tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58973911495660948802024-02-06T22:36:13.286-05:00Spiritual Perspectives Of Da Single GuyCovid-19, Christianity, discipleship. Single lifemjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-65985236906330798252021-06-07T08:44:00.008-04:002021-06-07T08:47:46.962-04:00I've moved! <p> It is official, my blog has moved to my new website. You can read my latest blog <a href="https://www.martinthomasjohnson.com/community-model/">here.</a> <br /></p>mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-2263852114998138742021-05-01T10:04:00.006-04:002021-05-01T11:01:20.270-04:00Prayerlife?<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">Recently I decided to launch a website for my writing after
years of <a href="https://youtu.be/0GLrn8JwJr0">prayer</a>. The process wasn’t as easy as I hoped even with<b> God on my
side</b>. The designer I wanted was booked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I reached out to another designer, at first things were<a href="https://youtu.be/2XYW2VVjDhY"> great</a>, a week later
we parted ways.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let me clarify, there is no such thing as “unanswered”
prayers, God always answers prayer, just not how we like. Sometimes it is <a href="https://youtu.be/GcBJzrLDOqg">yes</a>,
but more likely it will be “no” or wait! </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Therefore, we must learn to be <a href="https://youtu.be/1mFzFBe6NAA">patient</a>. Remember<b> Lazarus?</b>
He was Jesus’ friend Jesus allowed to die for God’s glory (John 11:1-44!) I
don’t think that’s what Martha and Mary wanted.<b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After praying for God’s will, I decided to use a marketing
team near where I live. Once again everything was going smoothly. My designer was
preparing to send me the contract, so I went for a ride, being outside is one
of my favorite places to be <a href="https://youtu.be/1MSJVwKGT1I">quiet</a> and listen to God. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While I was out biking, I received an email from the designer,
and it wasn’t what I expected. Unfortunately, it was the same <a href="-https://youtu.be/XSAGLJckRWM">story</a>, they
didn’t want to do the work either and I hoped <b>that’s a joke</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to God. After a prayer, I sensed God
say, this isn’t about what you want.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Convicted, I rushed home and emailed my designer and offered
to compromise. To my surprise they agreed. Things worked out better than I had
hoped, not because I got what I wanted—because I listened to God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I wasn’t getting my way, but God’s best—which is His will,
not ours. God willing, this will be my last blog post on Blogger, beginning
next month read my blogs at MartinThomasJohnson.com.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer reveals if we have faith or fire
insurance. Nothing reveals spiritual maturity like our prayer life. </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OvUmasb7doxXp8Q4BCNep8tGQcovpqt5FJVLTRp-4Rs8VLfhD86YPzn_DwbRK4qBSSiwhVfICV3iU1FRpKrvlyG4i5b77tqHHexQELxIR-cYTPFuHnlvlpV7ExhjG1MEj1g4oW70X3tb/s2048/MTJ_Homepage_Apr30th.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1138" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OvUmasb7doxXp8Q4BCNep8tGQcovpqt5FJVLTRp-4Rs8VLfhD86YPzn_DwbRK4qBSSiwhVfICV3iU1FRpKrvlyG4i5b77tqHHexQELxIR-cYTPFuHnlvlpV7ExhjG1MEj1g4oW70X3tb/w199-h320/MTJ_Homepage_Apr30th.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Prayer life?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While in the garden, Jesus prayed for God’s will. This is interesting
because it shows Jesus didn’t want to go to the cross—He didn’t want to suffer—yet
He wanted to be obedient to God. Jesus said a lot about praying.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His teachings
contradicted Jewish tradition, even the church’s. Nothing stunts spiritual
growth like tradition. The Jewish community has prayer for everything, and
they aren’t short.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus taught His disciples not to pray long public prayers,
but to go to God with their needs, even though God already knows what we need
before we ask (Matthew 6:8.) Prayer was never meant to be a magic wishlist of <a href="https://youtu.be/_QiKAN2LIuk">dreams</a>,
that is what the<b> lost </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">do
(Matthew 6:7</span>.) Prayer has always been about seeking God’s will over
ours. Like a loving Father, God wants us to come to Him for our needs, He wants
to know we need Him, <b>keep on holdin’ on</b>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite popular
church teachings, prayer does not change things or an <a href="https://youtu.be/Qzw6A2WC5Qo">invincible</a> God (Malachi
3:6, Hebrews 13:8.) Prayer changes us and our desires, it aligns our hearts
with God’s, He isn’t a <a href="https://youtu.be/X9poLs_Nz4E">puppet</a>. The psalmist pleaded with God to <a href="https://youtu.be/QjBH6jm8KhY">give</a> him a new
heart and new desires (Psalm 51:8-10.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If anything changes, it isn’t because of us or our pleading,
it is because it is God’s divine will. I can <b>testify</b> God performs
miracles, but it isn’t because of any of man’s doing, it is an <b>act of God</b>.
God wants to give us a new heart for Him and new desires.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkLo6PJh-q7zBxgon2-bDOUCePse-vyJkq38q7ZqjULubNvT2sjFnqXZsP0M7RjDE59zARBJsfq_2TJfjCc-IV2b5fmTDqW_F1mF7CWCC4YL2JTJZ1yD9Iu3TqgnbOP3FOarJflq9-_OJ/s2048/Blog+image+2+.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkLo6PJh-q7zBxgon2-bDOUCePse-vyJkq38q7ZqjULubNvT2sjFnqXZsP0M7RjDE59zARBJsfq_2TJfjCc-IV2b5fmTDqW_F1mF7CWCC4YL2JTJZ1yD9Iu3TqgnbOP3FOarJflq9-_OJ/w348-h259/Blog+image+2+.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">Andrew Murray explains, “God is able
to do for us exceedingly abundantly above what we ask or think, and we are in
danger of limiting Him, when we confine our desires and prayers to our own
thoughts of them.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our hearts are made of flesh and believers do not to live by
the flesh, but by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17.) That’s why I am against
chasing desires of our hearts; it isn’t biblical. Just because some money
hungry <b>television evangelist </b>says so, doesn’t mean it is biblical.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a Christian man one of the biggest turnoffs is a woman
who only regurgitates what she has learned from her parents or from watching
TV. Paul challenged believers who are mature to live by the Spirit, because
they know how God works (1 Corinthians 2:6.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I thank God He doesn’t always answer my prayers like I want,
I’m still <a href="https://youtu.be/pq9moTFFnDs">blessed</a>. We’ve all experienced God’s divine intervention in sparing
us from bad relationships, situations, and jobs. When I was in my 30s, I
experienced a heartbreak when a friendship and budding relationship didn’t work
out, which led to the betrayal of church family.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The situation almost killed me, I reached out to my mentor
who reminded me that, it wasn’t my first heartache or disappointment and
wouldn’t be my last. That wasn’t what I wanted to <a href="https://youtu.be/y558Nxj9aoc">hear</a>, but I knew it was the
truth. God was speaking to me through <a href="https://youtu.be/IjW6SbLT5NE">more</a> mature believers than I was.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Intercessory Prayer!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A church’s prayer life reveals their spiritual maturity, mature
believers know God knows best and sometimes that means “no” to our deepest
desires.<b> What are you afraid of?</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What blows my mind is when <b>prideful </b>popular
teachers say it is the enemy trying to discourage us and make us feel guilty.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s further evidence that they are not true followers of
Jesus, Who told His disciples they wouldn’t be <b>rich and famous (Matthew 8:21</b>.) Not only
are they <a href="https://youtu.be/HCmCnaAGlzQ">blind</a> to the truth, they don’t even know the <a href="https://youtu.be/hP5u4BUcq_U">voice</a> of God. Scripture
is clear that the <b>Holy Spirit</b> will convict us of our sin and lead us into
the truth when we listen, listening is part of praying.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKHRVtqrstnRRyplOmI7HFyTp9miCnjJhCAPINUMpeUdGzZjpzm1QGCpdUVfic8OMr7sDMiqb-z9xpiSBOpVpShD6TjRHC9vsdYmz5NEqJHf8FpXTTJdQB1a-S9IQUJ5Q9geR2BHQ4mjU/s2048/Mens+Group+.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="2048" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKHRVtqrstnRRyplOmI7HFyTp9miCnjJhCAPINUMpeUdGzZjpzm1QGCpdUVfic8OMr7sDMiqb-z9xpiSBOpVpShD6TjRHC9vsdYmz5NEqJHf8FpXTTJdQB1a-S9IQUJ5Q9geR2BHQ4mjU/w357-h274/Mens+Group+.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God will nudge us when we are going the wrong way, He cares
too much to remain <a href="https://youtu.be/gdVjVtpr55M u.be/57YEAEKKcOk">silent</a>. A few days after I spoke on the phone with my
mentor, I received a letter from him in the mail, it was a letter from his men’s
group encouraging me to trust God. The letter came with the picture above I
keep in my bedroom to remind me how God works through our prayerlife!</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-32687560122318733642021-04-01T17:54:00.025-04:002021-04-01T19:31:28.734-04:00The Whole Truth! <p>Growing up with an Army Sergeant as a father was difficult and the best thing, he loved me enough to discipline me and to tell me the truth.</p><p> When I <a href="https://youtu.be/uCGD9dT12C0">lied</a> to him I felt <b>sick and empty</b>, he didn’t just discipline me, he taught me about truth.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4BI7eQYmfqtisbd8dZkHhwsj1A8vrRgbd0aLM0LhersR-rZEF_pgSgs2EQEcYSbcbKbw8n1zErx3bqQu4tCCvxAeJ8Yx3l0LNnysLACP3WdfhgWShJL7wYHb-kfmc9zrakVmxUL9Q-fP/s1088/Dad.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1088" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4BI7eQYmfqtisbd8dZkHhwsj1A8vrRgbd0aLM0LhersR-rZEF_pgSgs2EQEcYSbcbKbw8n1zErx3bqQu4tCCvxAeJ8Yx3l0LNnysLACP3WdfhgWShJL7wYHb-kfmc9zrakVmxUL9Q-fP/w212-h209/Dad.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><p>
He told me how lies made him feel, disrespected and unloved. When I caught the dog house on fire, I told a half truth and he knew it. Before spanking me, he explained to me what could have happened and why I was wrong. </p><p><b>What if</b> I burned the whole house down with a little fire?
