tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48520351887134918082024-03-13T23:22:15.569-07:00My Life In Crowd ControlAs the mother of 3 boys and 1 girl, I have come to accept that our family is a crowd in and of itself
no matter where we go. As a Christian woman, wife, mother, employee, medic and race car driver... this is my life in Crowd Control.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-27913277586901279132014-07-08T15:02:00.000-07:002014-07-08T16:35:16.693-07:00The True Point of Beginning<div style="text-align: justify;">
The True Point of Beginning as used in reference to real property is defined as "a surveyor's mark at the beginning location for the wide-scale surveying of land". In my estimation, it is the finite point by which all other points are defined by reference. </div>
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God has been speaking to me a lot about identity as of late. In prayer a couple weekends back, I felt an overwhelming sadness for people who simply do not know who they actually are (that includes me), who they were created to be. I sense the extent of my spirituality may be revealed more clearly in this post, than in posts past, but bear with me. The sadness I felt was not my own. I do not have the capacity to see or comprehend who people think they are, let alone who they ought to be. It was something much larger and more true than what I am able to conjure. As a parent, I would compare it to watching your child struggle in life, when you know their potential. You want to jump in and plead with your child so they would see it clearly, see who they are, see all that they are capable of, and then, possibly, punch anyone in the face that says otherwise. Maybe you are not as prone to violence as I am, maybe you are; I can only hope I am not alone.</div>
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Earlier this week, I was feeling nostalgic and decided to find teachings on YouTube by individuals whom I had grown up listening to at a retreat my family was connected with. On an aside, I feel incredibly blessed that I was able to sit under such incredible teachings in my youth. Just brain melting type stuff really; in a good way, of course. One such teaching by one of my absolute favorites, Fr. Jim Nisbet (Google him, he will not disappoint), discussed this idea that we actually move backward in time, as compared to God. Stay with me, I promise that this is really good and not too terribly confusing. </div>
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Picture the final version of you at the end of your life. The version that has been through the trials and the joys; the miracles and the disappointments; the love and the loss. The version that stands before the Almighty and hears the words "Well done, my good and faithful [servant/son/daughter/whatever least offends you]." That version. </div>
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Now, picture with me a golden line (you can pick any color, but I like the glowyness of gold) that starts at the final you and races back through time as your life; and creating that line is the fingertip of God. As God traces out the path of your life, being outside of time and all, He is able to take THE path whose end result is the version of you standing in front of Him and it is then that He calls you into time, via your mothers womb. So as not to confuse the matter with ideas of predestination and free will, the larger scope of this idea is that this path is based upon the choices we have and will make and that God in His infinite wisdom put us in the chronological time and geological location that will best lead us to Him. See Acts 17:26-27 (ESV) wherein it says:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27536AT" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-27536AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup>on all the face of the earth, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27536AU" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-27536AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup>having determined allotted periods and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27536AV" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-27536AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup>the boundaries of their dwelling place, <span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">that they should seek God, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27537AX" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-27537AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup>and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him."</span></span></div>
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Now, I don't know the theology behind this specific idea, and for the purposes of both this blog and Fr. Nisbet's teaching, it matters not. <strong>The fact remains that God is outside of time, and who He says you are is based upon experience, not hope</strong>. Did you get that? Regardless of whatever your past says, or your parents say, or your teachers say, or your enemies say, or even your friends for that matter; the fact remains that God's present reality of who you are is there at the point where you stand before Him at the end of this life. </div>
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I would submit to you therefore that the True Point of Beginning, the finite point by which all other points in this life find their meaning, is found at the end of your life, when God can scoop you up into His arms and place you into eternity with Him. </div>
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While we race along this golden thread we call life, we have the opportunity to embrace who God created us to be, to find our true purpose, if only we would open our ear and heart to hear Him. So long as we move on a path that does not match up with the True Point of Beginning version of ourselves, He provides opportunities to course correct; and as we struggle to remain someone that we simply are not created to be, He patiently waits, loving us, yet wanting to jump in and plead with us so that we would see it clearly, see who we are, see all that we are capable of, and then, possibly, punch anyone in the face that says otherwise.</div>
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Ok, maybe not that last part. But I can hope. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-13590055184164240242014-05-02T09:33:00.000-07:002014-05-02T10:01:56.810-07:00Ducks and Gifts | Seems Like Easter to MeThere are some people that are easy going. They can float through life, going right over, through and under the waves of life, shaking it off every single time. They are ducks.<br />
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Then there are others, who cannot shake it off. They neither float, nor dive, nor shake very easily. In fact, instead of salt water dripping from the tips of their hair, it comes pouring out of their eyes.<br />
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My middle son is just such a person. As much as he tries, he cannot float, he cannot stay dry, he is not a duck. <br />
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So this past Easter Sunday, in the mad dash to get every exhausted body up and showered and dressed and out the door (Thank the Good Lord our Church provides breakfast!), there were harsh words spoken and feelings hurt. I admit that I myself was a culprit. I could not see the logic in not wearing his brothers outgrown undershirt from Christmas and insisted on no argument. He could not fathom wearing his brother's anything. Agree to disagree. <br />
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If it were either of my other boys, they would have begrudgingly conceded and forgotten about the whole thing in 5 minutes. Not my middle son, it had now set the ground work for the remainder of the day. As a result of his unrelenting poor attitude he was grounded from video games for two week. TWO WEEKS, oh, the horror!! (Please note that none of the boys are permitted to play video games during the week, so we are talking about 6 days including Easter and the remaining day of Spring Break, but I digress.)<br />
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Fast forward to after church, after he won an awesome skateboard, after he ate a breakfast burrito he loved, after an Easter egg hunt he thoroughly enjoyed, we come home and immediately he was reminded of being grounded from video games. Did I mention the horror. Oh, yes, the horror had sunk in. He lay on his bed weeping. <br />
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Weeping because life was unfair, his brothers got to play video games.<br />
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Weeping because no one really loved him.<br />
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Weeping because no one even cared.<br />
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Weeping because no one understood.<br />
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Weeping because God never talked to him. <br />
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Weeping. Weeping. Weeping.<br />
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Since it was Easter and we had a schedule to keep, I went into his room to talk it out with him. I realized fairly quickly that he really just wanted to marinate in his own tears. Part of me wanted to yell "Fine!" and stomp out of the room because I just couldn't waste anymore time on this issue anymore. But part of me was pushed back to him because I understand.<br />
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I understand what it is to be lost in my own head; every horrible thought about myself and those around me bouncing around my skull, echoing. Life's not fair. No one loves me. No one cares. No one understands. God never talks to me. When my prayers sound like that God doesn't just yell "Fine!" and stomp off (spiritually speaking, of course.) I'm sure I'm incredibly frustrating to be around in those moments. I mean, I get sick of my own self.<br />
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So I waited and reassured him that he is loved. That he is an important part of our family. That God put us all together for a reason. That he is a gift directly from God to me and Dad. That he is a reminder of how much God loves us, to me. <br />
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He lifted his head from his tear soaked pillow and said something I will never forget "I'm a gift to you and Dad?" He looked shocked. I immediately felt grateful to be having that conversation and guilty for never having had it before. <br />
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"Of course you are gift!"<br />
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I then explained that each person is a gift, even if their parents don't appreciate it. That was when it occurred to me. I was a gift.<br />
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That is a bizarre thought to have. It is easy to tell your son he is a gift. The truth of that statement runs deeply throughout my being, but to take that truth and apply it to myself was difficult. I wanted to reject it, but I couldn't. It was either true that we were all carefully crafted gifts from the Most High, or none of us were. It's an all or nothing deal.<br />
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As I still try to digest this, I encourage you today to consider that you are a gift; a carefully crafted gift from the Most High who loves you deeply.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>For you created my inmost being;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13">you knit me together<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> in my mother’s womb.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254">I praise you<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16254T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14">your works are wonderful,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16254U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14">I know that full well.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-15" id="en-NIV-16255">My frame was not hidden from you</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-15">when I was made<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16255V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> in the secret place,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-15">when I was woven together<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16255W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> in the depths of the earth.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16255X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-16" id="en-NIV-16256">Your eyes saw my unformed body;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16">all the days ordained<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16256Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> for me were written in your book</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16">before one of them came to be.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-17" id="en-NIV-16257">How precious to me are your thoughts, God!<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16257AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-17">How vast is the sum of them!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-18" id="en-NIV-16258">Were I to count them,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16258AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-18">they would outnumber the grains of sand<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16258AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup>—</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-18">when I awake,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16258AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> I am still with you.</span></span></em></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-139-18"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 139:13-18 (NIV)</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-65306880646839661092014-04-30T00:10:00.001-07:002014-04-30T13:20:43.414-07:00The Flip Side of Forgiveness<div style="text-align: justify;">
Forgiveness. It's a pretty big topic in the Bible; one of the top 3. I don't actually know that it's in the top 3, it just sounded right to me. Other than Love and maybe Holiness, I'm not sure what other topics can top it. One might argue that Love, Forgiveness and Holiness are intertwined. I might be inclined to agree. But, today's topic is Forgiveness.</div>
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Here's what Jesus had to say about it in Matthew 6:</div>
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"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you." (NLT)</div>
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All I can say is OUCH!! My forgiveness from God is dependent upon my forgiveness of others. But, that's confusing because in 1 John 1:9 it says: "But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." (NLT) That seems more like it right? I mean, this doesn't say anything about forgiving others. </div>
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Until today, I hadn't given much consideration to these 2 verses and what their coexistence might mean. I just figured that God simply refused to forgive people that were unforgiving. Seemed fair to me. Eye for an eye and all. But, 1 John 1:9 does give me pause.</div>
