. Tears begin to flow down onto the pillow, and weeping may last until the Lord brings rest to your weary heart and soul.</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fixing the car, cleaning the garage, opening old boxes with memories of the past flood your heart, and sometimes you think, “I’ll never make it through this experience.” Everywhere you go now, you probably go alone, and if you are asked to accompany someone, you make up the third wheel. Nothing is ever the same, and now you realize you will have memories he will never be a part of.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For whatever reason, the mutual friends that you had together stopped calling or didn’t call at all. I am not sure why friends stop contacting you; they may not know what to say, so they say nothing. One of the greatest gifts my loving Father allowed me to have during my years of being a widow was my dear family. I was blessed to have them close to me so we could share the truths of the Word of God and encourage each other daily.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>May I say the death of a spouse is overwhelming, and the absence of a parent has devastating effects on the children as well. In remembering the widow, please don’t forget the children, the fatherless; their hearts are broken over the death of their Father, and they need your lovingkindness and understanding to help in time of need.</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Please take into consideration the life and loss of those who have labored together for the cause of Christ. A wife who loses her husband in ministry is quite overpowering. She will need understanding, comfort, and friendship. Remember, the Lord is good to all, especially the widow and the fatherless. He will establish their borders and set their boundaries (their limit), a safe and secure place to be (Proverbs 15:25).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></i></b></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you know a widow, please call her, spend time with her, and allow her to cry with you. It does take some time to go through the grieving process of death, so be patient with her. My Lord was so wonderful to me during this challenging time. He walked me through the valley of the shadow of death and prepared a table in the wilderness where my cup was running over (Psalm 23:4-6). I lingered in the book of Psalms for over a year, and through that journey, He comforted my soul and changed my life forever.</span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, I thank You for Your comfort during my time in the valley.</span></i></b></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-67862621650533992962024-01-05T06:00:00.003-07:002024-01-22T06:42:03.141-07:00Wisdom to Guide Children <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teaching Your Children </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdK3XyZudqyagZTAcP3x8t5IPOZOJ4vGVtkR_qd5M9J0dEphAfnbPTreb2aNUHXZCZ_ZQtejPprAD6Vw8bYbmmR4yKEXgGbAwDpskWhSELY0SYFIWgXL09HR9JfMk0_667OnJQ34I-EbgZxdj8KNtbkBCGmF3ZtM3jbggqq9tfJkwn4vHijcp1Twy9uS4/s398/Deuteronomy%206-5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdK3XyZudqyagZTAcP3x8t5IPOZOJ4vGVtkR_qd5M9J0dEphAfnbPTreb2aNUHXZCZ_ZQtejPprAD6Vw8bYbmmR4yKEXgGbAwDpskWhSELY0SYFIWgXL09HR9JfMk0_667OnJQ34I-EbgZxdj8KNtbkBCGmF3ZtM3jbggqq9tfJkwn4vHijcp1Twy9uS4/w389-h320/Deuteronomy%206-5.jpeg" width="389" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Deuteronomy 6:5-8<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></b></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”</span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book of Proverbs brilliantly describes God’s wisdom and applies it to life here on earth, warning of what it looks like to live by our own wisdom instead of God’s. </span></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Teaching children a healthy fear of God</span></i></b></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </i></b>Proverbs 9:10 says,<b><i> </i></b><i>“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” </i>There are two kinds of fear mentioned in the Bible. One fear is the fear of the Lord, which is good and to be encouraged. The second kind of fear is a<i> “spirit of fear,”</i> which hinders one’s faith in God. “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear), but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).</span></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Teaching children to fear the Lord</i></b> </span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To fear the Lord means to have a correct view of God with respect and awe, including His unfailing love, mercy, power, and glory. The fear of the Lord contains many blessings and benefits, one of which is true salvation. Also, this fear leads to wisdom and brings genuine rest and contentment. “The fear of the LORD leads to life, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm” (Proverbs 19:23).</span><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></b></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Teaching children to guard their heart<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></b></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i></b>A child needs to learn how to protect their mind. Proverbs 4:23 says,<b><i> “</i></b>Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it <i>flow</i> the springs of life.” To watch over their heart means a parent needs to safeguard their minds, emotions, and will<i>. </i>The heart is like a depository, and parents are to be careful about what their children watch, read, and listen to. Their minds are simple, uncomplicated, and somewhat unaffected by the things of this world. That’s why they need guidance through their formative years in the things that enter the eye gate –– impacting the heart.</span></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, I pray for wisdom to guide my children in the fear of the Lord.</span></i></b></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-38513758686331145792023-12-29T06:00:00.004-07:002023-12-29T07:05:24.731-07:00Wait Patiently for Him<p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Waiting Patiently on God</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe_SNBCnWb8-j1cKTDJs6QVbhBD20ZpDGpvtP06rSP3DC6Qjpp6mrEdT6UGQs0q7CR_ABCDRFZyvUIRIOqWLAyMpYb97CTDO_nLaxYz_ISt-3xNEihrtNrkb0MpKYbGn5sOyBaaUcY0I-LILe3G25p-M9AwLPbSGCbzu2L0fy2B3dTZ1ysrkt1RU3oGHL/s440/Ps%2037-7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="358" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLe_SNBCnWb8-j1cKTDJs6QVbhBD20ZpDGpvtP06rSP3DC6Qjpp6mrEdT6UGQs0q7CR_ABCDRFZyvUIRIOqWLAyMpYb97CTDO_nLaxYz_ISt-3xNEihrtNrkb0MpKYbGn5sOyBaaUcY0I-LILe3G25p-M9AwLPbSGCbzu2L0fy2B3dTZ1ysrkt1RU3oGHL/w527-h320/Ps%2037-7.jpeg" width="527" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 37:7a</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 40:1a</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I dislike waiting! And most of us despise waiting for something to happen as well. Have you waited impatiently to hear from someone you love, and it seems like decades have passed before they call? Have you stayed in the doctor’s office or at the hospital for a doctor’s report, and fear begins to creep into your mind? Waiting, waiting, waiting, and yet, God’s Word instructs us to wait. As Christians, we must learn to rest in our faith for God to move on our behalf.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The word patient or patience is derived from the Latin word “<i>patientia” </i>from<i> “patior,” </i>to suffer or to endure. Our Lord tells us to wait and patiently wait on Him. The definition of patience is: <i>“willingness to put up with waiting, pain, troubles, or hurts; calm endurance without complaining or losing self-control.”