He also taught me that half-truths are whole lies, half-truths are no more than deception, Satan used a half truth in the garden (Genesis 3:1-6.) </p><p>Deception is a twisting of the truth, which makes it so appealing; part of it is true, <b>better not fall for that</b>! </p><p>When we were little kids we told little lies, most of us learn as we mature those lies <a href="https://youtu.be/3c2nTiN152I">slowly</a> become big lies. That is why the little kids must be disciplined; it helps them to grow up. Some people never learn and take lying to an extreme because they have <a href="https://youtu.be/fxrkhf17fU0">lost</a> touch with reality and no longer understand truth. There are no <b>layers</b> of truth—only the whole truth!
<b> </b></p><p><b>The Whole Truth?</b> </p><p>The sad reality is most Christians don’t know or want the whole truth, but there’s nothing new about that; God’s people have a history of only wanting to believe what they want to believe about God.</p><p> As I write this, we are celebrating Palm Sunday, the prophesied arrival of the Messiah to the holy city of Jerusalem on an ordinary donkey ( Zachariah 9:9, Matt.21:1-11.) Yet, because He didn’t live up to their expectations of a mighty King, the Jewish people rejected Him as they cried out <a href="https://youtu.be/9e6ZfXU8mFg">Hosanna</a> in the highest. Jesus promised His disciples after He was gone, the <b>Holy Spirit</b> would come and continue to lead them in truth.
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Hosanna literally means “Save us, I pray” in Hebrew; for centuries the Jews had dreamed of a Messiah who would rule the world and establish them as co-rulers—so much for feel-good <a href="https://youtu.be/LoEKB1fqPTQ">dream</a> theology!</p><p> His own people forgot God doesn’t work <a href="https://youtu.be/v0RmisSm7aY">like</a> man; this is why Jesus declared Himself as the truth, the Pharisees and other Jewish rabbis taught lies. They puffed up God’s people and taught them to seek greatness, they were <b>overdosin’</b>. But, we have s<b>omething the world ain’t got</b>.
Jesus Declared Himself as the Truth (John 14:6) and reminded the Pharisees their father Satan was the great liar from the beginning (John 8:44.)</p><p> Every time Satan tells lies he twists truth to satisfy man’s desire (Genesis 3:1-6, Matthew 4:1-11.) </p><p>Truth doesn’t always feel <a href="https://youtu.be/j4wYkS8Z3Io">good</a> and surely doesn’t always make us happy—it makes us holy when the <b>Spirit moves</b>. Jesus confronting the religious leaders of His day is warning to the church today, we must walk in the whole truth, not just the parts we like or want to hear; the <a href="https://youtu.be/t8DmcWJiHDU">bad</a> things of life are part of truth.</p><p> The church often prides itself on being heirs of the kingdom, almost perfect in and of ourselves. We live in a fabricated world of comfort. This is why a lot of Christians flock to feel-good teachings. </p><p>Instead of meaty sermons, they want motivational speakers like Joel Olsteen and Joyce Meyers to tell them what we want to hear, they don’t <b>terrify the dark</b>. </p><p> The truth is we are sinners and rotten to the core, even our acts of righteousness are filthy before a perfect God (Isaiah 64:6.) We can’t even <b>trust</b> our own hearts (Jeremiah 17:9.)Without the <b>hope</b> of God through Jesus’ sacrifice, like the lost we wouldn’t stand a prayer, this world is <a href="https://youtu.be/PVlz91L6J4U">broken</a>.</p><p> <b>Answered Prayers!</b></p><p><b> </b>
The sad truth is most believers want worldly lies to satisfy their selfish and stubborn ways more than the <a href="https://youtu.be/j4wYkS8Z3Io">truth</a>. The 2020 presidential election proved this. Most Christians flocked to the side of a candidate who not only admitted to lying to Americans about the Covid-19, but ran on a platform of greed and greatness, neither of which are Christian values, what a <b>beautiful lie</b>.</p><p> The so-called conservative <a href="https://youtu.be/4pQnuV2MttI">party</a> (GOP) has put their <b>confidence</b> in greed and earthly visions of grandeur. It only serves to make conservatives happy. Personally it makes me sick every time I hear Christians chop up the Word of God like <a href="https://youtu.be/qdJicpjitMM">chainsaws</a> just so they can be <a href="https://youtu.be/5PEX8bquEjI">lucky</a> and justify their stubborn worldly dreams they pray for. <b>Newsflash</b>, their guy wasn’t the <a href="https://youtu.be/CJRtquktDeg">favorite</a> candidate.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cI5-6swwAzSjGyv-5SoMYCaUK1cY1Egj8DVswSCBzjtts96EW_aFyrNeNYxjPZUOop2VVoA74Q1W_PTRV1ohisbCntGCvvGdGA6WooxWLJ6iKYsYlcn42UYZ1NjDnsKw5ucwcg6MFlTF/s880/GOP+logo.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="880" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cI5-6swwAzSjGyv-5SoMYCaUK1cY1Egj8DVswSCBzjtts96EW_aFyrNeNYxjPZUOop2VVoA74Q1W_PTRV1ohisbCntGCvvGdGA6WooxWLJ6iKYsYlcn42UYZ1NjDnsKw5ucwcg6MFlTF/s320/GOP+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
The dissent of conservatives is evidenced in the “conservative” news outlet. It makes me want to <a href="https://youtu.be/txhL7KiqZl0">scream</a> each time I hear a Fox news commentary. Fox News is just as slanted and one-sided as CNN, they both only tell one side of the story; the only difference is Fox News is tilted towards positive feel-good news that conservatives want to hear as if this world is <a href="https://youtu.be/Cgovv8jWETM">Paradise</a>. </p><p> I live in the Bible Belt where there is a saying, “I’ve read the end of the Bible and the good news is we win.” I cringe each time I hear this because, if they really read the end of the Bible, they would know that if anyone adds to God’s Word or takes away from it, they don’t win—they don’t go to Heaven (Revelation 22:18-19,) that is the whole truth!
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-39197549310283757012021-03-01T18:01:00.012-05:002021-03-01T18:31:34.963-05:00Refiner's Fire!<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Last month as I began working on some writing projects,
I had a major appliance tear up on me. The stress from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the virus</b> stunted my creativity and I couldn’t get anything
accomplished.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It wasn’t that I didn’t have the money to replace
the appliance; it was the idea and <a href="https://youtu.be/YtEiXNc3F2A">battles</a> of getting everything finished.