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Let's go to Luke 7. In this chapter, much like all the other chapters in the Gospels, Jesus says some mind-blowing stuff, the religious leaders are ticked, people are healed (brought back from the dead in this case), people love Him, people hate Him, more mind-blowing stuff and then chapter 8 starts.</div>
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Verse 30 reads: "But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism." You could read this and think that's a bit over the top, I mean, the hows and whys and whos of baptism are argued to this very day. But I would submit to you that when Jesus said John's Baptism, He was referring to the process of repentance and, ultimately, God's forgiveness. John, who was known for his diet and fashion even before it was cool, spent a lot of time challenging people to "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." (Matthew 3:2). If people chose to repent, he would baptize them in the Jordan River and sins would be forgiven.</div>
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So, let's assume that the issue with the Pharisees was that they outright rejected the idea that they were sinful and needed forgiving. They rejected the idea of repentance, John's Baptism. </div>
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Later in Luke 7:36-50, Jesus has His feet anointed with tears and expensive perfume by a "certain immoral woman". The religious leaders were, once again, ticked. "Don't they know who is touching Him?" They asked.</div>
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Jesus' response? In addition to some other scathing reviews of their hospitality, Jesus says "I tell you, her sins - and they are many- have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love." Theologically, this is a weird statement to make. Didn't Jesus know that sin is sin? That all sin is equal and our righteousness like filthy rags? You'd think He would know that. </div>
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But, then I thought about how the religious leaders had rejected repentance. How, in that moment, they had only been forgiven of what they set to sacrifice at the temple. They stood in the presence of One that had the power to forgive all, yet they chose self-righteousness. </div>
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What does this have to do with God's refusal to forgive unforgiving people, you may ask. This is what hit me today. Now, please note that I am no scholar. I have no formal training, so a better learned individual may be able to pick apart my submission fairly quickly, and yet. </div>
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And yet, I really believe that God cannot forgive us in our unforgiveness because, perhaps, in our unforgiveness we are not truly repentant. Unforgiveness may be the best indicator of an unrepentant heart. </div>
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Look at King David, he was declared to be a man after God's own heart. Yet he was a man whose life was rife with sin. I mean he covered 40% of the Big Ten in one fell swoop.</div>
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But he was repentant.</div>
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"Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just." (Psalm 521-4 NLT)</div>
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In an utterly honest moment like that, it would be impossible not to be overwhelmed with love for your God and mercy for those around you. David had both a repentant and forgiving heart and it showed in his dealings with Saul and Absalom. </div>
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God's position on the matter of forgiveness is pretty strong, but perhaps not because He would choose not to forgive, but rather that we would choose not to repent. True repentance produces overwhelming love, mercy and forgiveness. </div>
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"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT)</div>
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God's Heart is found on a cross. The picture of absolute forgiveness fully dependent on absolute repentance. Let's be people after His heart.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-15439734047263753912014-04-14T23:40:00.001-07:002014-04-14T23:40:53.580-07:00Sweep the Leg<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been going through some stuff lately. Though lately seems to be a relative term, since lately may actually be my entire adult life and much of my adolescence. I can only assume that many people, I'm betting all, have been going through some stuff, so don't think for a moment I believe I'm special. Life is stuff. (Oh, my gosh, I so want to make a Princess Bride reference here...)</div>
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That being said, I feel like I've been going through some particular issues lately, so much that I've had to call in the big guns, a Pastor. We've met a hand full of times and between discussing life with her and living life, I've become aware of a pretty prevalent issue, like in the last week or so. I don't want to take this to a hyper-spiritual place, so I won't go into detail, but in discovering this issue, she reassured me by reminding me that the "enemy only attacks when your headed in the right direction." I've heard this before. I've spoken it to others. It's part of the standard rules of engagement. I KNOW this. But, somehow, I'd forgotten it as of late; feeling downtrodden and exhausted and, to be honest, a bit detoured. Only just realizing that it was an attack at all. I am thankful for ready wisdom. </div>
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So, today was pretty tough, emotionally and spiritually for me. God's been uncovering undressed wounds, that were all but forgotten. Today was pretty intense, which is weird since it was pretty much a normal day. </div>
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After I was able to get some perspective on my day, AKA "hanging out with my husband and kids", I began to stir that knowledge up in me, "I'm headed in the right direction!" Then I felt like there was something else God added to my handbook. Yes, the attacks confirm our route, but the tactic also shows us our weaknesses and wounds. </div>
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As a child of the 80's my best illustration is from The Karate Kid.</div>
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You see, the enemy is many things, but he is not very sportsmanlike. He does not play fair. He finds a wound or a weakness and heads straight to it. In fact, it may be a wound you are not even aware is buried deep inside of you. Like me, you may find yourself under attack in a wounded area and be utterly baffled; wondering what the heck is happening. But here's the good news, we serve a God that came to heal us, to be our strength in weakness. He already has a plan to use the enemy's attacks to better position us for what He's doing. We just have to recognize what's happening. </div>
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So, here are my 3 official points:</div>
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1. The enemy only attacks when there are spoils. He will do his very best to keep you from God's great plan and purpose in your life. Under attack? Great! That's like the enemy declaring that your getting closer. </div>
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2. The enemy is not creative (on so many levels), so he'll go after an injury or weakness. Instead of cowering to avoid further pain, get up and ask God to show you the true issue and then allow Him to treat you. Once you've strengthened that area, it won't be so much fun to attack.</div>
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3. Know that even in this, God is flipping the script and using this for your good and His glory. He's allowing the enemy to clue you in on an issue that you've desperately needed addressed. God has declared that you win! So, whatever you do, don't throw in the towel. </div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-12-9" id="en-NIV-29032" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">"9 </span>But he said to me, <span class="woj">“My grace<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> is sufficient for you, for my power<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> is made perfect in weakness.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>”<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span></span>Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-12-10" id="en-NIV-29033" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29033E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29033F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> in persecutions,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29033G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span>in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV</span></div>
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<span class="text 2Cor-12-10" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-38190774001438209802014-03-23T16:54:00.000-07:002014-03-23T16:58:35.655-07:00The Pit of DespairLike many people in the world over, I am a fan of The Princess Bride. In fact, if those three words don't immediately conjure up images of Cary Elwes clinging to the back of Andre the Giant for dear life, or ROUSs, or iocane powder, then, honestly, I don't think we can be friends. Not the bosom sort anyway.<br />
<br />
Ha ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha... [thunk]<br />
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Ok, moving on. <br />
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If you are familiar with the movie, then you are aware of the Pit of Despair [Don't even think. achem. Don't even think about trying to escape.] If you are not familiar with the movie, just imagine an underground dungeon run by a six fingered psychopath and his albino minion with a pretty nasty cold sore. The particulars are not important, though. In fact, as much as I love The Princess Bride, the movie doesn't matter either. It's the pit of despair that is the topic of today. That place where we can find ourselves in the dark, feeling hopeless and alone.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jxajAdrD_c/Uy9zmfFHwFI/AAAAAAAAAwo/KO3bq6-KJZk/s1600/welcome-to-the-4ir4lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jxajAdrD_c/Uy9zmfFHwFI/AAAAAAAAAwo/KO3bq6-KJZk/s1600/welcome-to-the-4ir4lg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now typically, there are two types of pits. First, is the pit that you dig yourself and swan-dive into on occasion by your actions and lifestyle. Sometimes we don't even bother to dig a new one, we simply uncover an old one and fall right in. This is not the type of pit I'm hoping to discuss today. The type of pit that I'm referring to is the the type, where you are legitimately headed down the right path, the path that God set in front of you, and out of nowhere [BAM!] you fall into a pit you did not see coming. It feels as though the world opened up and swallowed you whole. So, now, you're alone. In the dark. Any light you may perceive seems to be tricks and voices of encouragement seem like mockery. God is nowhere to be found and you wonder if He's abandoned you altogether. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THAT BRINGS US TO JOSEPH AND HIS TECHNICOLOR COAT</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">AKA LITTLE JOEY THE BRATTY LITTLE BROTHER WITH BIG DREAMS</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">AKA LITTLE JOEY DAD'S FAVORITE </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">AKA LITTLE JOEY THE JERK THAT DREAMS OF BEING IN CHARGE </span><br />
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When we meet up with Joseph in Genesis 37:18, he finds himself in a pit, possibly left for dead, even though he was exactly where he was supposed to be. In fact, he finds himself in the incredibly sad position of discovering that the people he trusted the most, his brothers, wanted him dead. There's a long back story here that explains how Joseph found himself in this place, but in short he was given big dreams by God and a beautiful coat by his Dad; for which his brothers despised him and were prepared to murder him. </div>
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Well, most of his brothers. After the plan was devised to kill him and throw him into a pit, Reuben, one of his older brothers, suggested that they simply leave him for dead as he intended to return and save him. Ultimately, Joseph was sold as a slave in Egypt, thrown in prison for attempted rape, then promoted to the second highest command in all of Egypt, which ultimately was the method by which God was able to preserve the nation of Israel. The End.</div>
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Just kidding, rewind back to the pit. Yesterday as I was praying for a person very near and dear to my heart who finds herself in a incredibly difficult and solitary place, I heard God speak to me:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"Sometimes the pit we perceive we're in is actually designed to protect us, preserve us and get us to where God intends us to be."</span> </div>
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After "hearing" that, I immediately cracked open my Bible and turned to Genesis to read more about Joseph, the guy that immediately came to mind. I'd heard the story when I was small, read it a few times as an adult, but the pit never seemed to be a positive element to the story. It was a pit for goodness sake, how could it be good?</div>
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Then again, how can a person be faithfully going down the right path, and still find themselves in a pit? How can God send us down a path KNOWING there is a pit ready to swallow us up? It's really kind of confusing, until you read the story again. </div>
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<i>"... Let's just throw him into this empty cistern here in the wilderness. Then he'll die without our laying a hand on him.' Reuben was secretly planning to rescue Joseph and return him to his father."</i></div>
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When read this way, the pit was likely Joseph's salvation. God can use the least likely experiences in our lives to protect us, to preserve us and to get us to where He intends us to be. It can be incredibly difficult to know that you've done all in your power and still find yourself in a pit, but can I encourage you to simply adjust your perception? That pit you perceive to be all around you? Could that pit be your salvation? Could it possibly be that God is removing you from a situation that is destructive or the He is keeping you from relationships that will stunt your growth and ultimately keep you from your true calling and purpose? </div>