</i> This explanation of the word patience is what God wants for us while we wait for His will. The willingness to wait and suffer, if need be, without losing self-control, is most definitely the work of the Spirit of God. </span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Galatians 5:16-18 says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></i></b></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Patiently waiting on God honors Him and gives Him time to work in your life His way. This act is the highest expression of faith and will bring rest to your soul. Quietly waiting on the Lord allows you to know Him and His depth of love. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says<i>, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness</i>.” Let us equip ourselves with the same mind as Christ (Philippians 2:5) as we wait patiently and, by faith, pray for our hearts to be strengthened.</span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">“So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see</span></i></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.</span></i></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">And though oft My answers seem terribly late,</span></i></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">My most precious answer of all is still, Wait.”<br /></span></i></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">(Unknown Author)</span></i></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; text-align: left;"><i>Lord, I know You have heard my cry; I will wait patiently for You.</i></b> </span></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-37179550430032389252023-12-22T06:00:00.002-07:002023-12-23T08:51:59.132-07:00God's Precious Gift to You<p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Precious Things</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBVruZjkfOE8P5r3TwoJA9flhx2twAY1TKD-092G9hlQo95UToT_eDhG6wH01Das9maSuURdUhJiqBYdS9RwJq1cpxjReNQeS2rTeYp9nnFlyXk3_NPqe_VC_0aMisezPFdfMhxKo6iKjWQmgyYgumj3Z7hNyGkEodHf6CipfKNMUC7tJ3WsNph6jtbnm/s444/God's%20Christmas%20Gift%20to%20You.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="444" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBVruZjkfOE8P5r3TwoJA9flhx2twAY1TKD-092G9hlQo95UToT_eDhG6wH01Das9maSuURdUhJiqBYdS9RwJq1cpxjReNQeS2rTeYp9nnFlyXk3_NPqe_VC_0aMisezPFdfMhxKo6iKjWQmgyYgumj3Z7hNyGkEodHf6CipfKNMUC7tJ3WsNph6jtbnm/w462-h319/God's%20Christmas%20Gift%20to%20You.jpeg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you have considered what is truly precious through this delightful Christmas season. Some<i> </i>attributes written about God in His Word count as “<i>precious.”</i> And relationships that we should deem<i> priceless</i>, bringing glory and honor to Him who deserves our highest praise.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><i>“For the redemption of their soul is “<b>precious </b></i>(costly)” <i>(</i>Psalm 49:8). No money on earth can redeem a person, nor can give a ransom to God for their soul. They must acknowledge the extravagant price the Lord Jesus Christ paid on the cross for sin and put their faith and trust in Him.<i> “<b>Precious</b> in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (</i>Psalm 116:15)<i>. </i></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;"><span> </span>The Lord watches over the death of His godly ones. We need not fear to die before Him when the hour of our departure is at hand.</span><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;"> </span><i><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;">“</span><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;">How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! </span><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;">How vast is the sum of them</span></i><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;"><i>”</i> (Psalm 139:17)!</span><i style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;"> </i><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;">To think that the God of this universe should think upon us is an absolute joy to a believer. We should think of God’s thoughts of us with delight because we are impoverished and very needful without Him. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;"><i><span> </span>“</i></span><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;"><i>For it stands in Scripture: </i></span><i style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;">“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, </i><i style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;">a cornerstone chosen and precious, </i><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;"><i>and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame”</i></span><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial;"> (1 Peter 2:6)<i>. </i>Christ is called a stone metaphorically to typify His strength and power and teach those who believe in Him that He is their protection and security. </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> </span>How precious is one soul to God’s heart that He would show such grace to fallen man? No price can be put on a dying saint. They are a precious treasure we possess in His innumerable thoughts towards us. May we never forget our most precious things: He who is our foundation, strength, and hope in this life and the life to come. We know we are loved, secure, and considered </span><i>precious</i><span> in His sight with the outpouring of His mercy and grace.</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lord, I thank You for Your precious blood, shed for me</i>.</span></b></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-84155657420930834192023-12-15T06:00:00.002-07:002023-12-15T06:00:00.135-07:00The Gifts of God<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Zapfino;">God’s Gifts</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGrPK6JRXNQm40xv69LxpeHhc9TTjrLK5FcmpVk3kkXSGWiJff2KpI10wuoct_0EBnEBZleVShzB2jf_ksCL_bQy_MeCjdo3idk_YkR8HusqN2LxhDDgOFPMCTKsLE2y1DVCgz9JsSzqS9Vsw3NSlGWXb7ZQZPvrExQ6RoD6_ksydAtMVzYg1k0TIMiSu/s470/The%20Gift%20of%20God's%20Word.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="470" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGrPK6JRXNQm40xv69LxpeHhc9TTjrLK5FcmpVk3kkXSGWiJff2KpI10wuoct_0EBnEBZleVShzB2jf_ksCL_bQy_MeCjdo3idk_YkR8HusqN2LxhDDgOFPMCTKsLE2y1DVCgz9JsSzqS9Vsw3NSlGWXb7ZQZPvrExQ6RoD6_ksydAtMVzYg1k0TIMiSu/w455-h325/The%20Gift%20of%20God's%20Word.jpeg" width="455" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">James 1:17</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Where did the tradition of giving begin? It began at Creation with God! Our gifts are imperfect, often with the wrong motivation, always defective, and temporary. Good and perfect gifts come only from God, the Father of Lights. As it came from God’s creative hand, the universe was perfect. God Himself pronounced it very good. God began with a good and perfect creation, and He has maintained that standard. </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The custom of giving gifts is a worldwide practice. It finds its most significant expression at Christmas when the wise men in Matthew 2 and the joyful tidings of the angels in Luke 2 echo in millions of families worldwide. People share the joy of giving at this time even if the “Reason for the season” is unknown in that family.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Giving is a strong theme in Scripture. The words “give,” “giving,” “gift,” and similar terms appear at least 2,100 times. The very first appearance is in connection with light. God gave lights in the heavens to shine on the earth. He created the lights; He is the Father of Lights. He gave us light to enjoy His wondrous creation. When Christ was born, the shepherds saw the glory shining (Luke 2:9), the wise men saw His star (Matthew 2:2), and John testified the True Light had come (John 1:9). Today, the remembering of Christ’s birth is marked by an abundance of lights. Even the Jew’s festival of Hanukkah is called by them the “festival of lights.”