Honestly, there was a bit of sentimental value in the appliance I inherited it
from my parents.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Frustrated I turned to <a href="https://youtu.be/lpksKTKlTD0">God</a>, He is a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God Who listens</b>. Why did I have to
endure this hardship right now? Why does the devil keep attacking me? I sounded
like an ungrateful child. Truth is I didn’t want to make a big boy purchase,
but I knew God has His <a href="https://youtu.be/EvzJsh-SwUo">reasons</a> to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">chisel
me</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I wanted things to go smoothly, but I knew that it
was time to do something and God is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">right
beside me</b>. I reached out to my mentor; like a man, I also checked with my
local appliance repair man for advice. I’m not one who has to have the latest
and greatest.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus taught His disciples to <a href="https://youtu.be/fgmpWkUcpjo">die</a> to themselves
daily, not just for 40 days or a brief period of time as many do in this season
of Lent. This is why I have a big problem with the modern teachings of God’s
“blessings” of grandeur and greatness, they aren’t biblical. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was in college I lived for the moment,
pleasure was my god, it’s no wonder I stopped growing as a Christian, because I
was more focused on comfort than commitment to God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was confident about my salvation while I was
comfortable in my sin, I was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">coming in
hot</b>. This is why God went to extremes to make me into a <a href="https://youtu.be/3QCkBL2DfVg">masterpiece</a>
(Ephesians 2:10.) I wasn’t interested in growing as a believer because I knew
it was difficult.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYracAF5rTrGasPO9ICXMZOMGJhVz3IPhf5dQ7RUmc35rFer7btQfGl3V5cJuaKRBMlnEoaKMgGur7MuElkurorR3JQPgzMKPVgWuDcKlsCMSBTYa8v37hXPqH0x5FV8TCE86_7JEpyeIj/s700/old+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="700" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYracAF5rTrGasPO9ICXMZOMGJhVz3IPhf5dQ7RUmc35rFer7btQfGl3V5cJuaKRBMlnEoaKMgGur7MuElkurorR3JQPgzMKPVgWuDcKlsCMSBTYa8v37hXPqH0x5FV8TCE86_7JEpyeIj/w320-h179/old+life.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winston
Churchill said, “Personally, I am always <a href="https://youtu.be/7R54NOYxPZA">ready</a> to learn although I do not
always like to be taught.” I believe I was in my accident because pain is
the best teacher, that is why parents spank bad children; it’s not <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bad news</b>, save your<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><a href="-https://youtu.be/7kjJeexF-tQ">tears</a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> .</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Refiner’s
fire!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Jewish culture understood the power of pain,
because God allowed them to pass through many <a href="https://youtu.be/XOrSj9w01xw">fires</a>. They understood how the
refiner’s fire works.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Jewish patriarch Job was tested in the fires of
life, yet never cursed God(Job 2:1-10.) Fire is destructive, but its power can
be harnessed to purify and bring <a href="https://youtu.be/7B6gws8Yk34">change</a>. This is what happened when God allowed
fire to rain down on Sodom and Gomorrah, God can bring beauty from <a href="https://youtu.be/CX11yw6YL1w">ashes</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The prophet Malachi described God as a refiner
refining His people (Malachi 2:17-3:9.) And in the final judgment the world
will be destroyed by fire, as a final purification of God’s people—His<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> love never will end</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Jewish rabbis taught of God’s refining process.
On one occasion Jesus even told the rock of the church to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> hold on,</b> Satan would sift him (Luke 22:31-32.) Discipleship
requires purification and that can only come through the fires of life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Perhaps this is why Jesus taught His followers they
would suffer many trials in this world (John 15:18-19.) We can be comforted in
knowing God has a purpose for our pain and that Jesus is with us in the fire.
Much like God was with three Jewish boys in Nebuchadnezzar’s fire (Daniel
3:16-28.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The refiner’s fire is not comfortable, but it’s
conforming us to the likeness of our Rabbi and Lord. The saying is the gold
isn’t refined until the refiner can see his image in the gold. The more we
become like our Heavenly <a href="https://youtu.be/VXY-puPTEVs">Father</a>, the less we will look like and depend on the
things of this world—the fire reveals our <a href="https://youtu.be/adJIBx0O4r0">true colors</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead we will say<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> all to You</b>, God.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMlewfMcqR7dJ9BC8WUxhCyu9m8KqZTMvoWMEXwGtDZDEPqZyg3XBAUlmk3MUkUZAUkNRWX-bKz8dscmZWfW5YCV4fhnvMXDeJAugZNHD2ILnnlU2OrJosspKqN_mdGHJzVZ2dCgbQ1dn/s2000/True+Faith+is+made+in+the+Fires+of+life%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMlewfMcqR7dJ9BC8WUxhCyu9m8KqZTMvoWMEXwGtDZDEPqZyg3XBAUlmk3MUkUZAUkNRWX-bKz8dscmZWfW5YCV4fhnvMXDeJAugZNHD2ILnnlU2OrJosspKqN_mdGHJzVZ2dCgbQ1dn/s320/True+Faith+is+made+in+the+Fires+of+life%2521.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> God will test us in the fire to refine us. True disciples
do what their rabbis does, not what other rabbis do. This is why it is
important for church leaders and teachers to be 100% biblical in <a href="https://youtu.be/I3kfzhh-Sz4">all</a> teachings
(2 Timothy 3:16.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately most churches teach a comfy fluff and
stuff gospel instead of the hard truth of the Bible. Christianity is more about
becoming like God than it is about being comfortable in this world; any teacher
who teaches worldliness isn’t a Christian teacher and that’s the hard truth,
they have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">no idea</b> how God works!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The
hard truth!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s <a href="https://youtu.be/wAPlzt2L7wE">okay</a> to have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">nice things</b>, but it is idolatry when we let things have us, our
worship. The Christian <a href="https://youtu.be/2ZQK5NmVG1g">way</a> isn’t always <a href="https://youtu.be/bGOnI9kWOyk">coffee</a> shops and daydreams. Our Rabbi
didn’t teach earthly prosperity, He taught meekness and simplicity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As we near Easter, we need to remember Jesus in
the fire of the garden of Gethsemane, the first Adam failed the test in the
garden—but the second Adam aced the test when He prayed not that my will but
God’s!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bEaJ4HD1RJBEo07FGZ908gPKxibptRAA_zK003lmHGfhwKk02fHZXCn8wyXkoQEvt1jJ-obk8QMYoQ5c0VDDcLDGw2tgbmjiPi8sAbC9Qcl-sPPxdJVKmhOVh4Ie9lbw-FYULsrZOjpq/s300/Garden.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bEaJ4HD1RJBEo07FGZ908gPKxibptRAA_zK003lmHGfhwKk02fHZXCn8wyXkoQEvt1jJ-obk8QMYoQ5c0VDDcLDGw2tgbmjiPi8sAbC9Qcl-sPPxdJVKmhOVh4Ie9lbw-FYULsrZOjpq/s0/Garden.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /> The hard
truth is most of us don’t really want God’s will, we want our will with His <a href="https://youtu.be/aVgetIvEIAs">help</a>. Believers cannot incorporate worldly living into Christian living, that
is a lie from the deceiver himself, he will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">let you down</b>. Like gold in the furnace, the fires of life refine us of our selfish desires.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twenty-four
years ago this month God used my accident to begin refining me and I am still
being refined in the refiner’s fire!</span></p>
<div class="powr-music-player" id="e650748d_1614436482"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-50342955754528447022021-02-01T17:54:00.012-05:002021-02-01T18:25:41.751-05:00Tough Love<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Twenty-twenty was a
crazy year, if the pandemic wasn’t enough; the election made things worse.
Everyone was crying about losing their freedoms to the pandemic, most people
were <a href="https://youtu.be/T-FdEyUePtk">afraid</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When the results came in, the faith community
started protesting. After seeing the hateful reactions in my local community, I
posted something on Facebook to remind everyone our Heavenly Father is still on
His <a href="https://youtu.be/saVqsKt0ERQ">throne</a>, what an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">awesome God</b>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKhH_RayDq54XHkkHSiOEdMqODYEIAw6t5eHnLX-GU95NimVRZK8-bP_PvMCik5zrBK0R683tw7XpRD8eOLFTxkyZn2M04MOGPLNjAELT7iiYJBKNX3g2qCOjn6tmRN4_Z2RFZdsIG4jC/s2280/Screenshot_20210115-083836_Facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="1080" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKhH_RayDq54XHkkHSiOEdMqODYEIAw6t5eHnLX-GU95NimVRZK8-bP_PvMCik5zrBK0R683tw7XpRD8eOLFTxkyZn2M04MOGPLNjAELT7iiYJBKNX3g2qCOjn6tmRN4_Z2RFZdsIG4jC/w265-h261/Screenshot_20210115-083836_Facebook.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I put a disclaimer on it to assure everyone I said
it in love. I wanted to remind people how leadership failed within the Jewish
community and how our loving <a href="https://youtu.be/4B8Zza_p5A4">God</a> handled the situations by letting them <a href="https://youtu.be/jfV7kaw4n4s">lose</a>
their power (Jeremiah 23:1-4.)</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jews view God as the Father of all creation and the
nation of Israel (Psalms 103:13, Proverbs 3:12, Isaiah 1:2.) In the Jewish
community, the father has specific duties: provider, protector, comforter, and
teacher.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is why God gave specific laws to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a chosen people</b> about honoring their
mothers and fathers (Exodus 20:12.) A father’s love is tender, yet firm and
respectful to his children; because he is the head of the household. Sometimes
that means giving tough love. Godly love doesn’t <a href="https://youtu.be/4auVbztYxJc">look</a> like worldly love, it
helps us grow.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tough
Love!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A father’s love is unconditional, it’s his job to
correct his children, not give them <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">wounds</b>.