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If you know that you are walking right with God and yet you feel as though you've been flung into a pit, I pray that you sense the closeness of God as He protects you and that the darkness you perceive around you is merely His covering.</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This I declare about the Lord: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He is my God, and I trust Him,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He will cover you with His feathers:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>He will shelter you with His wings.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>His faithful promises are your armor and protection.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Psalm 91:1-4 (NLT) </i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-68819551607388446362013-12-20T15:43:00.001-08:002013-12-20T15:43:34.461-08:00That's Not Me AnymoreThe nice thing about having an unknown blog is that hardly anyone reads what I write. The bad thing is that usually the people that do read what I write are my friends and family. As a fairly private person, it's a bit unusual for me to put my business out there, but I suppose things are a bit unusual lately. Bear with me friends.<br />
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On Wednesday night I had the privilege of taking my kids to practice for the Children's Christmas Program at our church. It was nice being able to get a sneak preview of cute kids singing and also be able to strike fear into the hearts of my boys as they lined up, walked in, sang, stood up, sat down and did their thing. Yep, I'm the mom that stands in the back doing the "I got my eyes on you" motion as I point to my eyes and then to them. Honestly, I believe that even if I had not been there, my kids would have been well behaved, perhaps even better.<br />
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Liam, my middle son, signed up to write about his favorite Christmas memory and share it during the program. When his moment came, he moved to his marker, listened to a sweet 6th grade girl share her moving story, held the microphone to his mouth and said "I can't do this." He then set the microphone down and walked off stage as one of the teachers followed him out of the room. I didn't run to him. I let his teacher provide the counsel and encouragement that a Mom just can't provide, especially a Mom that seems to be watching your every move. When she brought him to me, he was red eyed and still visibly upset. Probably embarrassed. We sat at the back of the sanctuary and he told me all the reasons he could not do it. "Hers was so good." "I'm scared." "I'm only in 4th grade." "Mine is so different from hers."<br />
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We dissected all of those concerns and discussed that his story was special too and needed to be shared. Then I reminded him of two moments in his life. The first was may be 3 years ago when he insisted on getting on the platform at our previous church to pray into a microphone in front of hundreds of people. I was more scare than he was and he did awesome. The second was about 2 years ago when he was baptized in front of a couple hundred people and he boldly proclaimed his faith, again into a microphone. I told him that those moments reflect the boldness and courage inside of him and that THAT is who he is. Then he said something kind of timely.<br />
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"That's not who I am anymore."<br />
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How often have I said these same words to God? I am currently in kind of a funky place. A place where dreams have been shelved and nearly forgotten. A place where the person who I was seems so distant and almost a little mythical. There is a certain boldness, courage and, dare I say it, passion that seems to have waned. <br />
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And I say "That's not who I am anymore."<br />
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So, on Wednesday night, as I sat in the pew at the back of the sanctuary, I told my son that, of course, THAT is still him. That God had created THAT in him. That, no matter what, THAT will always be him.<br />
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As we wrap up this final week of Advent and contemplate Immanuel, God with us, take a moment to pull a dream or two off the shelf. If Christ came so that we might have life and life more abundant, then would it not seem appropriate to reacquaint ourselves with the "us" we were created to be? <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-82769349157330102013-09-26T08:23:00.000-07:002013-09-26T09:27:00.731-07:00The Waiting Room<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"The radiation waiting room is a special place. A sea of broken people; adults of all ages, children, brain cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer. We exchange knowing glances, we learn each others names, we smile. There is solidarity here and I find myself thankful that I can never un-know that such suffering, such valor, exists. It makes me a better person. It keeps insignificance in it's place." - FB post by a Christian father of a young cancer patient.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lf9OMUcLEqI/UkROQbNjj0I/AAAAAAAAAvM/Ist7vA7TCgg/s1600/ID-10044068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lf9OMUcLEqI/UkROQbNjj0I/AAAAAAAAAvM/Ist7vA7TCgg/s320/ID-10044068.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1499" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ambro </span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">/ </span><a href="http://freedigitalphotos.net/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</span></a> </div>
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Should this not also be a picture of the Church; vulnerable and broken and honest with one another. I am not attempting to degrade those that have been tormented by cancer or its treatments. Let me show you what I mean:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"The Church is a special place. A sea of broken people; adults of all ages, children, liars, cheaters, thieves, the lonely, the brokenhearted. We exchange knowing glances, we learn each others names, we smile. There is a solidarity here and I find myself thankful that I can never un-know that such suffering, such valor, exists. It makes me a better person. It keeps insignificance in its place."</span> </div>
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But this is not what I can say about the Church. Though it is true that She is a sea of broken people of every age and knowing glances are exchanged, but those glances usually come in the form of judgement. We do learn each others names, but only because we must out of some unwritten church-going law. Yes, there are smiles, but they do not often come from a deep place of vulnerability, but rather from the shallows of our facades. </div>
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Of course there are places where people are permitted to reveal their brokenness, but they are not the rule. Most certainly the Church is not perceived as such by the non-church-going sect. In fact, if radiation treatment waiting rooms were like our churches, can you imagine what you would find there? Thickly painted, clownish faces and uncomfortable clothes stuffed with padding; some would have no people at all. </div>
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Yet this is what we do every weekend, we paint on our smiles and wear our best clothes; tell our kids to straighten up while we tell everyone that we're fine, wonderful, in fact. We are the sick that sit across from the doctor and say, "I feel great!" all the while we are desperate for help and healing and wholeness.</div>
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I pray that you find a place that allows brokenness and I pray that you find the strength to allow Jesus to identify it, name it and treat it.</div>
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<span class="text Mark-2-17" id="en-CEB-24274"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When Jesus heard it, he said to them, <span class="woj">“Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.” Mark 2:17</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-111856782869992932013-06-21T10:26:00.000-07:002013-06-21T10:26:17.769-07:00What Apology|2013 is not... and what it is.The LGBTQ Community VERSUS the entirety of Christendom. <br />
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It's a hot topic. <br />
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It doesn't matter if you're talking about it in the context of marriage, adoption, the Boy Scouts, professional sports, fast food chains, or any other battleground, it is a topic that can quickly set a blaze between individuals both online and off.<br />
<br />
So, you must be thinking, why have I created Apology|2013 and what is my intent?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me start with what Apology|2013 isn't.</span><br />
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It's not an attempt to rewrite the Bible or refute it's contents.<br />
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It's not a statement about what is or what is not sin.</div>
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It's not a condemnation of Christians across the country or around the globe.</div>
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It's not an apology for being a Christian or our beliefs.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What Apology|2013 is.</span><br />
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It's just that, an apology.<br />
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It's intended to say...<br />
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I'm sorry for every time I ever thought my sins were more tolerable than yours, they aren't.<br />
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I'm sorry for every time I ever thought God loved me more than He loves you, He doesn't.<br />
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I'm sorry for every time I wasn't loving, that doesn't reflect Jesus and not just MY Jesus, but the actual Jesus that lived and breathed and walked the earth, Who I believe still lives.<br />
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I'm sorry for every time I didn't jump to your defense or looked the other way when you were hated, Jesus would have.<br />
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I'm sorry for every time I assumed I knew more about life than you did, I don't.<br />
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I'm sorry for every time I judged you, if sins had a hierarchy, pride would be at the top.<br />
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I'm just sorry.<br />
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Now, I have had people that have suggested that we cannot apologize for the actions of another human being. After all, we are all human and we are all broken. I agree on some levels, but on the other hand, I do feel that we can apologize on behalf of our family, especially when other family members are not representing our core values.<br />
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This is not a personal apology that I've blown out of proportion to some kid I knew in high school. This is not a response to some guilt that I have floating around.<br />
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This is me standing for something that lies at the core of my CHRISTIAN beliefs and an invitation for you to join me.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-59862622118711879912013-06-19T16:13:00.000-07:002013-06-20T08:47:46.605-07:00Apology|TwentyThirteenSo WAAAAAYYYY back in January of this year I decided to create an event called Apology 2013. You can read more about my idea <a href="http://brina-harwood.blogspot.com/2013/01/apologetics-all-around.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I was passionate about it, harrassed people via email, blog comment and twitter. <br />
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Unfortunately, I only had a handful of people get on board. Not on board enough to promote it, but on board enough to say they would participate. But, hey, I took what I could get. After a few weeks of pushing my idea onto people, I realized that it just wasn't working. Few people cared and some even flatly disagreed. I was deflated.<br />
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So as June 25th quickly approached, I found myself with a tough (for me) choice. Do I continue knowing that I was a single voice amongst a clamorous online community? Do I just throw my hands up, knowing that my efforts would reach few? Well, after contemplating my options I've decided that even if I stand alone, I've still got to stand.<br />
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So, I remain firm in my belief that there must be a move like this to bridge the ever expanding gap between many people in the world, those that are members of the LGBT community and those that simply support them, and the Christian community. So, once again, I invite you to join me in my efforts to do just that. To keep it simple I've included a .jpg that you may use. I recommend:<br />
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1. Change all of your online profile pictures on June 25, 2013!<br />
2. Share it on Facebook, your blog, Instagram, Twitter. <br />
3. Turn it into a T-Shirt or Button. For those more economically minded, you can print it on a file label and wear it on your shirt.<br />
<br />
Here's a <a href="http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=047d5e239d15d391a67997167&id=96127720f3&e=77700130d6" target="_blank">post</a> I read today over at Matt Appling's blog that stirred me. <br />
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I invite you to join me in this cause, however lost it may be. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-29970935121075562462013-06-07T17:11:00.000-07:002013-06-07T17:11:09.756-07:00The Controversy of Christ<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I've had a concept that has been floating in the vast abyss of my mind as of late. In fact, this post has been begun, deleted, restarted and deleted again. </div>
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Here's the thing. Jesus Christ is controversial. As a follower of Christ, I should be controversial. In fact, ALL followers of Christ should be controversial, but, for the most part, we are simply not. Sadly, those that are, are rarely controversial for any of the reasons Jesus was.</div>
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When was the last time you ate dinner with a pimp or a gang member at their house? </div>
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Have you ever befriended a drug addicted prostitute?</div>
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If given the opportunity, would you publicly decry Church leaders taking advantage of church members or elevating their position?</div>
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Do you truly love others regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or pasts? How about atheists, agnostics, universalists, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, homosexuals, transgendered individuals or what about those that simply hate you? </div>
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Let me set a scene for you. </div>
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A young girl is exiting an office building. She's looks about 20 years old with shoulder length brown hair and a pretty face. Nothing about her is striking. She takes a step onto the asphalt and she keeps her head down as she is trailed by a young man also about her age. </div>