</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are other specific gifts mentioned in Scripture. The phrase “gift of God” occurs eight times, and the plural term “gifts of God” occurs once.”</span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Six New Testament Gifts of God</span></i></b></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Gift of Christ Shown to the Woman at the Well</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10).</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>The Gift of the Holy Spirit</b></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money” <i>(</i>Acts 8:18-20)!</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>The Gift of Eternal Life Through Christ Jesus</b></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” <i>(</i>Romans 6:23)<b><i>.</i></b></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>The Gift of Individual Abilities Given to Man</b></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another” (1 Corinthians 7:7).<b> </b>Both singleness and marriage are God’s gracious gifts.<br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>The Gift of Salvation</b></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>“</i></b>For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8)<b><i>.</i></b></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>The Gift of Confidence in Love</b></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>“</b>For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)<i>.</i><b><i> </i></b>The threat of Roman persecution was escalating under the leadership of Nero during this time. Our God has already given believers all the spiritual resources they need for every trial. If man is fearful, it does not come from God. </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All of God’s gifts are good, perfect, and eternal! The plural phrase “gifts of God” stresses this wonderful truth in Romans 11:29, which says, “For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” These six gifts will be ours to treasure for all of eternity. The last time giving is mentioned in the Bible is in Revelation 22:12 when Christ rewards His faithful servants. He is the Great Giver at the beginning, at the end of time, and for eternity.</span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Fatih</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This Christmas, as you share your gifts and enjoy the beautiful lights, remember the Father of Lights, the Great Giver of all good and perfect gifts.<i> “</i>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life<i>” </i>(John 3:16). After contemplating this great gift and the love that determined it, the only response you can have is one of praise and wonder for our Great Giver!<i> </i>“Thanks be unto God for his inexpressible gift<i>” (</i>2 Corinthians 9:15)<b><i>.</i></b> Throughout this Christmas season, think about God’s many gifts mentioned in His Word and those He has personally given to you.</span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, thank You for Your so great gift of salvation.</span></i></b><br /></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-9735529295432677812023-12-08T06:00:00.039-07:002023-12-08T06:17:26.725-07:00The Mysterious Side of Christmas<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is There a Dark Side to Christmas?</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2</span></i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2tBlCPM7uTYwJcp81T_lzoGNYYu0n4jqCCfJM4KmTfZsJxOaOqKDz1PCd9NbAD8asuaLZTPAJHZAP7SLfxL5FRaYGjzu2dwQpttVAunQhTR0kTbOsVQ9aEfqMnA989YwKBLCTfjIcuvz_vZp9bx3uEICSYXRJimdyV4zKap-uIXlXjtxuMpeKJaV1b9Q/s475/Christmas%20star.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="475" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2tBlCPM7uTYwJcp81T_lzoGNYYu0n4jqCCfJM4KmTfZsJxOaOqKDz1PCd9NbAD8asuaLZTPAJHZAP7SLfxL5FRaYGjzu2dwQpttVAunQhTR0kTbOsVQ9aEfqMnA989YwKBLCTfjIcuvz_vZp9bx3uEICSYXRJimdyV4zKap-uIXlXjtxuMpeKJaV1b9Q/w477-h306/Christmas%20star.jpeg" width="477" /></a></div><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>When people think of this time of year, they mostly think of the beauty of Christmas. They surround themselves with lovely trees, bright lights, decorations, colorful ornaments, flickering candles, wreaths, snow scenes, warm fireplaces, and a heart filled with joy. Some dream of a “White Christmas,” and others sing songs that convey happiness and wonder. <span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span></span>Christmas is the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” but we must look at Christmas and its true meaning: </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">“. . . </em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">He shall save His people from their sin” (Matthew 1:21). 1 John 4:14 says, “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.” I Timothy 1:15 reads, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">The true meaning of Christmas gives hope to the hopeless that are lost in their sin.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span>Picture with me the night Jesus was born. Can you imagine the stable, the smells, and the sounds of the animals? Visualize Joseph clearing a small place in the hay to lay Mary down to give birth to the Christ Child. What a humble site, and yet, God chose Jesus’ birthplace.</span></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span>The sky explodes with amazement as the angels sing of His birth. Lowly shepherds hear the angels’ voices proclaiming this marvelous prophecy. They must go and see this newborn King, the angels are declaring. Recall with me, King Herod, a horrible man who feared he would lose his power and control because of this so called, newborn King. He made a decree to massacre all the baby boys two years and younger in that region. Christmas does have some dark details that some don’t think about during this time of the year, but they are still there.</span></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">C</span></em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">all to Faith</span></span></strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span>The Bible says Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners which is the real reason for His coming. Sin is the dark side of Christmas which brings you to the actual point of its true beauty. The magnificence and glory of Christmas is Christ’s willingness to come to earth and die on the cross for you and me. This truth, the power of the Gospel, is what makes Christmas so alluring.</span></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Lord, thank You for Christmas and the Gospel.</span></em></strong></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-69155764454229931532023-12-01T06:00:00.035-07:002023-12-01T06:00:00.141-07:00 Missing Christmas<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino;"> </span><span style="font-family: Zapfino;">Missing the Meaning of Christmas </span></span></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZs0qGUrN9g4l2WOtfpZKRCkA_PuwdGiRgvzfFN36iqcr8A2iP_OEwySsIU543UXJHm0suPzQSjFb8uOQHQKIY8bvL8vektBO7jB4iHkTeAQNQpFR6G5tPBe8msh9U4Bgr8Z2H30cA24KD6qa3xIxoGQMzgquYQr1LclFJi-_Xh9EgkWKL46ZCbO6hrLY/s360/Christmas%20and%20Christ.