Scripture is clear discipline is one of the most loving things a parent can do
for a child (Proverbs 13:24, Hebrews 12:11.) God loves you too much to leave
you where He <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">found you</b>!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We don’t make Christian love clear in the church
with our feel-good only version of Jesus. Most pastors skim over the times when
Jesus rebuked people for not obeying God (Matthew 21:12–13, Luke 10:41–42.) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Correction and rebuking have become lost doctrines in
the church today (Proverbs 15:10, 2 Timothy 3:16.) With this understanding, we
see discipline isn’t punishment, but teaching; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God’s not done with you.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I grew up with an Army Sergeant, a father who didn’t
hesitate to discipline me. I didn’t understand or like it at the time. However,
as a man, I am grateful for all of those times that thick Army belt met my
behind.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dJUtFDtFbbEN_QpW1KwzT1jV2amODgvlC0N4bGOEU5qjcl8WtSEqGIv0_4BqctA5bcLgYS-8pEk7p96ar5PKbSSB4NAAX59-P8FetygXTnSoNjp8dSWhc5sqtP2tOwK9xZ97T-JRYHEL/s1080/facebook_1612014933538_6761280683798736755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1080" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dJUtFDtFbbEN_QpW1KwzT1jV2amODgvlC0N4bGOEU5qjcl8WtSEqGIv0_4BqctA5bcLgYS-8pEk7p96ar5PKbSSB4NAAX59-P8FetygXTnSoNjp8dSWhc5sqtP2tOwK9xZ97T-JRYHEL/w320-h218/facebook_1612014933538_6761280683798736755.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It taught me how to act, respect my parents, and
kept me alive a lot longer. I remember one time when I was five years old and
we lived in Italy when I caught our dog house on fire playing with matches and
lighters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is easy to remember because at that point my
father’s discipline didn’t <a href="https://youtu.be/Gfsk8ASkeEg">hurt</a> and I laughed at him as he tried to spank me
harder. Somehow the pain didn’t hurt as much anymore, I had <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">been up</b> that road before.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pain is one of the best teachers in life, no wonder
our Heavenly Father allows it into the lives of His children. After spending
six years living in sin and out of the church, it took me nearly dying in a car
accident for God to get my attention.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is a time of discipline I will never forget. We
get our word discipline from the same root word disciple comes from, <i>mathētḗs</i>
(μαθητής,) one who engages in learning through instruction from another, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">pupil, apprentice.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After the hard lessons I learned from my accident, I was
able to hear what God was <a href="https://youtu.be/UhTHgaCjTJs">saying</a> like He was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">next to me</b>. It became easier to learn how God works and understand
His ways. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was tired
of <a href="https://youtu.be/8j4pZPQhHBk">drowning</a> in my selfish desires. Jesus called His disciples and disciplined
them in His teaching. His teachings weren’t the same as other rabbis and often
went against the teachings of the Jewish Pharisees.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus used Scripture to correct both the Pharisees
and His disciples. On one occasion He rebuked His cousins about seeking
positions of greatness in God's kingdom (Matthew 20:23.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They asked their Rabbi to do what they wanted (20.)
Discipleship doesn’t work that way, students don’t tell the teacher how things
work, they learn from Him. Jesus quickly told them, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">no, no, no</b>. Only God the Father could do that, <a href="https://youtu.be/uw1eNMuO5Qs">woo</a>—<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">real love</b>!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After years of studying Jewish scriptures and
learning from Jesus, His cousins failed the test. Every good teacher tests his
disciples, like fathers test their children, they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">won’t stop</b>. A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted and
there is no <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">victory</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tested?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good God Almighty</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">,
testing is part of learning, it verifies we have been learning from our
teachers. We cannot learn from others and not use it, which is foolishness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tests don’t always feel good. But, for believers, it
serves a specific purpose. We were never meant to just get saved and live a fairy tale life on earth, and our salvation isn't just so we can go to heaven
and be lazy for eternity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pastor Brady Boyd says it best, “Christians aren’t
sent to Disneyland, they are sent into the world for a purpose.” Comfortable
Christianity doesn’t pass the test of true discipleship. I don’t care how
popular it is.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">True Christianity is dangerous, Jesus told His
disciples He was sending them into a world like sheep to the wolves (Matthew
10:16.) Discipleship prepares us for the hard times ahead.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus promised we would have trials in this <a href="https://youtu.be/Md8kADJwMQ0">world</a>
because our Rabbi had trials in this world (John 16:33.) When I was in high school I was
told that if the devil wasn’t after you, it was because he already has you. If
you aren’t facing <a href="https://youtu.be/eXG-bSuwHwU">trials</a> in this life, then you’re not a child of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is why I and many theologians abhor false
teachers like John Hagee, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyers, and Paula White; they are
teaching another Jesus (Mark 7:3-9, 2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:6.) They
teach worldliness not godliness and have failed the test; God allows false
teachers, to see who loves and follows Him (Deuteronomy 13:1–6.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the Old Testament false teachers and prophets
were to be dragged into the streets and stoned for their <a href="https://youtu.be/YanRT2x4pvA">lies</a> (Deuteronomy 13:5,)
now that’s tough <a href="https://youtu.be/tE3Fp8C_ufg">love</a>!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<div class="powr-music-player" id="e884105d_1612018354"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>
mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-72481302451027615142021-01-01T17:33:00.010-05:002021-01-01T18:12:27.377-05:00G.R.O.W.W. !<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Last <a href="https://youtu.be/NzVev-25Y3c">year</a> I pitched a book on spiritual <a href="https://youtu.be/lxRwEPvL-mQ">growth</a> at a
writer’s conference. When I informed the agent the book was about sacrifice and
humility, she rejected me. She said that Christians just aren’t interested in
sacrifice or humility.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At dinner, a publisher explained that although those
are Christian teachings, Christians don’t want to invest in them, unless they
are serious about growing deeper in their relationship with an <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">everlasting</b> God. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Another writer with us commented “Most Christians
only want fire insurance and put on a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">light
show</b>; they aren’t serious about having a relationship with God”, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a real love</b>. Kyle Idleman wrote a book
about the difference between being a follower of Jesus and being fans.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fanatics</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
want<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>the benefits of a relationship
without the commitment. True followers take a <a href="https://youtu.be/vrWdkziEuyA">stand</a> and make sacrifices for
their faith because they are humbled by the sacrifice made for them (John
3:16.) Most of us have memorized that verse, but a few are willing to apply it
in our relationship with <a href="https://youtu.be/Q5cPQg3oq-o">God</a> and others.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTWkKIefjqmm59tvjHWEe_wUpPf1PF9mh4U8hehvv34h7Z6KLukgpPmgWanqmbjVYqV_zkpZ_Mygbcd4boBgGbkt7P-67P7G6p1bZTF0_vJBVznp-M9fFh0d3rveTp3qB-CIaCAeVmuWf/s600/John+316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTWkKIefjqmm59tvjHWEe_wUpPf1PF9mh4U8hehvv34h7Z6KLukgpPmgWanqmbjVYqV_zkpZ_Mygbcd4boBgGbkt7P-67P7G6p1bZTF0_vJBVznp-M9fFh0d3rveTp3qB-CIaCAeVmuWf/s320/John+316.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Charles Spurgeon noted, “Superficial religion will
always be fashionable because it does not require our self-denial.” <a href="https://youtu.be/r5gfDGNNNZg">Truth</a> is,
most believers have only <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">known </b>the
basics of the faith, they haven’t grown in it; nor understand the importance of
applying it to their lives, they fail to understand the application of
Scripture is important to spiritual growth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I got back into the church after my accident I
would only watch a certain Christian cable channel. I enjoyed the refreshing
messages from a popular<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> television
evangelist</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After nearly a decade of listening to his positive
messages, I began to realize I wasn't growing as a Christian; I was becoming
more focused on worldly success. It wasn't until mature Christian men mentored
me that I realized I needed spiritual meat to grow.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I no longer craved the temporary happy, encouraging
sermons, because I know this world isn’t my <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">home</b>. As a young Christian man I wanted to grow in my faith, I
began to understood what the <a href="https://youtu.be/r1HoJ-eOEaY">Disciple</a> John meant about believers decreasing so
that God could increase (John 3:30,) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">let’s
get to it</b>!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus said to become like a child and being born
again (John 3:1-3.) Children are eager to grow and learn, true growth always
starts from nothing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">G.R.O.W.W.?</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Last year I read a book on spiritual growth by one
of my favorite authors. Andrew Murray shares a story to emphasize the need for
growth in believers, “Suppose some friends have a <a href="https://youtu.be/LvSlp2lcU1s">baby</a> and you move away, then
10 years later when you visit; the baby hasn’t grown at all, it is still a
baby. Your first concern would be something is seriously wrong with the <a href="https://youtu.be/lJ_o85Byb-g">child</a> because
it hasn’t grown.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Growth is a natural part of the Christian life. 2020
was a difficult year for most; hopefully, we all learned a lot about life and
grew up some. As I write this blog, I am celebrating another birthday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We all have friends who have gotten older, but not
matured. Their actions are just as self-centered as when they were kids. The
end result is a selfish lifestyle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This principle is a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">snapshot</b> spiritually, when we don’t mature in our faith, we can’t
fully develop spiritually. The importance of growth is seen throughout
Scripture. When God came to this world, He came as a baby, but He didn’t stay a
baby.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTOiesQrKKhaBpID1w9GhRoMVo6G7QbnWvIOF6Y-cY1T4awl0SlmEO2_rHC7sUVf4UUX1sVv1S0rOwPJSS3hCVPj7PEkljfXi8QpdBoezWjQJuXt0mT1tRtlE8K5Mr94MfZEHATI_HkqF/s600/baby+Jesus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="569" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTOiesQrKKhaBpID1w9GhRoMVo6G7QbnWvIOF6Y-cY1T4awl0SlmEO2_rHC7sUVf4UUX1sVv1S0rOwPJSS3hCVPj7PEkljfXi8QpdBoezWjQJuXt0mT1tRtlE8K5Mr94MfZEHATI_HkqF/s320/baby+Jesus.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The New Testament tells us Jesus grew in wisdom and
knowledge (Luke 2:40–52)—the Creator studying and growing. We learn this for a
reason because that is how nature works, we<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
change</b> as we grow.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus not only followed the national course of
growth, He grew up in a Jewish home where He memorized Scripture. The Word
learned the <a href="https://youtu.be/hiqervKAX9I">wonderful</a> Word. He kept learning it as the Jewish tradition allowed
until He was 30 and became a Rabbi Himself according to the Jewish culture.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Then He was able to call His own Disciples. There
were other rabbis with their disciples. Followers who learned and did what they
were taught. This was the Jewish <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Talmidim</i>.