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On the sidewalk running parallel with the edge of the parking lot, a small crowd of individuals with hand-made signs have gathered. They are not there specifically for her, but in a way, they are. One sign says, "Abortion Kills Babies." There are others, but girl about 9 years old, also pretty with shoulder length brown hair is holding a sign that says "Abortion Kills Children." </div>
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One woman in particular, in her mid-forties with cropped blond hair framing her pudgy flushed cheeks, yells out "I hope you're not one of them baby killers!! Abortion's a sin, you know!!!"</div>
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Instead of slowing her pace, the young woman, visibly uncomfortable, hastens to make it to the safety of her vehicle. </div>
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Now, I ask you, the controversial Jesus whose name we just love to bandy about, where would He be standing in this scenario? Would He be holding a sign? Or rather, would He stand in between the young woman and the protesters asking for those that had never responded in anger to anyone remain? Would He put His arm around her after the protesters had gone and told her it would be ok, but that there was a better choice? Would His eyes be filled with Love and His action be filled with hope? I think so.</div>
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Who is this Jesus we say we follow really? Are we really following Him? </div>
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Yes, Jesus is controversial. Yes, American Christianity is also controversial, but typically for polar opposite reasons.</div>
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I ask you, if you have found yourself controversial, was it as Christ was or was it simply in His name? </div>
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I could set scene after scene where "the world" clashes with "the church" and I bet MOST of the time, Jesus would not be standing with us.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-74830625611827858952013-06-03T17:29:00.001-07:002013-06-03T17:29:27.418-07:00Thirty-Six and CountingWhelp. It's my birthday again. I've fallen off the blogging wagon as of late, A-gain, but I feel a certain sense of obligation to post <em>something</em> on my birthday.<br />
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This birthday is a weird one for me. We recently lost my husbands grandfather, well, we didn't lose him, as much as he peacefully passed from this life into the next. Somehow my birthday falls in between his death and his funeral, so I guess you could say that my BIRTHday is a bit shrouded this year.<br />
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Isn't that how life works sometimes though? With the constant ebb and flow of life and death, we are daily celebrating new life and lives well lived. <br />
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On this, the day where we once again commemorate my Mother's strength and conviction to bring me into this world and her self-control and patience that prevented her from taking me out of it between the ages of 12 and 23, I want to share a bit about Andy, Rob's grandfather. Given his influence on my husband, my children and me personally, it seems fitting.<br />
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I met Andy and Angie when I was 19 and really got to know them when I lived with them for about a month from May to June 1997. Yes, I said lived. You may be wondering if it was Rob and I that lived with them and the answer is no, it was just me. I won't go into the back story that lead me, basically a stranger, to living in an RV parked in their driveway like a bum, but just know that I was kind of an idiot. <br />
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Admittedly, Andy wasn't my blood grandfather and so many people are much more deeply connected to him, but he definitely didn't let on to that fact in the way he treated me. Now that I'm a bit more mature, I look back on how our relationship started and am in awe at the grace, integrity and love that were constant in his life. I don't know that I would have let some odd looking girl with black hair and lip ring come live in my yard, even if she was my grandson's girlfriend. I mean, how long is THAT relationship gonna last anyway? Haha!<br />
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I am really sensing that this post could get pretty long and in an effort to make it easier for you to digest, here are my top 10 qualities or memories I loved about Tata (a cherished moniker that he gained when he became a great-grandfather). Keep in mind that this is just the tip of an expansive ice berg of 87 years of a well lived life.<br />
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1. Memory: Road trip to the Bay Area, just him and I, to make a delivery for Central Auto, his auto dismantling company. It was on this trip that I learned that there is always room for a cheeseburger. It was also on this trip that our bond began. <br />
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2. Memory: Watching "Stories" with he and Angie each evening. I think he really thought I might learn Spanish. Sadly, I never did. <br />
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3. Memory: How happy it made him that I craved his chile when I was pregnant with the boys. He always made sure that I had a jar of my own to take home. He also convinced me to try nopales, which, as it turns out, I love!<br />
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4. Memory: Watching my boys flock to him each time we arrived at their home. He would always say "Now come here and give you Tata a kiss." Anyone who loves my kids like he did is a giant in my book!<br />
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5. Memory: He would always, always, always try to teach me to load the dishwasher. As much as I would try to shoo him out of the kitchen, the conversations were filled with a lot of "Thusly"s. If you've had the benefit of spending more than 5 minutes with him, you know what I'm talking about.<br />
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6. Memory: The nicknames and words that he made up. Often times we found out later that they were not totally fictional, but they were always awesome. This trait has been passed on to my husband and will likely continue with my boys. <br />
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7. Memory: The hammock. I don't know why, but it always made my heart smile to see him relaxing in his hammock under the canopy of his redwoods and plum trees. I imagine him in heaven relaxing in a hammock even now.<br />
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8. Quality: He was a family man. He always put his family first. He was generous and loving and was always happy to see us. He was patient with the kids even when they were rowdy or wouldn't eat their food. He loved all of us unconditionally. <br />
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9. Quality: He lived a life that was founded on integrity. He was a business man, a veteran, a friend, a husband, a father, a (great)grandfather and many, many other things and he did all of these things as a man of integrity. He said what he meant and meant what he said. <br />
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10. Quality: He loved life!! He was funny, he was hospitable, he loved food and was an excellent cook, he was always going and doing and traveling. He loved mechanical dancing and singing animals and figurines. He LOVED to make them perform for the kids and they loved it too! He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. I literally don't think I can conjure a picture in my mind of him not smiling. <br />
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Andy Gonzales may not have been my grandfather from birth, but he has been my grandfather for the last 16 years and to say that I simply cared for him or liked him would be an incredible understatement. He has always had my deepest respect and my love.<br />
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Yes, it may be my birthday, but today I consider my life in light of a man who lived his so, so well. It is my hope that my husband and I are able to live a life which one day leaves a legacy that is even remotely as powerful Andy and Angie. <br />
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Andy, you will be missed each and every day. We promise to give Nana an extra kiss for you every time we visit.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-23923264777852963162013-04-08T17:06:00.000-07:002013-04-08T17:06:36.182-07:00Dischord. Distress. Distraught.I should stay off of the Internet.<br />
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Much of what I read causes my stomach to turn and on more times than not, just the headlines are enough.<br />
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I feel like crying today. Weeping, really.<br />
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If what is happening in the world isn't quite enough, reading all of the crap floating around the world wide web of Christendom isn't any help. <br />
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It's funny, I can read about things that occur outside of the context of being "Christian" and though I might find it sickening or heartbreaking or unfathomable, I understand that mankind is capable of depravity and remind myself "But for the Grace of God go I."<br />
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As much as that is bothersome to me, I know that there still remains hope in every situation that lacks Jesus. Jesus is that hope. As proved time and again, with Christ there is hope for forgiveness, transformation, grace, peace, wholeness, love... <br />
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Love.<br />
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"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>when they see the love you have for each other</strong></span>."<br />
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That is where I am paralyzed with fear. In the community that should be so full of love and compassion and grace for one another, we are ravenous. We are piranhas.<br />
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We travel in packs and feed in frenzies.<br />
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We feed on the brokenhearted. We feed on the famous. We feed on the lost. We feed on the confused. We feed on the gentle. We feed on anyone who we perceive as different. We feed on anyone who we perceive as "wrong".<br />
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In that frenzy, it seems, we gain momentum as others join our ranks. Our hearts pump with life giving blood, all the more fervently, as we drain the life out of others. Our skin tingles as our teeth sink deeper and deeper, tearing away at each other. <br />
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"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>if you have love for one another</strong></span>.”<br />
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There are traumatic events in our lives that can be repaired on this earth and made whole in eternity. Events that we elevate as being eternal, which are not. <br />
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Likewise, there are choices we make that have eternal consequences, which we demean as not carrying much weight, outbursts that we justify by being "right", stripes we place on Jesus' back in our righteousness. Choices we determine that are necessary, in our pride.<br />
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"By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [<strong><span style="font-size: large;">if you keep on showing love among yourselves</span></strong>]." <br />
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I am grieved. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-42882369934771532602013-04-02T12:11:00.002-07:002013-04-02T12:14:31.250-07:00The Glory of Making MistakesI make lots of mistakes on a regular basis. It does not feel glorious.<br />
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I do not enjoy making mistakes, in fact, I tend toward nurturing my mistakes into little pets that I let out whenever I want to feel bad about myself. <br />
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I'm not sure why I like to remind myself that:<br />
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I'm a bad Wife<br />
I'm a bad Mom<br />
I'm a bad Friend<br />
I'm a bad Daughter<br />
I'm a bad Employee<br />
I'm a bad Human Being<br />
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But I do. Even in moments where I imagine I'm not mucking things up too badly, I rain on my own parade. I mean, who throws themselves parades anyway. Am I right?<br />
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I know, I know. There is no humility in this type of thought process and it also undermines God's purpose in my life. Hey, if the only victory I achieve is found in self-defeat, I'll take what I can get. (That was a joke, sort of.)<br />
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This mindset goes against the "You are good enough. You are smart enough and dogonnit, people like you." mentality of this world. But have you noticed that they stop giving out participation awards in grade school? <br />
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So here I am, surrounded by decades of mistakes staring at me with their puppy-dog eyes, begging to be let out of their cages. They just want to play a quick game of Walking Dead. It'll be fun.<br />
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It can feel like I'm being mauled if I stay there too long.<br />
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Then there's God. <br />
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He never undercuts the mistakes, He never pats me on the head and says they didn't matter or that they were fine. He uses them to create something new. He is both Creator and Redeemer, after all.<br />
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If. I. Let. Him.<br />
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He can use those same mistakes and create something beautiful. <br />
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Something that inspires others to share their mistakes and find freedom. <br />
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Grace.<br />
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Forgiveness.<br />
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Mercy.<br />
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Connection.<br />
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If. I. Let. Him.<br />
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He will take my mistakes and paint a picture of His Love. A Love that can spread like wildfire to everyone around me. And that, is the glory of making mistakes. Or rather, the glory that can come from making mistakes. If. I. Let. Him.<br />
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I suppose therein lies the rub... I can't keep my mistakes AND let Him make something more of them. <br />