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="358" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZs0qGUrN9g4l2WOtfpZKRCkA_PuwdGiRgvzfFN36iqcr8A2iP_OEwySsIU543UXJHm0suPzQSjFb8uOQHQKIY8bvL8vektBO7jB4iHkTeAQNQpFR6G5tPBe8msh9U4Bgr8Z2H30cA24KD6qa3xIxoGQMzgquYQr1LclFJi-_Xh9EgkWKL46ZCbO6hrLY/w461-h368/Christmas%20and%20Christ.jpeg" width="461" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><i> Luke 2:8-11</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.</span></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre;"> <span> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There will be many people this year who will miss Christmas for one reason or another. Oh, come on, Dianna, “How can this be, with all the advertising and holiday spirit going on?” Even though many are “celebrating” Christmas, they don’t know what Christmas is truly about. Sometimes, with the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we become preoccupied with all the presents, the food, and other fun activities. As Christians, we too can get caught up in the magic of the moment and forget about the One who came so long ago.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span> <span> </span></span>The angel of the Lord came to shepherds the night Jesus was born. Out of the many people in Bethlehem, these lowly people were chosen by God to hear the heavenly host proclaim, <i>“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” </i>(Luke 2:14). What a marvelous sight they would behold! A multitude of heavenly hosts, angels, singing and praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”</span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span> <span> </span></span>There are times when people miss out on Christmas because of their religion, family traditions, and preoccupation with all the activities. The shepherds didn’t miss Christmas; the religious Jews missed the glories of Heaven proclaiming Christ’s birth.There are many ways to miss Christmas, one of which is <b>unbelief</b>. If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and trust in His name, Christmas will become real to you. His name<b>, IMMANUEL, </b>means<b> “GOD WITH US,” </b>which describes who He is and distinguishes Him above all others (Matthew 1:23)<b>. </b></span> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Call to Fatih</b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span> <span> </span></span>When you trust in His name and His marvelous saving grace, Christmas will be more than a holiday to you. Please put your faith and trust in the Christ of Christmas so you may know and understand the significance and magnitude of His miraculous birth.</span></p></blockquote><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Lord, help me to know the Christ of Christmas.</i></b> </span></p><p> <span> <span> </span></span></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-40427303133594498222023-11-22T06:00:00.001-07:002023-11-22T07:02:42.804-07:00 Be Thankful <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Zapfino;"><span style="font-size: large;">What Does Thanksgiving Mean to You?</span></span></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gOzP4sinq5h-CSMYcG0pOQkYD-436tSmHNCoHXQcYHk9vt5zyL9n1H1oVo6MICp7-UkY49eEI3UASqZuPfQP4iYAM1zMj96WhqvzxkSea-rQ2TPInV0JwRpsWDpe-DisSg__1L1D3job/s380/Give+Thanks.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gOzP4sinq5h-CSMYcG0pOQkYD-436tSmHNCoHXQcYHk9vt5zyL9n1H1oVo6MICp7-UkY49eEI3UASqZuPfQP4iYAM1zMj96WhqvzxkSea-rQ2TPInV0JwRpsWDpe-DisSg__1L1D3job/w441-h320/Give+Thanks.jpeg" width="441" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span>Do you have joyful memories of years gone by that bring a smile to your face? Or, are you reminded of difficult times, challenging conversations, illnesses, and maybe even a loved one's death? First, I would like to say, "I am so sorry if you have had troublesome times and darkened days as mentioned." May the Lord give you rest during those memories and a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).</span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span>Thanksgiving Day is an American holiday, and we, as Christians, celebrate the beginnings of our nation with joy and gratefulness. Seventy-one times the word Thankfulness is used in the New Testament, and in most instances, this exact word, or a word related to it, is implied. Though we don't celebrate Thanksgiving Day every day or even every week, we are given imperatives in Scripture to be thankful to the Lord.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><span> </span>"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be</span><b style="font-size: xx-large;"> thankful"</b><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> (Colossians 3:15). In contrast, " For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">give thanks</b><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> to him, but they became futile (worthless) in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21).</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><span> </span>There is a significant difference between these two verses. Colossians 3:15 mentions peace ruling in their hearts, and the body of believers as a whole are</span><b style="font-size: xx-large;"> thankful </b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">to God. But, Romans 1:21,22a says that they knew God but were useless and idle in their thinking. They thought themselves to be wise but became foolish in their vain imaginations and were</span><b style="font-size: xx-large;"> not thankful.</b></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;">As Scripture teaches, and during this Thanksgiving season, be thankful and appreciative to God for what He has done for you. How indebted we are to the Lord for all that He has given us. And all that He promises to give to those who love Him (James 1:12). </span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lord, I am filled with gratitude for Your faithful love towards me. </span></i></b></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p></blockquote>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-66353057393604204272023-11-17T06:00:00.002-07:002023-11-17T06:00:00.139-07:00Are You Blaming God?<p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pursuing False gods</span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCt-rFjE6E_UQRE_OD9PtqybVhV-UoY2NUOTydjUJ2tkHv1UvFCYBIKIvh_WsAD4JwVBJ9CrdQVjtx5wGbpJIOcSLGfRgS6E_ZqHUu58kqSpun_JENJ07ZfaZAOGsKFDQcOI7yz3nMNnHbqGB5VnA7wS3BHEkFoeVCstHTd7jjVe9OlB00WtDfEUP5jkfw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCt-rFjE6E_UQRE_OD9PtqybVhV-UoY2NUOTydjUJ2tkHv1UvFCYBIKIvh_WsAD4JwVBJ9CrdQVjtx5wGbpJIOcSLGfRgS6E_ZqHUu58kqSpun_JENJ07ZfaZAOGsKFDQcOI7yz3nMNnHbqGB5VnA7wS3BHEkFoeVCstHTd7jjVe9OlB00WtDfEUP5jkfw=w424-h424" width="424" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Jeremiah 18:15a</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">But my people have forgotten me; they make offerings to false gods; they made them stumble in their ways</span></i></p><p class="p3" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>When someone fails to stay out of a life of addiction, they often ignore their own responsibility for their sin, blaming others, and even God, for their failure. Enticed by their own lusts, addicts pursue the lie that these false idols (the gods of drugs or alcohol) are something they need and cannot live without. As a result, their hearts are deceived, and their eyes are spiritually blinded. </span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Temptation Comes from Within</span></b></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Why is temptation so attractive and powerful? We know that even Christians struggle with sinful addictions before salvation, which often continue afterward. Sadly, they usually look to the false gods for temporary gratification to relieve stress or to gratify a pleasurable lust rather than turning to God. How much more difficult is the struggle for lost drug addicts who do not know God as Savior or have the power of the Holy Spirit residing in them?