</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They
weren’t students who excelled at understanding the “law.” They didn’t just <a href="https://youtu.be/ifCWN5pJGIE">know</a>
it, they lived it! Jewish discipleship goes a lot further than our
Judeo-Christian version of discipleship. The purpose was for the disciples to
do what their rabbis did. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One theologian noted, “Disciples were so in line
with their rabbis, they would be covered in the dust the rabbis stirred up
while <a href="https://youtu.be/dCEUYx2u4Zs">walking</a>.” True discipleship is doing what we have learned.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ironically, the Pharisees who were experts in the
law failed to apply it to their own lives and Jesus called them on it! This is
why Jesus told His followers not to do what the Pharisees did <b>(Matthew
23:2-3.)</b><b><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before Jesus went to
the cross, He promised His disciples they would do everything that He did (John
14:12.) Before anyone gets excited, remember what Jesus had been <a href="https://youtu.be/Y0pdQU87dc8">doing</a>—humbling
and sacrificing Himself. And then there is the Great Commission to go make more
disciples (Matthew 28:16-20.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Christianity
101!</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thus, true disciples of
Jesus will do the same things, this is the meat of Christian growth, not
memorizing Scripture, pursuing <a href="https://youtu.be/IiRK_SfjfzA">greatness</a>, or being “blessed and highly favored.”
Jesus was against those false teachings, hence the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">truth wars </b>(Matthew 20:25-26.) As disciples grow, they become more
like their teachers and less like the world around them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While I was driving
home from a mall last month, I noticed the trees along the road still had
pretty leaves. As nice as they were, by December they should’ve been gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When trees don't shed their leaves in season,
it can impede new growth in the spring.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT0Vl-4xycIkz9fvQhhr4Ej4RKyU7VzXNYKThtSyfRFSVFQ_hpSQ993wI1Xscm9RpcvmR07C_IF1xdlyovy1EzgHUOQnaG-X5YWPOZPQhflSgGS3JQbcaQF0PBMQ2JVVg1mIedhBbVQni/s2048/20201210_163635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT0Vl-4xycIkz9fvQhhr4Ej4RKyU7VzXNYKThtSyfRFSVFQ_hpSQ993wI1Xscm9RpcvmR07C_IF1xdlyovy1EzgHUOQnaG-X5YWPOZPQhflSgGS3JQbcaQF0PBMQ2JVVg1mIedhBbVQni/s320/20201210_163635.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus cursed a tree for
not bearing fruit in season because the natural course of life is to bear fruit
(Mark 11:12 – 25.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>King Solomon noted
that there is a time for everything, a time to sew and a time to reap. The
season of reaping only comes after a season of growth<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, this is living</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What if I only relearned
the basics of English when I attended the writer’s conference last year? That
wouldn’t help me grow as a writer. So I learned how to apply <a href="https://youtu.be/meY4CyqVrLc">what</a> I already knew
and learned new things. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As believers, we cannot
keep repeating the basics of the faith or we’ll never grow. The Apostles Paul
and Peter rebuked the early church for their lack of spiritual maturity (1
Corinthians 3:1-2, 1 Peter 2:2.) They noted that they should only <a href="https://youtu.be/I6aYeth2uAA">be</a> leaders if
they have matured (Hebrews 5:12.) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We should only crave
spiritual milk as <a href="https://youtu.be/z-uErQnX3f8">new</a> believers, there comes a time when we must crave
spiritual meat (sorry to my vegetarian friends;) just like adults cannot live
off of baby food because it lacks the nutrients our adult bodies need; mature
believers cannot live off of spiritual milk, even if we like it on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sunday mornings</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was a little
boy, my parents gave me Flintstones vitamins. One day I found the bottle and
ate half of them, not because I wanted to grow; but because I liked the way
they tasted! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course, my parents
took me to the emergency room, they were told not to give me any vitamins for a
week until my body could absorb the vitamins I had childishly eaten.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Often what we crave and
desire isn’t <a href="https://youtu.be/_Ee76C_RBWM">good</a> for us, ask any type II diabetic and they would tell you the
temporary enjoyment isn’t worth the lifetime of health issues. As mature
believers, the Apostle Paul tells us to put away our childish ways (1
Corinthians 13:11.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Apostle Paul was
talking about spiritual gifts, gifts are not evidence of spiritual growth, they
are evidence of the Spirit and come from Him alone. Gifts and fruit of the
Spirit (God) cannot be learned or manipulated by believers. Our growth comes
from becoming like our Rabbi, Jesus Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep in mind there were
other rabbis and disciples, and they taught other teachings. Jesus’ Disciples
teach what He taught, He taught humility and self-denial. This is why Paul
warned against teaching another “Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:6.)”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As predicted 2000 years
ago there are many false teachers and beliefs in the 21<sup>st</sup>-century
church (1 Timothy 4:1–6.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus left many
ways to help believers, not as citizens of this world, He commanded us to Get
Rid of Our Worldly Wants (Matthew 16:24!)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-48607655825373210192020-12-01T18:15:00.007-05:002020-12-02T11:58:13.080-05:00Outlook!<p>It’s been nearly a month since the election and the results are still being debated; regardless of which candidate you listen to, their perspective of the results leans their way, <b>lovely</b>. </p><p>A democracy gives us the freedom to believe and vote for what we believe in and I pray <b>come thru Jesus</b>. </p><p> I understand the frustration, no one likes to lose or admit they’re wrong. The truth is we each have different views on life and different values that shape us.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNrurxBLbwuFj9ZQTXZWQwazgfl4b8ojWBfP_67MVx7VgYY_trLGK4eO9iIqIzVLPFeniQW-h6xU1OcahSGUCHymU2yEz-byp2JuBAu3V70uycyAKtexidZKFk8gSos31VkbcU0yEvuzx/s2048/Election+2020.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNrurxBLbwuFj9ZQTXZWQwazgfl4b8ojWBfP_67MVx7VgYY_trLGK4eO9iIqIzVLPFeniQW-h6xU1OcahSGUCHymU2yEz-byp2JuBAu3V70uycyAKtexidZKFk8gSos31VkbcU0yEvuzx/s320/Election+2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
My best friend and I got in a debate over the election, yet remain, friends, because we listen to one another. Before the election, I had a heart-to-heart with my mentor who didn’t agree with me. </p><p>I explained to him,he looks at politics through a business perspective, but I look at it through a spiritual <a href="https://youtu.be/4SbbHFHHdrk">lens</a>, after he listened, he understood my perspective.
The older we get in life, the more it shapes our worldview and priorities, and it shows what we <a href="https://youtu.be/efCUMvwo6Tk">love</a>. </p><p>What I believed when I was younger isn’t the same as my Outlook on life now, I’ve had to let go of most of <b>my favorite things</b>. </p><p> <b>Outlook!</b> </p><p> An Outlook is a person's point of view or general attitude to life. In college I was a seeker of whatever made me happy; it was a selfish view on life, <b>gimmie gimmie</b> After my accident, my disability gave me another view on faith; I decided Jesus, <b>I will trust</b> You. </p><p>Growing up as an Army brat opened my eyes to other cultures; I enjoyed learning new things and growing; it taught me to listen. </p><p> From a Christian perspective, that was part of God’s plan from the beginning when he made Adam and Eve different and then put them together. </p><p>God’s creativity in making different things isn't just a Christian belief; Genesis is the first book in the Jewish Torah. </p><p>The book is important because it prophesied the coming King who would crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15.) Later the Jewish prophecies about the Messiah formed when Israel’s kings failed to save them. </p><p> There is the problem, the Jewish beliefs about the Messiah didn’t line up with God’s. Their views of power and greatness weren’t the same as God's perspective; even with all of the Jewish writings about how God’s ways aren’t man’s (Isaiah 55:8-9)—they still chased their selfish desires. </p><p> Growing up in church, I didn’t understand the difference between God’s way and man’s until I got involved with Promise Keepers after my accident, Godly men poured into me their wisdom.</p><p> A brother urged me to read a book on Christianity through the Jewish perspective, ever since then my worldview hasn’t been the same.</p><p> There are a lot of Jewish character flaws within the Christian community: pride, self-righteousness, materialism, and pursuit of greatness. Each of which King Solomon warned against (Proverbs 23:4-5.)