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<em>This post is part of the One Word at a Time Blog Carnival hosted at </em><a href="http://peterpollock.com/2013/04/mistakes-blog-carnival/" target="_blank" title="PeterPollock.com"><em>Peter Pollock’s blog</em></a><em>. The word is "Mistakes". Check out other posts and/or link your own.</em><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-55773944924095341262013-03-28T12:30:00.000-07:002013-03-28T12:30:00.573-07:00Freedom & Love<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This world offers freedom, but the freedom it offers isn't free or freeing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We simply become captive to success, money, other people's opinions, our jobs, the societal norm, the cookie cutters that we all have to fit into. We have become numb to our prison cells because we stay doped up on consumption and entertainment. Feeling a bit dissatisfied? There's a movie for that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, you think you're different and you find your freedom in your individuality? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, Hipster has become so normal, it's not even cool anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goth? Yeah... that's kind of just funny now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Punk? Wait. Is that even a thing any more?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emo... ok, that's just lame. Does anyone even remember emo?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scene? Passe, just like that hombre hair color.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like to put a little bright color in your hair? So does Barbie. Got Tatoos? Yep, Barbie has them too. Fan of ye ol' Dubstep? It's cool, you can find it on the jukebox at your local pizza parlor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you feel different? Maybe like no one understands you? Like you have something in you that would blow everyone away if they knew? </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you getting it yet? Everyone is different and, in that fact, no one is special. Or maybe it's that everyone is special and, in that fact, no one is different. In either case, I have good news. You are different and special, but not for the reasons you think.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is no outward force that can mold you into something special. There is no government agency that can make you free. There is no army or fashion magazine that can help you discover your potential or cap it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will not find your identity in a crowd of people protesting or in the rhetoric distributed by people who have set their face toward division. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may be reading this today as an atheist, or a deist of a non-Christian nature, or a confused Christian, or just confused; regardless of that, just know that you were hand-crafted for a purpose in this life. That *thing* that you carry around in your heart was carefully placed there and the only way it can be fully understood is when it's purpose is explained by it's Creator.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not peddling Easter Bunnies or Eggs or "correct" Resurrection Sunday memes. I'm not pushing pews and crosses and NOTW t-shirts either. I'm pointing to that thing inside of you that wants to burst out and be free (Don't picture the scene from Alien, Hahahaha!). It can't without Jesus. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what you do to your external-self, you will not harness your true potential, which is the thing that ACTUALLY makes you different, until you acknowledge it was created by Someone Who loves you and may have some thoughts on the matter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Freedom can only be found in true love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">True love doesn't come with exceptions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">True love is not just a feeling, but proved by action.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">True love has come in the Man named Jesus, who loves you without exception and proved it by the Cross.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until you know Him, you will not be free. You may be sedate, you may be confused, you may be numb, you may be angry, or you may be lying to yourself; but you will not be free.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-23305775202190387992013-03-26T15:00:00.000-07:002013-03-26T15:00:12.168-07:00The Gaze Outside of Time<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, the entire chapter of Hebrews 12 is worth reading, as is the entire book of Hebrews, and the New Testament and, well, while I'm at it, the entirety of the Holy Bible. That being said, my post today is about 2 half sentences that show up in Hebrews 12:1-2. They read:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you see it? I didn't until Sunday night during a prayer service. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The gaze outside of time itself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Jesus entered this most diffcult week, this Holy Week, this Passion Week, there was one thing that encouraged Him to endure and that was you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was looking at you. You, in your most wretched state, lost and broken, were enough to get Him through. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This gaze, however, was never intended to be one way. Just as Jesus is outside of time looking at you now, you have been invited to return that gaze and be encouraged during your difficult days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you set your eyes on Jesus, know that He is looking right back at you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is it as crazy for your to think that Jesus found endurance in setting His gaze upon you? It's still crazy for me.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-42135443088323191162013-03-07T13:04:00.001-08:002013-03-07T13:13:01.332-08:00Don't Judge Me | It Just Sounds So BiblicalI don't know the exact level of irony that will be displayed in what I am about to share, but I do know that this post may be perceived as having been woven with a substantial amount of irony. Given that it seems as though I may be judging others who are judging others for judging them. Yeah, that just happeed.<br />
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So, here goes.<br />
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There seems to be a surge of memes posted online demanding that others not judge them. To drive the point home? They quote Jesus. <br />
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<strong>Luke 6:37</strong> <br />
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<em>"Do not judge, and you will not be judged."</em><br />
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<strong>Matthew 7:1</strong><br />
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<em>"Do not judge, or you too will be judged."</em><br />
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Seems straight forward, right? Jesus said don't judge, so people shouldn't judge me, right? I don't think that was His point.<br />
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I think this teaching falls under the same category as so many teachings I've sat under, as soon as I hear the word spoken, I think of someone else who should hear it. Funny how that works. We are always so quick to apply the commands of God to other people, instead of ourselves.<br />
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We always want to be forgiven, but struggle with forgiveness.<br />
We declare "Don't judge me!", yet often judge others.<br />
We say others should be generous to us, but find that we withhold.<br />
We remind others of unconditional love, yet have many filters on our own.<br />
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Jesus tells the story of an unmerciful servant in Matthew 18. To summarize what occurred, a servant was forgiven a pretty significant debt by his king. Shortly thereafter, he ran into an old friend that owed him a pretty minor debt and had him thrown into prison when the friend was unable to repay him. When the king heard this, he had some pretty harsh words for the servant and then reinstated the debt, throwing his butt into prison. <br />
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I understand that forgiveness is a very specific topic, one that should not be glossed over, but I believe that this command against judging others should be grouped in with forgiveness relative to its application. <br />
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Jesus never commanded that we not judge others so that we might avoid being judged by people, but rather so that we might avoid being judged by God. I'm not suggesting that we won't be held accountable for our (in)actions, because we will. I'm merely stating that the purpose of His command was that we might address the issues in our own hearts and make adjustments. <br />
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The world as each of us knows it would change dramatically for the better if we simply stopped concerning ourselves with what judgements other people made of us and spent some time judging our own hearts and motives. We need to take down our "Don't judge me!" banners and begin the work of becoming renewed. <br />
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Trust me, if you are overly concerned with what others think of you and spend time defending yourself, you will spend very little time with the Holy Spirit searching out the real issues in your heart and making the necessary adjustments. Once in defense mode, it's hard to let God show us what is broken.<br />
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I can only tell you what I, myself, have gone through. Or rather, what I am still going through. So, don't worry! You are good company.<br />
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Can we all agree to stop posting those stupid memes now?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-28951426501000601052013-02-22T17:30:00.000-08:002013-02-22T17:30:00.359-08:00Funny Thing About Parenting<div style="text-align: justify;">
The funny thing about parenting is that it's not all about teaching what you unswervingly know, but rather, more often about learning as you teach... well, learning as I teach, since this is from my experience and perspective. In other words, as I guide them, I find myself becoming my own guide. </div>
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By example, our family has recently begun a huge shift; we have stopped attending the church where we've attended for 6 years and are starting fresh. Perhaps you are reading this and don't see the magnitude of that statement. It's like moving to a new country, or joining a new family. You have to understand that the people with whom we attended at our old church were our family. They were the people that we saw 2-3, sometimes even 4 times per week. We were witness to couples announcing their courtship, then their wedding date, then the birth of their first child. Those people were people that I thanked God for each and every day. They were OUR people. </div>
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But, God, as unchanging as He may be, is not tied to our comfort. He asked Abraham to take his immediate family and leave his community for a place unknown, and in many ways, that is exactly what God asked of us. Once we determined that we needed to start making preparations to make the move, we made them. It was sudden and scary and weird, but we did it.</div>
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Rob and I are resilient, we can pretty much roll with anything, because after 16 years together we've experienced quite a bit of change, surprise, disappointment, fear of the unknown, joy, etc. However, we have 4 little ones at home that don't roll as smoothly and I didn't realize what I was asking of them until the tears began to flow. </div>
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When that happened:<br />
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I began consoling them, that didn't work. <br />
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I began commanding them, that didn't work.<br />
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Finally, I began encouraging them with the Word of God. It just flowed out of me. Then the most amazing thing happened, I was encouraged.</div>
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You see, 75% of me (perhaps a tad more) didn't want to make the change. Staying would be so much easier. I'm an an introvert, sprinkled with just a touch of social awkwardness. Meeting people is not easy for me; it makes my stomach hurt, literally for the most part. It took me 6 years to build the relationships I had, 6 years to feel increasingly at home when I stepped onto campus, and most importantly 6 years to find just the perfect seat.</div>
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Ok, that last one, probably wasn't THAT important, but it was nice. In fact, not that I went to church at a bar, but for me my church was much like the T.V. show Cheers. When I stepped onto campus for any given event, gathering, service or meeting I would hear "BRINAAAAA!!!" somewhere, even at a distance. It was my Cheers. If you could somehow merge Diane and Carla, you'd get me. Odd, but true.</div>
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In case you think I loved my old church simply for the community we were a part of, I most especially loved it because of God's presence, the truth of His Word being shared and the growth that occurred for my family there.</div>
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I think you get the point, I loved my church. But, in speaking with my boys about the impending change, I began to tell them of the Israelites and how along their journey through the wilderness they had the opportunity to move when God said to move and remain under His grace and blessing and enter their promised land, or they could hesitate in disobedience and miss their opportunity. We did a little pop-quiz on the name of the 2 smart spies (Jacob won $1) and just explored that situation.</div>
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At the end of our discussion, they better understood why we had to do what God asked of us and, frankly, I did to. He has something more for us in this new place. Something that He's intended all along. </div>
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So what did I learn while I was tryin' to learn my kids some Bible stuff? I learned that God's ultimate goal for our life is not sedentary comfort, but rather that we would be in His presence under His grace and blessing all the days of our lives, where ever that might lead. <br />
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You gotta move when God says move. So we did. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-86241712740700799112013-01-16T13:12:00.002-08:002013-01-16T13:12:40.983-08:00Why Apology 6/25/13 Will Never Work.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since posting my idea for Christians across the internet to use their public platforms to post an apology to the LBGT community on 6/25/13, I've had quite a few people read my submission, but very few respond. By few, I mean my husband, a handful of close friends and a blogger who played a central part in the inspiration of this idea. I'm not entirely sure what I expected. I guess, I kind of thought people would read it and yell aloud "I can't believe no one has ever thought of this before! I'm going to repost this a million times!" </div>