</span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span>Does God shield us from circumstances that might provoke us to sin? James 1:12-14 says, ‘“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.</span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b><i style="font-size: x-large;">But each one is tempted when he is</i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">drawn away by his own desires and enticed</i><span style="font-size: x-large;">’” (emphasis added). Any overindulgence can develop into sinful behavior when our desire for it becomes more important to us than obeying God. </span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span>We are confronted daily with temptations, difficulties, and sometimes overwhelming battles. God allows testing in our lives to prove our love and loyalty to Him or uses it to cause us to turn to Him in our despair. </span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Gospel, Our Only Hope</span></b></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Women trapped in substance abuse can only find hope in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course, people find paths to overcome addiction, such as through Alcoholics Anonymous groups. Still, without Jesus, it is merely like wrapping a bandage around a gaping wound: our rebellion against a holy God.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span>True spiritual rest and healing for suffering, broken, sinful souls is found only in Jesus. Acts 4:12 proclaims, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven [the name of Jesus] given among men by which we must be saved.” He truly is our only hope for lasting change.</span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, may the addicted trust You in their overwhelming battle.</span></i></b></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-63579853888200719922023-11-10T06:00:00.004-07:002023-11-10T07:28:30.424-07:00I Live By Faith<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino;">By Faith</span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Zapfino;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Zapfino;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp5E2RBmfIbMbnmCDedKnDPMaVpq1iFPM_leybxjb8vASBinnSfg4qH_uxpGW_-9YGtmxcf0r1rjWoS5Z9CdAclmMaguhRomrRPFJPLKmHUdmazlDy7NncUQT1RWl4N1S7k1Q6pUgAIEU0EnC3jIMfcQFJGly_o4hB8e8wAexO6WINSP-iQnDCY42bPrYO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp5E2RBmfIbMbnmCDedKnDPMaVpq1iFPM_leybxjb8vASBinnSfg4qH_uxpGW_-9YGtmxcf0r1rjWoS5Z9CdAclmMaguhRomrRPFJPLKmHUdmazlDy7NncUQT1RWl4N1S7k1Q6pUgAIEU0EnC3jIMfcQFJGly_o4hB8e8wAexO6WINSP-iQnDCY42bPrYO=w432-h395" width="432" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Hebrews 11:1-3</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Old Testament saints were saved as we are by faith. The Gospel, Good News, is the promise of redemption through the Messiah by faith starting in Genesis 3:15. The people of old received their commendation or were accredited with the righteousness of God by faith. The writer of Hebrews is not giving saints of old recognition or praise for what they did, but for what they believed (Hebrews 11:4). We don’t gain favor with God for what we do or don’t do.</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>By faith, God commended them for what they did through Him. Abraham, Abram, was a moon worshipper and a pagan, but he became a follower of God by faith. Through his journeys, Abram makes some bad decisions to disobey God. He is afraid of being put to death and lies about his wife, and tells her to lie, saying she is his sister. When they entered Egypt, the princes of Pharaoh saw how beautiful Sarai was and praised her to Pharaoh. </span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pharaoh dealt well with Abram taking Sarai into his house. But the Lord plagues Pharaoh and his household because Sarai is Abram’s wife. Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, “What have you done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? Why did you say she is your sister, so that I took her for my wife” (Genesis 12)? Pharaoh gave Abram back his wife and all that he had with him and sent them away.</span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hebrews does not call the men and women mentioned heroes of faith or the hall of fame. They are called “so great a cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1. What are they a witness to? It’s not their faithfulness or ability to save themselves or fulfill a promise, but they are witnesses to the faith in the promised One, the Messiah, that saved them.</span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></b></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>Saving faith is revealed in the Word of God by the authority of God himself. You are saved by trusting in the Gospel. Believing that Christ was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, was crucified on the cross, rose again, and is now in heaven interceding on your behalf to the Father. He is the author and finisher of your faith.</span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="p5" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, may I always be looking unto Jesus, the designer and creator of my faith.</span></i></b></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-83148222969450130122023-11-03T06:52:00.006-06:002023-11-03T06:52:59.600-06:00Do You Doubt That God Is Good?<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino;">Is God </span></span><span style="font-family: Zapfino; font-size: xx-large;">Reall</span><span style="font-family: Zapfino; font-size: xx-large;">y Good?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Zapfino; font-size: xx-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Zapfino; font-size: xx-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSWHpy_VIN19-bVLVfRusMsAX_NtOOAcLkbS1OIa0XdTrB0D94IMdbxpHDnbRc6LcySLKJ8aszqHZfjQzS5c2PedNfWVJW8GR-g15iO9_BEVBByU6KjJgnzEx5-oxSnFITOXStvoT9QHef_ml3WS91Xd9vOGva6gpzeZ3lJfZ1_z4dt-lhd8TWMKsqbRyG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSWHpy_VIN19-bVLVfRusMsAX_NtOOAcLkbS1OIa0XdTrB0D94IMdbxpHDnbRc6LcySLKJ8aszqHZfjQzS5c2PedNfWVJW8GR-g15iO9_BEVBByU6KjJgnzEx5-oxSnFITOXStvoT9QHef_ml3WS91Xd9vOGva6gpzeZ3lJfZ1_z4dt-lhd8TWMKsqbRyG=w513-h326" width="513" /></a></span></div></div></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><i></i><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 107:1 (ESV)</span></i></b></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!</span></i></p><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We know evil exists in this world. As a result, the goodness of God is a difficult doctrine to accept. However, if we do not wholeheartedly believe that "God is good," </span></p><p class="p7" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">then<i> </i>we will paralyze our Christian growth. In the Garden of Eden, Eve doubted God’s honesty and fairness (Genesis 3:4-5). The beguiling serpent convinced Eve that God did not have her best interests at heart. Why would God withhold from her knowledge and understanding of good and evil? She believed the serpent’s lies.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Eden, Satan centered Eve's attention on the limitations God had set rather than on His blessings. In the same way, Satan urges us to focus on one troubling issue, aggravation, or restriction to make us doubt God's way. The Evil One pretends to offer us something better. Yet all the devil’s plans lead to failure. If we doubt God's goodness, we not only will resist change but also, we will fear it.