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JyisPzh__sVjw02Xru3F_cuT1BwAskQdBkM2wA1uhxk-Qr4UczZYJJEvfu_uvd6togw7CK9iBKFYjKmYHjTvozT-jJAIFJTM60-RspNVsH6B49OPyugkN1f88UiPAln7hAeiiUqT3JAH/s2048/Books+Pic.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JyisPzh__sVjw02Xru3F_cuT1BwAskQdBkM2wA1uhxk-Qr4UczZYJJEvfu_uvd6togw7CK9iBKFYjKmYHjTvozT-jJAIFJTM60-RspNVsH6B49OPyugkN1f88UiPAln7hAeiiUqT3JAH/s320/Books+Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
Don’t go <a href="https://youtu.be/au7of6Bd47Q">berzerk</a> trying to be <a href="https://youtu.be/I6aYeth2uAA">somebody</a> great. When <b>the baby </b>Jesus arrived, some Jews <a href="https://youtu.be/BIP_YvZe6IM">thought</a> their time had come. But, as Jesus grew, His teaching contradicted the religious leaders of His time, He beat a different <a href="https://youtu.be/NzEX3QMuVPM">drum</a>.</p><p> Jesus even confronted them about their teachings, He said their works were of their father and he was a liar from the beginning, thus Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Genesis about striking the snake (John 8:44.)
The Pharisees were popular Jewish teachers and Jesus called them out for their flawed perspective. No wonder they wanted Him gone.</p><p> He threatened their authority. The knowledge they wielded was just to <b>show off</b>, not serve others. Jesus wasn’t the conquering King the Jewish people wanted; He wasn’t interested in earthly prosperity, He stood for Heavenly <a href="https://youtu.be/BwR_YdKcqm0">blessings</a>. </p><p>This is why I could not vote for a leader who put money before lives, who consistently lies to the people to push his agenda, not America's and certainly not God's (Proverbs 6:16-19, James 4:5-6!) Jesus put people before money and taught humility over greatness. </p><p>The truth is most Christians have bought into the lie of the enemy, they fail to realize just because it is POPULAR, doesn’t mean it is Biblical; they follow popular <a href="https://youtu.be/EQapQHldUZU">goats</a> who teach self-gratification instead of Christian foundations of sacrifice, patience, and humility.</p><p> Most popular “teachers” only spew <a href="https://youtu.be/RcbMW2-Goog">poison</a> about how God wants to make believers <b>rich and famous</b>. We can’t <b>change the world </b>if we are living like it, <a href="https://youtu.be/vs1Sq7M7cIU">make war</a> with it. </p><p>The gift of the Messiah is He saves us from ourselves and the trappings of this life by His <a href="https://youtu.be/Obp-9BEZe1c">grace</a>—not that He gives us everything on our Christmas wish lists. </p><p>When my parents were battling cancer, I brought them takeout from one of their favorite restaurants; I enjoyed watching my father enjoy his meal.
When he didn’t eat his favorite dessert, I was puzzled. He shared with me sugar can cause cancer cells to multiply and spread. </p><p> This is relevant because it shows that what we crave and desire isn’t necessarily good for us and our Heavenly Father knows this; His perspective is eternal, not earthly. <b>Do you hear what I hear</b> when Jesus says deny yourself
(Matthew 16:24?)</p><p> <b>I know!</b> </p><p>Last month I attended a Christian writer’s conference. One of my favorite keynotes was given by a former military pilot. He shared that as writers, we are called to handle the truths of God correctly; because as leaders, we will be held to a higher standard than others (James 3:1,) <b>O’ come all ye faithful</b>.
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIjQpT7eGrobO8F2OzK_w-mUoOl_EfQ5bWk_EpIYucQbBYrNzCfqHTyEpwSMe5oy65Wn3fz0h4bGcA2q-HnNxKibca994DhvESlnUEMNikZTw06E3st-j-6PhviBl1PW96UdY8_zAOxxc/s2048/Conference+Blog.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIjQpT7eGrobO8F2OzK_w-mUoOl_EfQ5bWk_EpIYucQbBYrNzCfqHTyEpwSMe5oy65Wn3fz0h4bGcA2q-HnNxKibca994DhvESlnUEMNikZTw06E3st-j-6PhviBl1PW96UdY8_zAOxxc/s320/Conference+Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
When I was young there was a saying, “You need to know that you know you are saved.” Now that I’m older I understand there is more to just knowing, it’s letting what you know shape how you live. If what you know doesn’t change your perspective, then your knowledge is useless; <b>your love</b> for the things of this world should die (1 John 2:15.) </p><p>A New York Times best-selling author also performed a skit to illustrate this truth. A greeter was waiting at a gate for new arrivals. When a woman arrived holding her side as she looked around the beautiful setting.
She asked the greeter why she was in pain because there wasn’t supposed to be any pain in <a href="https://youtu.be/0O3IXAbu1tg">Heaven</a>.</p><p> The greeter changed the subject by pointing out a room containing the treasures she had stored up. She had an unlimited spending account, more than enough to last for eternity.
She was excited. He pointed out a room of harps for her to learn to play and make the big man happy.</p><p> After grabbing her side she expressed her inability to play the harp, so the greeter pointed out the choir room where she can get her rob. </p><p> When the woman asked about her husband, she learned he didn’t make it and she wanted to talk to him, but that wasn’t allowed.</p><p> Finally, the greeter said her husband was with <a href="https://youtu.be/BUst2O8PL5Y">God</a>. The moral of the story is to make sure you have the right perspective on truth. </p><p> I had dinner with an older Christian and had a discussion about the difference between popular Christianity and Biblical Christianity, she was clueless. Wrong teaching leads to wrong beliefs and wrong beliefs lead to wrong living. In the scope of eternity that is not a good Outlook!
</p><div class="powr-music-player" id="19c4818c_1606781688"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>
mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-36495170910471434882020-11-01T18:46:00.025-05:002020-11-03T14:30:43.811-05:00Better Together!<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently I arrived at my church home early and sat
in the foyer talking to an elder member of the church, as we looked at each
other over our facemasks; we shared common concerns about the pandemic and what
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jesus can</b> do.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Although we’re from different generations, we share
the same beliefs. We discussed our thoughts on the state of the church, our
community and our political concerns.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I learned when I was youg to respect and listen to
my elders, I understand their wisdom is invaluable (Leviticus 19:32.) This
teaching started within my own family, but it applies to whatever community I
am a part of.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Especially within the church community, since I have
a deep desire to grow in my faith, I am eager to learn from the senior members
of my church. Even if we don’t always agree on everything, we can still learn
something from each other, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">dare to
believe</b> differently!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Typically, I don’t discuss my political views or
conservative beliefs. But this particular Sunday morning the subject came
rather naturally with the woman. She shared that in her nearly 80 years of life
she had never <a href="https://youtu.be/xZdXIGlsB6s">Witnessed</a> the country, our party or our community so divided.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It broke my heart as I listened to how she felt
forgotten and belittled. Perhaps even betrayed by a party she has supported
over half her life. She remembered a time when the nation and party stood
together in unity. Like me, she never imagined America could be so divided!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaci8PNG525yfh0s9TUD2WCAUwsIQfFz4IuJFmMel2RTrnQZi-uSDgflXeIoQ7Ck5VdydVg2fzM6yDzfXbmdeG_GEnfaJQzfZqHqaPP0fck3LKdc-3bAVmM8MpmImWfT2LaDjaPTlt1pUd/s2048/IMG_20201026_120136_602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaci8PNG525yfh0s9TUD2WCAUwsIQfFz4IuJFmMel2RTrnQZi-uSDgflXeIoQ7Ck5VdydVg2fzM6yDzfXbmdeG_GEnfaJQzfZqHqaPP0fck3LKdc-3bAVmM8MpmImWfT2LaDjaPTlt1pUd/s320/IMG_20201026_120136_602.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While working on this blog, I went on a weekend
getaway to North Georgia for some hiking and biking. While there I crossed the
Eastern Continental Divide, an imaginary line that <span class="acopre">separates
the easterly Atlantic Seaboard watershed from the westerly Gulf of Mexico
watershed. Although the line isn’t visible, the direction of which <a href="https://youtu.be/RLWemiT0Q7s">way</a> the
water flows is obviously divided.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Divided!</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">America has always had its differences, but stood
together as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">one</b> nation. However, the
stress of the pandemic has caused more divisive issues; we are more divided
than ever by a <a href="https://youtu.be/xzNETlEBuaw">Criminal</a>-in-chief. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Decisive issues like abortion and gay rights have
never divided America like it is now. Liberals are divided; conservatives are
divided and even families are <a href="https://youtu.be/cCrvX7qqfQI">divided</a>. Yet, we must all maintain the title of
Americans, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">indivisible</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was that way through the Civil War, Vietnam War;
but now it is a war on America, not just our beliefs. The American Way,
American livelihood has been politicized to the point of choosing between the
economy and lives of the citizens; which is <a href="https://youtu.be/1mjlM_RnsVE">monsterous</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That is why I’m not a big fan of politics, politics
are based on appeasing people; as a conservative I am more focused on pleasing
God, that’s the Christian faith (Proverbs 16:7, Matthew 10:28.) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God only knows</b> what tomorrow holds.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you don’t know me, I have never been a people
pleaser. I stand on my convictions and my faith, yet respect the beliefs and
differences of others at the same time; I pray you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">can give me respect</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/CDrn_k3bty4">too</a>. I have good friends and colleagues whom I
don’t agree with on many things, but I don’t push them away because I look at
differences as an opportunity to learn from each other and strengthen our
bonds.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSABKzYTgGJ2hpRois8dFwUn4PzeIjBmAip7FuBdrwqJqALBpMdnFuTN9vOYgZ6vjc4Sw8qXfC21491ZXLj87SEuQvJRPO5YvbqolzP_vhfeqiP2MQvMXxfOeo5rIqj6oilF7hu2g0vC2z/s2048/20201101_190643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSABKzYTgGJ2hpRois8dFwUn4PzeIjBmAip7FuBdrwqJqALBpMdnFuTN9vOYgZ6vjc4Sw8qXfC21491ZXLj87SEuQvJRPO5YvbqolzP_vhfeqiP2MQvMXxfOeo5rIqj6oilF7hu2g0vC2z/s320/20201101_190643.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unless of course they are headset on their views and
refuse to even hear what others have to say. The church proves it is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">possible</b> for different people with
different abilities to work together for a greater good; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all things beautiful</b> aren’t the same.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, in America today there are many