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But that didn't happen. </div>
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I did have a gay Christian woman support it immensely, which I love, but that doesn't prove anything other than this is desperately needed. We have an entire community of people who deserve an apology which may never materialize. And even if it did, would it be enough?</div>
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Perhaps some Christians read my proposal and assume what I am proposing is Christians everywhere should stand up and say, "Hey, we're sorry! We've been wrong in our beliefs this whole time." That's simply not the case. What I am suggesting is that we stand together and apologize for our behavior. Regardless of what translation of the Bible you read or what social lense and historical context you view the Bible through, Christians, as a lumped sum group, have not expressed the heart of Jesus. We just haven't. </div>
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As a Christian, I find that sad. Sad for everyone. We haven't even given most of the people in this world and virtually none of the LGBT community a chance to really experience Jesus. </div>
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<br />It occurred to me that <span style="font-size: large;">we've become bouncers of Club Jesus</span> and I'm not even sure that Jesus is inside anymore. He's out there, trying to heal the wounds of those we've injured. The injured, though, cringe at the thought of His touch because of who WE said He was. </div>
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In reality, my plan probably won't work as I had hoped. There are too many bridge burners and too many idle hands to be productive. </div>
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Even if we could get some momentum, how much impact will it truly have? Some people may feel the apology is disingenuous. Too organize. Too little, too late. Or perhaps not the apology they want to hear.</div>
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A simple apology can't mend all of the hurts involved and it may not fix the complex dynamics of the issue at large, but, guess what? </div>
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I don't care because it's the right thing to do. </div>
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Even if only a handful of people join me on June 25, 2013 to apologize, it won't change my heart.</div>
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I know that 1 Corinthians 13 is so, so popular and quotable, especially for weddings. But I challenge you to read it again. The following is in The Message translation.</div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span class="chapternum">13 </span>If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-2" id="en-MSG-12234"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7" id="en-MSG-12235"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><sup class="versenum">3-7 </sup>If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Love never gives up.</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Love cares more for others than for self.</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Love doesn’t strut,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Doesn’t have a swelled head,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Doesn’t force itself on others,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Isn’t always “me first,”</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Doesn’t fly off the handle,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Doesn’t revel when others grovel,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Puts up with anything,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Trusts God always,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Always looks for the best,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">Never looks back,</span><br /><span class="text 1Cor-13-3-1Cor-13-7">But keeps going to the end.</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-8-1Cor-13-10" id="en-MSG-12236"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><sup class="versenum">8-10 </sup>Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-11" id="en-MSG-12237"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-MSG-12238"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-MSG-12239"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.</em></span></span></div>
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So, tell me. How can we look at all that has transpired between the "Christian" camp and the "Gay" camp and even remotely say that we, Christians, have walked in this love. We can't, but we can stop and simply apologize. I cannot apologize for what Christians believe relative to homosexuality and sin, but I can and will apologize for how poorly our actions represent Christ's love.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's love extravagantly.</span> </div>
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Would you join me on June 25, 2013? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-80126280148595358602013-01-11T12:00:00.000-08:002013-06-25T08:57:15.463-07:00Apologetics All Around!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">(DISCLAIMER: None of the following individuals, Sammy Adebiyi, Ed Stetzer or Carlos Whittaker have endorsed this post or anything in it. I am merely sharing some of the posts that I've recently enjoyed reading.)</span><br />
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No wait! I meant, APOLOGIES all around! Dang! I never understood why those two words can mean something so different and yet sound so similar.<br />
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I do think though, that if we sprinkled our apologetics with a few apologies, people might be interested in our Gospel.<br />
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SAMMY WROTE.<br />
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Recently, Sammy Adebiyi wrote an article for Prodigal Magazine which chronicles his experience of repentance toward the LGBT community. Please, please, please read it <a href="http://www.prodigalmagazine.com/jesus-called-me-the-n-word/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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After reading his article, I posted a comment that included this statement:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"I'm really glad that you took the public stance you did Sammy. I think more people with public platforms should do what you did."</span></div>
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Then it occurred to me. Why can't we? Why can't Christians who have a public platform that feel the same way Sammy feels, the same way I feel, say "Sorry"? And not just at random, but on the same day. I mean if Christians can organize an impromptu eat in at Chick-Fil-A, then why can't those of us who felt a little nauseous on that day take a day to express how we feel?<br />
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A VOICE.<br />
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We need a voice. Not just one voice, but many voices. Brave voices. Loving voices. Gentle voices. Loud voices. Voices who sound a whole lot like Jesus and who will make a pact to post on their Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Blogs, Google+, Bumper Sticker, Lapel Button, or whatever, on <span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Tuesday, June 25th 2013:</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>I'M SORRY</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em><br /></em></strong></span></div>
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ED WROTE.<br />
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I read an article on Ed Stetzer's blog yesterday and it really brought clarity to the issue for me (please read it <a href="http://www.edstetzer.com/2013/01/evangelicals-and-44-of-america.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>). There is no way to fully reconcile two such polar opposite points of view, BUT something must be done and it must be done soon.<br />
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As Christians, we serve a God that always sacrifices first, loves first, forgives first, gives first; <span style="font-size: large;">so, in light of this example, we must waive the white flag of humility first.</span><br />
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LOS WROTE.</div>
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I was scanning my twitter feed late last night and @loswhit tweeted he would be posting an interview with a homosexual Christian today. My heart leaped. I was so excited and scared to hear what he or she would have to say. I believe if you read it, which I'm kind of insisting you do, (read that <a href="http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2013/01/gigliobenediction/" target="_blank">HERE</a>) it will really cement the truth of my cause. At one point in the interview, after being asked to give advice to Christians, she said: <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Listen to them and love them gently. Even acknowledge and apologize for how the Christian community has wounded them."</span><br />
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There it is. Simple as the sky is blue and as difficult too. We can't ignore this any longer. We must all become Jesus and jump into the middle of the mob and demand of ourselves and each other <span style="color: #cc0000;">“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” </span><br />
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Then, we must drop our stones.<br />
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DROPPING OUR WEAPONS ≠ TWISTING THE WORD OF GOD<br />
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But you know what does, not loving people. We twist the truth of the Gospel when we tell a single person that Jesus doesn't love them just as they are, but we also twist the truth of the Gospel if we would suggest that Jesus ever leaves us just as we are, but that is a discussion for a different day.<br />
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Today? Today, we, Christians, just need to apologize and not just to the LGBT community, but to anyone that ever felt the searing stares of rejection as they walked into a church service. Anyone who was ever told to go and get their life together BEFORE they could come into the presence of Jesus. Anyone who felt like they had to LIE about who they were just to fit in with some "ideal" Christian community we tried so hard to sell everyone. Anyone who we ever convinced that Jesus was a big ol' judgmental unforgiving guy like the rest of us.<br />
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He's not. And before the big day of Apologies rolls out, I must say I'm sorry. <br />
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For any moment that I EVER made anyone feel less than worthy of love. We are all in the same boat. We need Jesus. And the GLORIOUS thing about HIM is that He is available to all of us, just as we are.<br />
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Join me, won't you? <br />
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Please, please, please, I BEG you to:<br />
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1) Read the articles I posted. They are wonderful resources. If you have time, read other articles these great men have posted.<br />
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2) Comment below if you're in. (PLEASE BE IN!)<br />
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3) Share the plan! If you're reading this, you likely have a Twitter, a Facebook, a Pinterest, an email account, or a piece of cardboard you can make a sign with. Let's get the word out. <br />
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If you are a Christian and you don't like this plan, then please do us all a favor and keep it to yourself. We are trying to build bridges and cross them, not burn them as quickly as we build them.<br />
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Jesus never met us halfway. So, let's build bridges... then cross them, to the Glory of Him Who loved us first.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-8513423627902364962012-12-03T12:22:00.003-08:002012-12-03T12:33:18.681-08:00Give Until It Doesn't Hurt Anymore<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past weekend I experienced a moment in the Dollar Tree store. Yep, the Dollar Tree.</div>
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I was in the process of purchasing picture frames for photos which have been floating around our house for months, just waiting to be crumpled, when the cashier asked if I wanted to donate money toward some such organization. Without even considering her question, I responded "No." If you are wondering if it was, perhaps, an organization unworthy of my assistance, I would say it's not likely the case. As I type this, I can't even recall which organization, but I'm sure they were doing good in the earth and could have used my few bucks.</div>
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If you are wondering if there was another reason, there's not one. I'm just a jerk and what I am about to reveal to you next will show you just how big of a jerk I really am.</div>
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Despite my quick decline to the cashier, I did have a fleeting thought. <span style="font-size: large;">"If she knew how much I already give, she wouldn't ask me for more."</span></div>
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Can we all say wow!? </div>
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It was definitely a thought that gave me pause. I would like to say it was a thought deposited into my mind from an alien land, but it wasn't; this thought was all mine. It reflected what is <strike>was</strike> in my heart. My lack of generosity.</div>
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You see, giving can be painful. The thought of it can make me recoil immediately and violently. On this day, a simple request for a menial amount of help was met with:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">ANGER </span> bitterness <span style="font-size: x-large;"> ingratitude</span> PRIDE <span style="font-size: x-large;">fear </span></div>