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is God good? Would a good God allow someone to mistreat us? Would He let us suffer loss or pain or failure? In our limited view, we think that a good God would simply fulfill our human desires. However, when we question God's goodness, we doubt God's trustworthiness. That assumption leads to disbelief, anxiety, and bitterness. In contrast, trusting God’s goodness means that we can face whatever circumstances God might allow. God's greatness, mercy, and forgiveness are affirmed in Psalms 86: “<span class="s1" style="color: black;">For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. … For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God” </span>(verses 5,10). Trusting Him brings what is best for us.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></i></b></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Accept what is true about God: <span class="s2" style="color: black; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>“</b></span><span class="s1" style="color: black;">Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8). </span>Trust that His ways are gracious and abundant in mercy, which satisfies the longing soul forever. In addition, James speaks of the Lord’s steadfast love and unchangeable goodness: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (1:17). </span></p><p class="p5" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p9" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, You are good! I praise Your dear name!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></b></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-28198813171471990002023-10-27T06:00:00.021-06:002023-10-27T06:00:00.154-06:00Train Up a Child<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Zapfino;">No Guarantees</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxJXEZNbqHAI4qH-1j-xnJwwLnyr4x0AMZGb4MFafWE82A9D5xoV1x0c2QUcj2ZhyBmR8MhePSJVD7exG_LlmbwAitx1KlTRyml_gxj9i9aA1YSQHB6WMa49q_zrb2uH39IKdhHnCj5yIgkaKqp4ZnK2uhSqb8zOpLrsf2xSD_5t6keGP3XUHF7Xn50lH/s360/Proverbs%2022-6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="352" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxJXEZNbqHAI4qH-1j-xnJwwLnyr4x0AMZGb4MFafWE82A9D5xoV1x0c2QUcj2ZhyBmR8MhePSJVD7exG_LlmbwAitx1KlTRyml_gxj9i9aA1YSQHB6WMa49q_zrb2uH39IKdhHnCj5yIgkaKqp4ZnK2uhSqb8zOpLrsf2xSD_5t6keGP3XUHF7Xn50lH/w467-h356/Proverbs%2022-6.jpeg" width="467" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Proverbs 22:6</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For years, I looked at Proverbs 22:6 as a promise from God. I believed if I taught my children the truths of the Word of God, they would turn out right and never rebel. I have known parents who have done just that, “Trained their children in the ways of God,” and yet, they rebelled! The Book of Proverbs is not a collection of promises or prophecies but, as the name suggests, a book of proverbs. Proverbs are the wise's collected observations on how the world operates. We must remember that by definition, a proverb is a rule of conduct, a concise general truth, not a promise. </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Why do we have the book of Proverbs and this particular verse if it is not a promise? It encourages parents to take their responsibilities towards the young seriously since (in general) the road they start on is the one they will end up following. Early training and discipline are essential; some praise God for their parent’s godly example and instruction. But parents are seriously flawed by sin, and if the child’s salvation depends on the parent’s ability to start them off right, they are doomed. God’s grace works despite our great sins; His mercies are new every morning. God moves and works in the heart of a child and not the parent's abilities to train or discipline the child. The proverb holds us accountable for our responsibility to teach our children in the ways of the Lord. God has not guaranteed our success as parents, but He has given us a great responsibility to train our children to know Him. </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The teen years are a time of transition between childhood and adulthood. It is a time when the child must decide or determine whether they will hold to the Faith of their parents or rebel. Parents should seek to maintain a biblical standard of conduct in the home to protect their children but not force their children into <b>externa</b>l conformity or Christianity. When a child shows outward signs of rebellion, it may mean they are revealing an unconverted heart. Thank God for this rebellion even though it hurts, then pray they will realize that rebellion is a dead-end street. Remember, God is sovereign and in control even when a child is out of control. Don’t try to manipulate a child to get them to return to the Lord. As parents, release your child to the heavenly Father’s care, knowing He can bring your son or daughter to repentance.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rebellion is a choice, and all children tend to sin and rebel. You, as a parent, must understand that you are not held accountable to God for the sins of your children. “the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4b).<b><i> </i></b>Parents will be held accountable for their sins, including their sins in parenting. Still, they will not be held responsible for the sins of their children. Rebellion is our enemy, and we must know how to respond daily. Realize that Christ is glorified when we trust Him in our trials, knowing He will use them for our good. When we worry or fret, it dishonors Christ because every situation comes through God's loving and sovereign hands. When we become anxious, we should confess it as a sin and thank God for the trial, praying that God will give incomprehensible peace–––guarding the heart.</span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ask yourself these questions:</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Is God’s love evident in my life and my home? Am I kind and patient or prideful and easily provoked? </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Do I bring Christ into my home through natural sharing of what God is doing in my life? Do I read the Word and discuss it with my child (children)? </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Am I too busy to spend time with my child (children)? Are other things more important?</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Am I too much of an authoritarian? Teenagers need space to think for themselves and room to fail. They need to be respected as individuals. Parents can sometimes be overbearing, critical, and intolerant––––limiting communication and openness. </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Are you seeking to portray a false sense of perfection? Are you trying to make it look like you don’t struggle with sin? Do you think the young person in your home picks up on that hypocrisy? Are you approachable?</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><i>Call to Faith</i></b></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You are instructed to deal with your sins before you can see the sins of others around you (Matthew 7:1-5).<b><i> </i></b>If you’re a parent with a rebellious teenager, take to heart the things that have been said and seek forgiveness from your child for any wrongdoing you may have done. You are responsible for asking for forgiveness and modeling a forgiving spirit but not for how your child may respond.