who only seek their agendas that cause divisions, when personal agendas take
precedence over serving and helping each other; my friends regardless of your
political party, this is not a Christian teaching or a wise way to live, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">it’s your love</b> that allows you to
listen to others and love brings <a href="https://youtu.be/tDiG3Nxm7CU">healing</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the core principles of Christianity is a
community, which is empowered by love and service to others, not self (John
17:21-24.) The Trinity of the Godhead embodies how we should work together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus stated that our ability to work together as
one in the church is evidence of our faith (John 17: 21.) Unity is a very
Jewish teaching most of <a href="https://youtu.be/RLWemiT0Q7s">Jesus'</a>’ followers would relate to (Proverbs 27:17,
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While God uses our differences to strengthen us,
Satan uses them to divide. This is the truth Jesus taught to the Pharisees
about how God’s <a href="https://youtu.be/0J5FnsLrySE">Kingdom</a> works (Matthew 12:22-28.) Satan’s plan has always been
to divide and conquer, he did it in Heaven and he is trying to do it here.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Satan can even divide our attention and hearts. When
I was younger I was constantly <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">chasing</b>
every selfish<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>dream. I was so busy
that it was hard to hear God’s still small voice.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Perspective?</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> That isn’t the Holy Spirit working in our hearts, it’s
Satan dividing hearts from knowing God’s will. When I was in my 20s an elderly
couple I sang with in choir invited me out for lunch. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I declined because I didn’t want to <a href="https://youtu.be/kpvtYFYCGsw">miss</a> out on a
bike ride. I was saddened a few days later when I showed up for choir practice
and learned that the elderly wife had suffered an aneurysm and died. I’ll never
get the chance to sing or sit with her again on this side of <a href="https://youtu.be/NOGEyBeoBGM">Heaven</a>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why wait</b> for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Glory</b> to get along? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That incident changed my perspective on doing what I
wanted like a <a href="https://youtu.be/3sKxIa2fcSs">Puppet</a>. It reminded me to slow down and listen to what God is
saying through others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Since God made all of us different, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I am free</b> to believe what I choose
because we each have a unique perspective. This gives us an opportunity to learn
from each other. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned to hear
God speaking through other Christians I respect, our Jewish forefathers
understood the importance of listening to others —especially older believers
(Proverbs 12:15, Ecclesiastes 3:7.) I am thankful we are <a href="https://youtu.be/zYeuZrqL6kc">better</a> together!</span>
<div class="powr-music-player" id="3a2c08b1_1604181784"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>
mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-38252744847171308972020-10-01T21:06:00.046-04:002020-10-06T09:48:14.986-04:00The Hallowed!<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently my mentor’s 96-year-old mother passed away
from Alzheimer’s disease. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Still</b>, she
courageously fought the devastating disease for four years. She was like a
grandmother to me. I remember going to North Georgia and staying with her for
weekend visits and talking to her about her late husband who served in World
War II.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Listening to <a href="https://youtu.be/dt6-ZtOL_gY\">old</a> stories about how life used to be and
how much things have <a href="https://youtu.be/5Wrwh3wuI48">changed</a>. We would even exchange agricultural goods
sometimes. She would give me fresh blueberries or jam from her garden and I
would take her bags of pecans that I had picked up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We shared excitement for nature. We also shared the
same faith and it was an honor to sit down and interview her for my first book
before the disease entered her mind. It was just the two of us in her home on
the family farm nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtMJ3vM-6tZt0nhXbMKZrLgB_00hcTf5HnprSp6rNyTi1ehR8aWEdNjx5kjFXkgG6QDjS4TfXl2B-oZsojcXYYuVrvoRW7pSdbvd-C8Mv0Y9hnmvcT1ok4v9vZyuOqpV-CFCmQKh-q-ax/s1368/Mountains.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtMJ3vM-6tZt0nhXbMKZrLgB_00hcTf5HnprSp6rNyTi1ehR8aWEdNjx5kjFXkgG6QDjS4TfXl2B-oZsojcXYYuVrvoRW7pSdbvd-C8Mv0Y9hnmvcT1ok4v9vZyuOqpV-CFCmQKh-q-ax/s320/Mountains.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Being a great grandmother who survived the Great
Depression, she understood what it meant to sacrifice, there’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">nothing to lose</b>. I asked her how she
sacrificed for her family. She looked at me in confusion and said, “It’s not a
sacrifice when you do it for the people you love. You do the best you can for
them and hope they turn out right.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She understood the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">joy</b> of sacrifice and its purpose. I witnessed the same sacrifice in
my parents’ marriage. How my <a href="https://youtu.be/-jaK_VdTx-s">father</a> often went without his desires for the sake
of the family and how he was willing to risk his life health to make my mother
happy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Personal agendas cannot exist in a compromise. This
is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">why</b> Jesus taught His followers to
deny themselves and take up their crosses daily, there is no best of both
worlds (Matthew 16:34!) There are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">no
excuses</b> for Christians not to sacrifice in faith—unless of course, they're
not Christians. The Bible is full of stories about the hallowed Saints who gave
everything for their faith.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hallowed?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hallowed is a spiritual term, it simply means to be
made <a href="https://youtu.be/pvPsJFRGleA">holy</a> or sacred, greatly revered. Remember when God spoke to Moses through
the burning bush (</span><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Exod%203.1%E2%80%944.23" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Exodus
3:1-23</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">?)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not only was he <a href="https://youtu.be/gXo5-Q6xOtk">walking</a> on sacred ground, but Moses
also became sacred because God had chosen him and would use him for God’s plan,
not men—not Israel’s. He became great in the faith not because he was pursuing
greatness, but because God chose him, until then he was exiled and hiding in the
desert from Pharaoh. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moses
sacrificed his position in Egypt for the <a href=" https://youtu.be/NkDNp4ATCsos">good</a> of his people and then God chose
this willing servant. God knew Moses understood what it meant to give
everything up for Him. Sacrifice puts self aside to pursue a greater good; I
know it can <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">set me free</b> from my
selfishness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sacrifice is part of living, as I write this our
government is struggling to come up with a bipartisan package to help
struggling Americans, there’s a struggle because some people just don’t know
how to sacrifice or compromise, it’s selflessness to the core and it says <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">take on me</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Selfishness snuffs out servanthood, it’s not the character
of Christians. Throughout the Bible we see stories of believers who suffered for
the faith; the first-century church is the blueprint for the church in the 21<sup>st</sup>
century.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On His way to the
cross, Jesus told His followers that everything He was doing, they would do
also all. <a href="https://youtu.be/I3kfzhh-Sz4">All</a> of those early followers did what Jesus said, they suffered and
sacrificed and even gave their lives for their faith. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sacrifice isn’t a
popular or feel-good teaching, but it is a Biblical <a href="https://youtu.be/vrWdkziEuyA">truth</a>, it’s what believers
do. As Kyle Idleman notes, “There’s a difference between being a fan and a
follower of Jesus." Followers sacrifice, fans just <a href="https://youtu.be/n_lqtqsXzkM">say</a> “Christian” things and
attend church on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sunday morning</b>,
there’s a difference.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Difference?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus Himself knows the
difference, which is why one day He will separate His sheep from the goats
(Matthew 25:31-46.) Sheep follow the shepherd no matter what, goats have a mind
of their own and only seek to satisfy themselves. I have learned that only God
can <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">restore me</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A goat eats whatever it
sees, as long as it thinks it will satisfy the hunger inside, even harmful
things. Goats often lead sheep to their death when left <a href="https://youtu.be/hSnje_061To">together</a>, over a cliff
or into dangerous territory; hence, the need for a shepherd to separate them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Interestingly, this month
many will celebrate Halloween. Traditionally, the holiday started as a
spiritual one to remember the Saints of old, November 1st is All <a href="https://youtu.be/G7uIhJuIJFU">Saints</a> Day and
Halloween is the eve of celebrating the Saints who have <a href=" https://youtu.be/beGjncfEPt8">gone</a> home to our<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Father’s house.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksH0qubazCNwDF_dgyEqiXymOdMCbyN5ohP0jC9W3GncWFI9rxSC2Xmwm62pKC3KCkJ6CSbJiT2ICzM9Cor4Cqcrf3i_JrqVLQLFCgs_k2_fsn1jysqnsD7xy-qsCWd2pTdB2hVMYhrGm/s577/All+Saints+Day.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksH0qubazCNwDF_dgyEqiXymOdMCbyN5ohP0jC9W3GncWFI9rxSC2Xmwm62pKC3KCkJ6CSbJiT2ICzM9Cor4Cqcrf3i_JrqVLQLFCgs_k2_fsn1jysqnsD7xy-qsCWd2pTdB2hVMYhrGm/s320/All+Saints+Day.jpg" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /> </b></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While some refuse to
celebrate the holiday like the <a href="https://youtu.be/Md8kADJwMQ0">world</a>, others tend to miss the beauty in
celebrating the sacrifices of our forefathers, they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">don’t play cheap</b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Followers, true Saints,
will follow Jesus to the cross no matter <a href="https://youtu.be/6nW7lyO6jHA">what</a>; fans and goats pursue their own goals
and dreams. They are unwilling to sacrifice like, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Saints</b>, who are hallowed!