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and not</div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Love Generosity Joy Gratitude</em></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fortunately, God didn't let me just feel bad for a second and move on with my day. My heart pondered this for the remainder of the day; I even found myself contemplating the old saying "Give until it hurts." Then suddenly the words "Give until it doesn't hurt anymore" drifted through my spirit. You see, much like every other habit I've established in my life, I can choose selfishness or generosity, but I must practice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I must push through the pain of giving small to get to giving big. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I must build up my tolerance for giving to people I love to delve into giving to people I, perhaps, don't care for or simply don't know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I must perceive this pain of giving as a trigger or demand to give without a another thought. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I must be generous on every occasion, whether it be at church, at home or at the Dollar Tree. Wait, that sounds familiar.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28967V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28967W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> <span class="text 2Cor-9-11" id="en-NIV-28968">You will be enriched<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28968X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> in every way <strong>so that you can be generous<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28968Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> on every occasion</strong>, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28968Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup></span> </em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text 2Cor-9-12" id="en-NIV-28969">This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28969AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28969AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 2Cor-9-13" id="en-NIV-28970">Because of the service<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28970AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28970AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> for the obedience that accompanies your confession<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28970AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> of the gospel of Christ,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28970AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> and for your generosity<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28970AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> in sharing with them and with everyone else.</span> 2 Corinthians 9:10-13</span><span class="text 2Cor-9-14" id="en-NIV-28971"><sup class="versenum"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Originally, I was going to only post the verse specific to being generous on every occasion, but when I began to read the verses before and after the one I wanted, I realized it was painting a bigger picture. <br />
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Do you see it?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
God is generous with us in order that we may be generous with others and our confession of the gospel is made complete in our obedience to God through our generosity to people. There's so much more at stake than my $2. </div>
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So, there it is, in black and white, just in case, you thought I was just making it up. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Give until it doesn't hurt anymore.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-68034921303202314502012-11-20T15:53:00.001-08:002012-11-20T22:15:09.659-08:00Misapplication of Military Metaphors<div style="text-align: justify;">First, I would like to confess I love alliteration and, as you will soon discover, repetition. Oh... and just a touch of rhyming, when possible.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">That, however, is not the topic of my post. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to share a verse which rings through my head more often than I'd like, yet less often than I need.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span class="text Matt-22-36" id="en-AMP-23909">Teacher, which kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light—which are heavy?]</span><span class="text Matt-22-37" id="en-AMP-23910"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). </span><span class="text Matt-22-38" id="en-AMP-23911">This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment.</span> <span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-AMP-23912">And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. </span></em><span class="text Matt-22-40" id="en-AMP-23913"><em>These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets. </em>(Matthew 22:36-40 AMP)</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40">However, when I hear it, this is what it sounds like:</span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span style="font-size: large;">Love God. Love people.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span style="font-size: large;">Love God. Love people.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span style="font-size: large;">Love God. Love people.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span> </div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40">Maybe you're the good son and God doesn't have to repeat Himself with you, but I am not. I am the stubborn kid who has to be told time and again. </span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span style="font-size: large;">Love God. Love people.</span></span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40">What God never tells me is: </span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40">Love God. Conquer People. </span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40">Love God. Dominate People.</span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40">Love God. Battle People.</span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40">Love God. Triumph over People.</span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40">Nope He says:</span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span style="font-size: large;">Love God. Love People.</span> </span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40">There are some things, as Christians, where a militaristic tone is appropriate, but those things cannot be found bound in flesh and sustained by blood. Epheshians 6:12 says "For our struggle is not <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">against flesh and blood,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29350P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> but against the rulers, against the authorities,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29350Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> against the powers<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29350R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians even goes on to instruct us to prepare for battle against such things. According to verse 12, those preparations are not made to battle people.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span style="font-size: large;">Love God. Love People.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40">If Ephesians 6 is a great picture of the method by which we should battle the unseen forces in this earth working against us, then I submit to you John 13 as a picture of how a life spent loving people should look.</span></div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40"></span> </div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26634E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> and that He had come from God<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26634F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> and was returning to God; <span class="text John-13-4" id="en-NIV-26635">so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26635G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span> </em><span class="text John-13-5" id="en-NIV-26636"><em>After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26636H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.</em> (John 13:3-5 AMP)</span></span></span></div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span class="text John-13-5"></span></span></em></span> </div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">He was stripped down, totally vulnerable, hands in the mud, uncomfortable, humble (possibly perceived as humiliated) and about as UN-self-serving as one can be. There was nothing that Jesus could have possibly gained from this (or the cross), except filthy hands and hearts that, hopefully, better understood His. </span></span></span></div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span> </div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">What you don't see (anywhere in the Gospels) is Jesus gearing up in armor and going to battle with people, because that would be ridiculous. Battling people is ridiculous. </span></span></span></div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></span> </div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times;">Yet, we do it all the time.</span></span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Love God. Love People.</span></span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></span> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JO4z361Pc4/UKwO1gzBQbI/AAAAAAAAAac/gOz38_Uo5Vw/s1600/69743482_yVYavAEQ_JesusWashingFeet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JO4z361Pc4/UKwO1gzBQbI/AAAAAAAAAac/gOz38_Uo5Vw/s320/69743482_yVYavAEQ_JesusWashingFeet2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text John-13-15" id="en-NIV-26646"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (John 13:15 AMP)</em></span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5">We cannot argue people to Jesus. </span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5">We cannot force people to Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5">We cannot intimidate people to Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5">We cannot guilt people to Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5">We cannot strong-arm people to Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5">We can only love people to Jesus. Because that's what He did, and it wasn't through empty words or a silent heart, but rather a life of service.</span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love God. Love People.</span></span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></span> </div><div class="verse" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. </em><span class="text 1John-4-8" id="en-NLT-30572"><em>But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.</em> (1 John 4:7-8 NLT)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></span> </div><div class="verse"><span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="text John-13-5"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-63323919744207250802012-11-09T15:16:00.003-08:002012-11-13T15:09:24.087-08:00The Worst Evangelistic Argument EVER (PG-13 for language)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a crisp autumn afternoon. Two friends, bundled up in scarves, jackets, and hipster hats, are sitting on the patio of your local neighborhood Starbucks, sipping lattes. They are deep in discussion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BLAKE </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know what you are saying, man, but I'm just not buying your whole Jesus thing. I pay enough taxes to the federal government, I don't need your "church" diggin' into my pocket too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TODD</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does money have to do w</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ith it? I didn't even mention...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BLAKE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, yeah, yeah, I've been around enough of you "christians" to know that you want me to change how I look, change how I act and then shake me down for everything in my bank account. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know <em>you </em>don't suck, too much, but you're the exception.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TODD</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you'd let me <em>finish</em>, I was <em>going</em> to say that Jesus doesn't want your money, man. I know this sounds corny, but it's true, He wants your heart. It's weird to say this out loud, but He's real. He changed my life. Even <em>you</em> can see that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BLAKE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, you seem like you've gotten your shit... sorry, didn't mean to offend your revirginated ears, I mean <em>stuff, </em>together since you started your whole church gig. I don't know, man, the whole thing just seems wrong to me. I believe in a god, or something, I just don't know what that means for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Blake's voice carries off a bit and he pauses.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, you do your thing, man! Just keep doin' your <em>thang</em>. Glad it works for you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TODD</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It can work for you too. Why is it such a stretch for you, if you say you believe in a god? Why not believe in a God that loves you, a God that died for you. If for no other reason than: what if you're wrong? I mean, if <em>I'm </em>wrong, then I lose nothing, but if <em>you're </em>wrong? Dude, I hate to say it, but you're going to hell. If I were you, I'd check it out, just in case.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(end scene)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lG3Ld3LVGnk/UJ2U3ZkO0iI/AAAAAAAAAaM/q8hPMih9BMc/s1600/ID-10085673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lG3Ld3LVGnk/UJ2U3ZkO0iI/AAAAAAAAAaM/q8hPMih9BMc/s320/ID-10085673.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Photo from: <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/" target="_blank">www.freedigitalphotos.net</a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do you see what just happened there? Two friends pouring their hearts out to one another and Todd pulls the "What if you're wrong?" evangelistic argument. I mean, If I thought there was a chance that I might be wrong and that God might be a figure of my imagination, then sure, that would be a valid point. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I just don't think that when Peter wrote that we should <span style="font-size: large;">"Always be prepared to give an answer<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30440X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30440Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> that you have (1 Peter 3:15),"</span> he intended that we get people to try Jesus "just in case." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't know. Maybe he did and I'm just missing it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For me, though, Jesus is real. He's good to me and I'm not going to go around pretending that He might not be real, that there's a chance He really didn't die on the cross for my sins, just to get people to say a prayer. Paul made it pretty clear that saying the words only carry a portion of the full weight of salvation, you gotta believe the words too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We have got to stop scaring people into saying they believe in Jesus. The greatest testimony of Jesus is YOU and it's ME; <span style="font-size: large;">scare tactics just prove that maybe we're no</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">t being the testimony we're supposed to be.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>But what does it say? <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28181K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); <span class="text Rom-10-9" id="en-ESV-28182">because, if <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28182L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28182M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>believe in your heart <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28182N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.</span> <span class="text Rom-10-10" id="en-ESV-28183">For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.</span> </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>(Romans 10:8-10 ESV)<span class="text Rom-10-11" id="en-ESV-28184"><sup class="versenum"></sup></span></em></span></div>