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Allow God to transform you through the tough times of your life. What better way for God to teach you His kind of love as a mother than to give you a child that is hard to love amid pain and shameful behavior? This changing process will not be comfortable. It hurts to be broken and shaped and molded. God has never promised an easy road, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23)<b><i>. </i></b>Commit to obedience and remember not to be controlled by passing feelings but abide in God’s Word daily––– bringing glory to God<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>(John 15:8)<b style="font-style: italic;">.</b></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, help me to train my children in a godly way.</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>*Thoughts taken from the book,</i><b><i> “Women Helping Women” </i></b><i>by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Carol Cornish</i></span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-55133385168466242272023-10-20T06:00:00.010-06:002023-10-20T07:06:32.840-06:00When We Feel Our Faith Has Failed<p class="p1" style="color: #3c4044; font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He Who Promised Is Faithful</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #3c4044; font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5AIY8jZmYr5LhCrlD3Q9uAgpRXs0wjhgT-T08pjRwi9iQ-2exhH-nO0JIK1bmIs5coXwgR9ihEE2RxEMmsx7hz0UZnkHnKCpkexcKBVR9kwud-UtVOEe5quWLFBdrQ-7l8JYHHDgr5YACdRsilOKRjtWizJN99_EzkQG4aprdvfW7Hwjq9FO7VtuX67a5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="438" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5AIY8jZmYr5LhCrlD3Q9uAgpRXs0wjhgT-T08pjRwi9iQ-2exhH-nO0JIK1bmIs5coXwgR9ihEE2RxEMmsx7hz0UZnkHnKCpkexcKBVR9kwud-UtVOEe5quWLFBdrQ-7l8JYHHDgr5YACdRsilOKRjtWizJN99_EzkQG4aprdvfW7Hwjq9FO7VtuX67a5=w508-h280" width="508" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="color: #3c4044; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Hebrews 10:22</span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="color: #3c4044; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.</span></i></p><p class="p4" style="color: #3c4044; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="background-color: white; color: #3c4044; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Song by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Selah</span></i></p><p class="p6" style="background-color: white; color: #01152b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">When I fear my faith will fail</span></i></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Christ will hold me fast</span></i></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">When the tempter would prevail</span></i></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">He will hold me fast</span></i></p><p class="p8" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I could never keep my hold</span></i></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Through life's fearful path</span></i></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">For my love is often cold</span></i></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">He must hold me fast</span></i></p><p class="p8" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">He will hold me fast</span></i></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">He will hold me fast</span></i></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">For my Saviour loves me so</span></i></p><p class="p7" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">He will hold me fast</span></i></p><p class="p8" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p class="p9" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>There will no doubt be times when we feel our faith has failed us. Satan comes to taunt us with discouragement, lies, and temptations. He tries to weaken our faith and cause us to question God. Is God’s love unconditional, certain, and everlasting? How can I be sure that Christ will hold me fast, tightly secured in His arms of love? Does God change His mind about us when we willfully sin? </span><span style="font-size: large;">“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). God doesn’t change His mind about us. Paul gives us insight in Ephesians 2:8-9 on the immutable, unchangeable love of Christ. </span></p><p class="p10" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” We have been gifted by His grace the steadfast assurance of Christ’s love for us. We are sheltered, shielded, safe, and secure because He who promised to keep us is faithful.</span></span></p><p class="p9" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>The path of life can sometimes cause us to be afraid and cower under the load of sin we have heaped upon ourselves. Sin so appalling and unspeakable that we try to hide it from the ones we love, friends, and even God. “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). Be assured that through life's most turbulent storms, “He will hold you fast.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p10" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).</span></p><p class="p9" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; text-align: justify;">Lord, thank You for the hope You give in Your constant, trustworthy love.</b> </span></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-32799072450985377562023-10-13T06:00:00.002-06:002023-10-13T06:59:27.242-06:00Our Greatest Hope Is the Gospel<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Zapfino;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Telling God’s Story</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Mark 4:35-41</span></i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GCiEfLEvsPXYbmTvOwGSzOeGq-UajLHyz3kQf-NlUPzm2JJZ89OPSJKlqrLuCjyrZJ5LhmHstwiORKw1CMyTb2uacvWtJDuUl00-R5uBdiAmBKOgUioYspTFwUmus6onkG3OSIsKbTZxXxsmDbSRgTKkGDPigXPWae7hK0MUd1QxzO0SCEi4msQS08y_/s393/Romans%201-16.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="393" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GCiEfLEvsPXYbmTvOwGSzOeGq-UajLHyz3kQf-NlUPzm2JJZ89OPSJKlqrLuCjyrZJ5LhmHstwiORKw1CMyTb2uacvWtJDuUl00-R5uBdiAmBKOgUioYspTFwUmus6onkG3OSIsKbTZxXxsmDbSRgTKkGDPigXPWae7hK0MUd1QxzO0SCEi4msQS08y_/w471-h395/Romans%201-16.jpeg" width="471" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></b><p></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>The greatest hope of all Christian parents is to see their child one day come to the saving knowledge of Christ. Most parents would climb the highest mountain or fight the fiercest giant if it would assure their child's salvation. As parents, we have the incredible privilege of being able to tell our children of the powerful, life-changing message of the gospel. The Bible tells us that the gospel is the power of God unto Salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).</span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The gospel story is filled with breathtaking adventure, suspense, and drama. Every young child loves a story that is filled with excitement and anticipation. Recall the story of Jesus, after spending much time ministering to the multitudes, became weary and tired. Being fully God but fully man, He withdrew Himself to the stern of the boat to sleep. </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>While He was sleeping, an immense storm arose, and the disciples became fearful that they might perish. The wind and waves were most likely reaching gale storm proportions. (A <b>gale</b> is a mighty wind. Not a <b>hurricane</b> but forceful. A <b>storm </b>may include rain, thunder, lightning, hail, sleet, snow or wind-––or a combination of them). If this storm was not of such an enormous magnitude, why were the disciples, experienced fishermen, so afraid?