<span class="text 1Pet-3-16" id="en-NIV-30441"><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30441AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-87865908862797099062012-11-02T08:35:00.000-07:002012-11-09T15:29:54.052-08:00How Much Does God Weigh?<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Hey guys! I'm honored to be over at Sammy Adebiyi's page today. Go check me out over <a href="http://sammyadebiyi.com/blogs/sammy-adebiyi/hoarding-such-a-nasty-habit?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SammyAdebiyi+%28Sammy+Adebiyi+%29" target="_blank">there</a>!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Here's a quick excerpt:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><strong></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><strong>"Unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple of years, I think we all have seen, or at least heard of, the show Hoarders. </strong></span></span><br />
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It’s an intense show about people, many of whom you would never suspect, literally being held captive in homes filled to capacity with stuff.<br />
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They live in anxiety, fear, shame, and embarrassment, isolated from friends and loved ones."<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-30827061165137623872012-10-17T23:11:00.001-07:002012-10-17T23:11:48.464-07:00Inherited ReligionI come from a long line of Christians. In that lineage are Catholics and Non-Catholics, evangelists and prayer warriors, pastors and missionaries. Ok. The missionary thing came along with my younger brother, but as a lineage with bi-directional implications, a couple of missionaries are in there.<br />
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You get my point though, right? It would seem that ministry work, or at least religion, might be something that is passed down from generation to generation. Certainly, there's an implication of it in future generations. Or is there?<br />
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In a world where Christianity has apparently become a political leaning/agenda and more of a cultural issue than anything, I wonder what that means for me as a Christian Mom. <br />
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Conservatives raise little conservatives, who may stray into the liberal camp during college and occasionally retreat to their conservative upbringing. Liberals often find unity in sticking it to the man, that man usually represented by a middle-aged, white, upper-class C(c?)hristian man. Lines being drawn, erased, moved back and re-drawn, leaving everyone who lay in neither camp, somewhere in the ever increasing gap which used to be "the greater good".<br />
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But, this is not a political post. It's really not, I promise.<br />
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I've just recently come to the realization that being a Christ following mother of 4 is somewhat complicated by the fact that Christ is no longer treated as a Person in this country (world?), but more as a box I'm relegated to when discussing social issues. Though, for me, party lines are irrelevant as it pertains to my firmly held beliefs. I have registered with a party, with which I share certain values I have deemed as imperative, but I refuse to choose a representative solely based upon an affiliation.<br />
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Ok. For real, this is not a political post.<br />
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My point in all of this is this question, "If being a follower of Christ is found in a personal relationship with the Person of Christ and having a life that reflects that relationship, how does one raise children into Christianity?" If it were simply religion, or a bunch of strictly held social beliefs, it would be easy. I could simply say, "Do this, don't do that, say this, don't say that." and not care if it meant anything to them, so long as I had a little robot-clone. However, for me, that could never be the case. <br />
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I deeply desire that my children would know what it is to sit in His presence; to pray and truly know that He's listening; to hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit speak to them as they navigate this life. As much as that is my deepest desire for my children, it's something I cannot MAKE happen. It's also something I would never WANT to make happen. I don't want to be a fake and I certainly don't want my kids to be big fakes either.<br />
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So, the other night, when my son said he wanted to ask Jesus to be his Savior and to start the journey that would make my deepest desire for him come true, I had two thoughts: (1) Have I done something where he feels like he HAS to do this right now, to which I answered no; and (2) Have I done something wrong that he didn't do this sooner, to which I also answered no. You see, I have a strict philosophy that I will not ask my children leading questions relative to Jesus. I refuse to encourage them to please me by not being themselves. I value authenticity in others, and I expect it of myself. <br />
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I don't have any great advice, or heartwarming anecdotes in this post. I just have thoughts. Thoughts that tell me that Christianity is not some political agenda or affiliation. Thoughts that tell me following Christ is not about the box I check when I'm filling out hospital paperwork or finding continuity with my families historical penchant for ministry work. It's about me and Jesus. That's it. Further, that's what it has to be for my kids too, and if they can't make that genuine commitment until they are 12 or 32, it must be theirs to make. <br />
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My role is simply to paint such a detailed picture of Christ in (with) my life, that when they meet Him they recognize Him immediately and want Him for themselves. But, they can't have my Jesus, they have their own picture to paint. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Nm2UbdN0Y0/UH-bs8YH93I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/V6o1KZwwcsU/s1600/jesus-painting-forgiven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Nm2UbdN0Y0/UH-bs8YH93I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/V6o1KZwwcsU/s320/jesus-painting-forgiven.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ironically, I did not actually paint this picture of Jesus. <br />I just thought it was cool.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852035188713491808.post-58893607966411828012012-09-13T15:01:00.001-07:002012-09-13T16:45:02.704-07:00What's It Worth To Ya?<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am a bargain hunter. I love them. I have told many a person that I am more impressed by someone getting a steal of deal than I am of someone paying big money for that same item. Name brands don't impress me either, so saying you spent $120 on jeans will induce nothing but a face full of pity from me, no matter what name they may have printed on the back.</div>
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You know who else is a bargain hunter? Satan. (Wait, was that a satan juke? Does such a thing exist? Does the lack of alliteration take away from the effect? Forget it.) You know, the devil. The fallen angel of light, Lucifer. Now, I'm not saying that bargain hunting is evil, so before you light those coupons on fire and swear off Ross, hear me out. </div>
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John 10:10 states that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. That sounds bad and very noticeable, right? </div>
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If you've been robbed, you would probably realize it at some point. "Well, I had my cell phone when I was at Starbucks, then... Dang it, I think that dude stole my phone! Crap."</div>
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If you or someone you loved was killed, you might just be a bit affected. Unless you're an atheist or have no belief in an afterlife , in which case, if you were killed you might not notice that you ceased to exist. But, surely SOMEONE would notice. "Did ya hear? Tom was killed! Yeah, real sad and crazy deal." </div>
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Should destruction come to your home, I would think you would take note. "Geez, Martha, there appears to be some type of hole in the living room wall." </div>
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These terms: steal, kill and destroy, have incredibly violent overtones; "take notice" overtones. <span style="font-size: large;">But, what happens when he shows up in a disguise and wants to bargain?</span> Will we even realize it?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3KZQP4Iwzs/UFIpByAQqZI/AAAAAAAAAYs/Wp1ozmqsrSU/s1600/ID-10097443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3KZQP4Iwzs/UFIpByAQqZI/AAAAAAAAAYs/Wp1ozmqsrSU/s320/ID-10097443.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BUT I WAS SO HUNGRY</span></div>
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In Genesis 25, we read about fraternal twin brothers named Jacob and Esau. As boys can typically be, their relationship was pretty competitive. Having a crazy, manipulative mother probably didn't help matters, but that's a story for a different day. So, if you haven't read about them, Esau was a hairy outdoors man, an excellent hunter and, technically, the oldest. He was his fathers favorite. Jacob, the youngest by mere seconds, however, hung out around the house and was favored by his mom. A small portion of the long story short, Esau came home one day from working outside or hunting or some such other grunty man activity and was starving. In that moment, he was easily convinced to trade his birthright (a BIG deal back then) for lunch. Yep, lunch. The writer of the book of Genesis goes on to explain that <span style="font-size: large;">Esau despised his birthright</span> and later when he changed his mind and wanted it back, it was too late.</div>
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Esau was an idiot. Am I right? A colossal imbecile. He was so short sighted that he couldn't even think beyond his next meal. It's shocking, really. I mean, who would trade something with irreplaceable value that has generational implications for something so fleeting as a meal? </div>
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Apparently, Esau, but I would too. Even you would. If I were being honest, which apparently I am, I have already done it and chances are, so have you. You might be saying at this moment: "Wait. What?" We'll get to you and me in a minute, let's talk about Esau some more. It'll make me feel better. </div>
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Esau understood deep down what he was giving up, but he couldn't hear that voice over the clanging of his flesh. If he did, he silenced it with excuses ("but I might DIE of hunger" - dramatic much?) or flat out lies ("this isn't final, I can always get it back" - Sorry, buddy, didn't need a written contract back then). In the end, he would lose it all to Jacob; his birthright and eventually his inheritance. But, this post isn't about devious Jacob or manipulative Rebekah, though they certainly had their parts to play, it's about Esau and us, and how we all fall victim to the seemingly innocuous bargains of the enemy. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">YOU HAVE A STEAK <span style="font-size: small;">(PUN INTENDED)</span> IN THIS TOO</span></div>
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Don't be fooled, this whole birthright and inheritance thing applies to us today, even if we don't fully understand it or catch the greater implications. The Bible is full of promises God has made to each one of us regarding not just the next life, but this life we are living now. Promises that we really should familiarize ourselves with so that we can avoid despising them simply for lack of understanding. We also all have bodies we inhabit, sacks of flesh that try to boss us around; convince us that we need stuff NOW; persuade us NOT to do what we know we ought. In addition to that, we have an enemy that is constantly looking for a foothold; ways to catch our attention; opportunities to gain access to our ear.<br />
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How often do we bargain our blessings away for dollar store merchandise?<br />
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The enemy can't steal your salvation, but he can make despising your birthright and inheritance as children of God seem palatable, even if just for a moment.<br />
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Church on Sunday? Nah, I'm tired. Fast on Monday? But, I'll faint. Read my Bible? I have stuff to do. Pray? I'll do it later. Lie? It's only one slightly gray lie. Sex with my girlfriend/boyfriend? Man, that purity stuff is so old fashion, plus we're gonna get married anyhow. Porn? At least I'm not having sex. Third dessert? What difference does it make. Forgive that person that abused me, abandoned me or offended me? The pain runs deep, God will understand. Give to my friend in need/the homeless guy/my church? I barely have enough to pay for cable. The list goes on and on and is crafted specifically for each of us. So what bargaining chip catches your eye? <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">IT'S OK, YOU DON'T HAFTA</span><br />
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The absolute truth is that none of the above or anything else on the long list of bargaining chips will keep you from heaven, but it may keep you from experiencing the best God has for you in this life. Think this is OT and doesn't apply to us in the modern church? Well, let me show you where this whole blog started for me. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. <span class="text Heb-12-17" id="en-NLT-30190">You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears. Hebrews 12:16-17 (NLT)</span></span></div>
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Esau never lost the relationship he had with his father... just the blessing his father so desired to bestow upon him. So pause for a moment the next time when the right thing feels uncomfortable or requires a little effort or sacrifice and consider what you might be giving up when you satiate that bratty flesh of yours. <br />
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Don't worry, I'm just passing along a lesson that I am in the midst of learning myself.<br />
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P.S. What in the world do you think that girl is selling up there?</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06858312128672538453noreply@blogger.com3