</span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>We understand that the storm was to try the disciples' faith and cause them to cry out to God. Their confidence was appearing weak, and our Lord was assuring them that He had the power to calm any storm that they may find themselves in. His words to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" They were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" God's remarkable, mighty power was evident to them that storm-filled day. </span></p><p class="p5" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">You, too, can share the magnificent power of Christ in the gospel with your children; what a tremendous gift of grace God has given in His Word. May your faith be challenged and grow by telling them the wonderful story of Christ.</span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #0d0d14; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p8" style="font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, thank You for Your incredible story and Your magnificent power.</span></i></b></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-60632907923825131142023-10-06T06:00:00.010-06:002023-10-06T07:01:38.582-06:00Taking Captive Every Thought<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Gift of Memory</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Zapfino; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKOZp5ZcScEwejKIBwtprIXvM5SG4p9i9_WkyQYjeJyqbtZTYa3EFRPS53vameyuReeCKx2XyizaLkMluHdb3oB8hL634ja_YfMUDjl6_xiYlOsXC8dkwW18MlWYFZ5FlQ4Q9x-JYO2H_1OYtRed2FEoKPjY3iGYehT4idBhTuSQRbJFeRd0J4NkRDqbs/s360/2%20Cor%2010-5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="342" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKOZp5ZcScEwejKIBwtprIXvM5SG4p9i9_WkyQYjeJyqbtZTYa3EFRPS53vameyuReeCKx2XyizaLkMluHdb3oB8hL634ja_YfMUDjl6_xiYlOsXC8dkwW18MlWYFZ5FlQ4Q9x-JYO2H_1OYtRed2FEoKPjY3iGYehT4idBhTuSQRbJFeRd0J4NkRDqbs/w365-h355/2%20Cor%2010-5.jpeg" width="365" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lamentations 3:21-23<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></b></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.</span></i></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our memories can sometimes be servants to hopelessness and despair when faced with circumstances beyond our control. Our minds can think up dark and despairing predicaments from past situations, causing us to feel like there is a dark cloud overhead. When this happens, we sometimes cannot<i> "...</i></span><span style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><i> destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" </i></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">(2 Corinthians 10:5).</span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The same memory that brought Jeremiah to despair also brought him life and comfort again when he remembered where he found true hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never end, for they are new every day. There is no need for anyone to live in a state of despair, for truth can transform bad memories into His divine comfort. The memory that may have brought so many dismal and gloomy things into a believer’s life can be trained to carry a wealth of hopeful thoughts and replace the gloom with joy and peace.</span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Consider where we would be without Christ and how dreary our lives would be without His mercies that fail not. Jeremiah reminds us that there are mercies that continue, <i>“they are new every morning” </i>(Lamentations 3:22-23), to delight the soul day after day. When our minds are fixed on the gospel of Christ and not on the memories stained with sin, we can, with great assurance, stand before Him with no condemnation, having absolute peace with God.</span></p><p class="p7" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></b></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span> </span></b>The gift of memory can keep your heart from complaining when the circumstances of life are not at all comfortable. When you’ve lost much, but you still haven’t lost God, that is when He becomes your all in all. Your sufficiency is from God in knowing He is enough, and His gift of memory gives hope to sustain you through every remembrance, good or bad.</span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #0d0d14; font-family: Arial; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">May I remember that You are my hope and expectation in troublesome times and in the best of times.</span></i></b></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8825367179445500079.post-75738747094145083652023-09-29T06:00:00.001-06:002023-09-29T06:00:00.149-06:00"Why Pray?"<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Zapfino; font-size: x-large;">Does Prayer Increase My Faith?</span></p><p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 6:6 </span></i></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><i>But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.</i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vUkpn6wtXyI2PQzzDPYVy8z_qPUjnW15hZ89uciUj9AUx1dqnabI8q4UrSfFuQbpQkTxjQRZ3qWSkCLI3GoUtopEC3miaAYd2lfT3iiCTVYZVA1Wzp65apWbk3cc8a5XuoLPmKaFVQCwA9WyXgaThFez8fHJI_8U9xl5SkIukDGTM1iXKmb0szkwwMn6/s368/Psalm%204-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="368" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vUkpn6wtXyI2PQzzDPYVy8z_qPUjnW15hZ89uciUj9AUx1dqnabI8q4UrSfFuQbpQkTxjQRZ3qWSkCLI3GoUtopEC3miaAYd2lfT3iiCTVYZVA1Wzp65apWbk3cc8a5XuoLPmKaFVQCwA9WyXgaThFez8fHJI_8U9xl5SkIukDGTM1iXKmb0szkwwMn6/w431-h444/Psalm%204-1.jpeg" width="431" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"> You may ask, “Why pray? What purpose does God have in mind when urging me to pray? What is God accomplishing in me through prayer?” These are certainly challenges to think about regarding your prayer life. Prayer strengthens your daily walk and increases your faith to live for Christ.</span></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Prayer is a great privilege God has given you through His Son’s death on the cross. When the temple’s veil was rent in two, everyone at that moment had full access to God as a believer (Matthew 27:51-54). The curtain, then blocking the Most Holy of Holies’ entrance, was open to you. You are now free to enter into the presence of a Holy God. Coming boldly to the throne of God is a great honor. Because of Jesus’ extreme sacrifice, we have the liberty and freedom to go before Him. What an immense and unsurpassable price He paid so that you might have the privilege of praying to Him freely.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: x-large;">Prayer is not a quick list of wants and desires set before you but the humbling of oneself before an Almighty God. It recognizes His unspeakable gift of grace and compassionate mercy given. Picture the throne room of God in Isaiah 6, “high and lifted up.” Imagine yourself before God’s throne, hearing these words, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts.” Would not your faith increase at a glimpse of this sight? </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: large;">Examine David’s prayer in 2 Samuel 7:18-29 recognizing the king’s gratitude towards God, his exaltation of blessings, and the confirmation of His powerful promises being fulfilled.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Faith</span></strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"> As you confess your sin before God and remember His attributes, praise Him for His priceless redemption. Be mindful of His awe-inspiring strength and mighty power to conquer sin and death. When you bow the knee in worship and prayer, inevitably, your faith will increase and endure. </span></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, gratitude fills my heart for the great privilege of prayer.</span></em></strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></p>Dianna Moffitt-Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02059117737899092182noreply@blogger.com0