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p>
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<div class="powr-music-player" id="df5274c5_1601504937"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script>mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-3433160818227800992020-09-01T16:42:00.011-04:002020-09-06T14:33:47.719-04:00The Fall!As I began to write this blog, news broke of Jerry Farwell Jr’s resignation from Liberty University. It has become another glaring black eye on the face of Christianity. How much is <a href="https://youtu.be/2TPX-lTH_2Q" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >enough</a>?<br />
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Over the centuries there have been many prominent Christian leaders who have compromised the faith. I am not surprised, because the saints are <b>only human</b>. <br />
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We will sin and make mistakes; the Bible is clear anyone who says otherwise is lying (yet another sin!) One of the clearest messages of Scripture is we are sinful by <a href="https://youtu.be/7cAbmaBHIFU" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >nature</a> (Job 15:14, Proverbs 20:9.) I am painfully reminded by my past, how easy it is to turn from God to our <a href="https://youtu.be/978iHuFKfS4" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >selfish</a> desires.<br />
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Our <b>fallen</b> nature naturally seeks self-gratification as a default, you <b>can’t</b> <b>tell me nuthin’</b>. As long as we live in this world, we will have the capacity to sin, especially while <a href="https://youtu.be/wgkm_kN5F54" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >trying</a> to be great; it has been that way since the <a href="https://youtu.be/Nw5TQ9R6hqA" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >dawn</a> of creation and the fall of man (Genesis 3:1 – 24.) <br />
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<b>The Fall?</b><br />
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After God’s prized Angel, the bright and morning Star became proud and strived to be <b>higher</b> than God, he was cast out of heaven; that was the first fall (Isaiah 14:12–15.) <br />
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Perhaps as an act of rebellion, this fallen <a href="https://youtu.be/TDbzMnAvEF8" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >Angel</a> deceived the first Adam in the garden by promising him (Genesis 3:1–7.) All in the pursuit of being great, this was more than just a result of the fall, it originated as self-gratification and glorifying self in Heaven. I don't believe a man can <a href="https://youtu.be/SgM3r8xKfGE" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >handle</a> greatness wisely without God.<br />
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The first Adam sought self-gratification, the second Adam, Jesus, sought and taught self-denial (Matthew 16:24, Luke 14:33.) Jesus came to restore the damage done to God’s creation by the first Adam.<br />
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It’s interesting to note that everything was fine while Satan was content with being God’s creation in heaven, but when he sought greatness, everything went amok. This is because only God can have the glory. And I don’t mean that in a contrite false humility Christian way, “To God <a href="https://youtu.be/3L3R0o3PEyQ" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >Be</a> the glory.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTc5nDCNAf3pBrNG0ldyEeYMezWvbXHFTw2iQ9mXjtsSdJ0j4qp9PvQa9zDY799pr1lJOKONH98cZwHaGLA5BMKM-lcIVHCWHgkpnGHfFC7eWK4-kOe_TwOTdmieD5BhZVqZAbNYI35Ve/s1500/Blog+pic+2.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1061" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTc5nDCNAf3pBrNG0ldyEeYMezWvbXHFTw2iQ9mXjtsSdJ0j4qp9PvQa9zDY799pr1lJOKONH98cZwHaGLA5BMKM-lcIVHCWHgkpnGHfFC7eWK4-kOe_TwOTdmieD5BhZVqZAbNYI35Ve/s320/Blog+pic+2.jpeg"/></a></div><br />
God’s glory is His regardless or else He isn’t God. <b>Over and Over</b> Biblical <a href="https://youtu.be/DApP8dCZOdU" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >legends</a> have fallen from power after they sought greatness or when God made them great. There is only one way to go from the <a href="https://youtu.be/xPKxSjiyNJI" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >top</a> and that is to <b>fall back</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/_c5ln9wP0TA" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >down</a>. <br />
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God even allowed His anointed kings Saul and David to fall from power once they became proud and sinned against Him; don’t think God won’t <b>drive you out</b> of where He has you.<br />
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Even the Apostle Paul was humbled by God once he became proud and persecuted God’s people. The fall is humbling and helps put our role and place into right perspective. Only from there can we see what matters. <br />
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<b>What Matters Most</b><br />
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Henry Lord Beecher said, “It’s not what we take up, it’s what we give up that makes us rich.” I want to be clear, it's not just the proud and arrogant who are called to deny self. Self-denial is expected of all believers, this is what it means to be faithful. <br />
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The author of Hebrews gives testament to this by listing a who’s who of fallen Saints of the faith who never received fame or fortune and sometimes daily needs. The author notes that these patrons of the faith would receive much better things in the <b>new Heaven</b> (Hebrews 11:36–40.) <br />
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These Saints may have been the least of this world, but they fixed their eyes on what matters most, not life here where everything is fading away right before our eyes (1 John 2:17.) Learn to see the beauty in dying to self—in becoming <a href="https://youtu.be/VG8yP3SIYdA" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >nothing</a> just our Lord did (Philippians 2:6-8.) <br />
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Theologian and author Andrew Murray notes, “Christ Jesus came to breathe his spirit into us, to make us find our highest happiness in living entirely for God, just as He did.” <br />
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Ideally, we already do it every day in our relationships with others. Successful relationships require sacrifice by both parties, meaning there are times we don't get exactly what we want, and yet we can still be <a href="https://youtu.be/446fgjNuhTQ" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >happy</a> and <b>celebrate more</b>. <br />
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Because of self-denial, we can maintain and coexist; it’s a beautiful analogy of taking up our cross daily to follow Christ—to live for Him. The older I get the easier it is to see the beauty in self-denial.<br />
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This month we will see it in nature as the leaves begin to <b>change</b> and die, as the leaves die, they become more beautiful than when first growing. Perhaps it’s God’s way of showing <b>us</b> the beauty of self-denial, the beauty of humility. Strangely, we may have never known it, if it weren’t for the <a href="https://youtu.be/H8uvhnese_Q" title="" style="color:#1a0dab;font-size:14px;" >Fall</a>. <br />
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<div class="powr-music-player" id="14f5b7f1_1598874030"></div><script src="https://www.powr.io/powr.js?platform=blogger"></script> mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-52504398720919729882020-08-01T06:45:00.003-04:002020-08-01T13:36:14.400-04:00No Vacay!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For the <a href="https://youtu.be/E3h4XeqYFyo">4th of july</a> weekend I wanted to take a daytrip to Athens, Georgia to grab lunch at one of my favorite eateries and to go sightseeing. It seemed like a simple way to celebrate the <a href="https://youtu.be/5Rswx2Z7SDw">holiday</a> weekend, <b>I’m with you</b>.<br />
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Normally, by this time of year I’ve taken numerous road trips North Georgia to get <b>together</b> with <a href="https://youtu.be/-gS9HbgHQJc">friends</a> and explore the North Georgia, I’d be <b>going to the top now</b>—the pandemic has changed things.<br />
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After speaking with my mentor, I was convinced the best thing to do was to stay and enjoy the celebrations at <a href="https://youtu.be/9xE9q7iW7Q0">home</a>.<br />
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By no means was taking a trip a sin. But, the Christian life requires sacrifices at times; these sacrifices reveal what matters most to us. Despite what popular Christianity teaches, Christians aren’t promised to be <a href="https://youtu.be/8j4pZPQhHBk">drowning</a> in everything they want in life.<br />
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Jesus made it clear His followers must be willing to deny themselves daily, that is how we take up our cross. Not by saying the right things—<b>Christian love </b>is doing the right thing, even when it doesn’t make sense.<br />
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A decade ago I began taking actions to move back to Colorado where I grew up and feel at home. It didn’t take long for God to close the door. Sure, I could’ve gone anyway, but that would’ve been disobedience. I believe God has kept me in the south for a reason.<br />
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I am reminded of what Georgia pastor Bill Purvis once said, “I’d rather be in hell and <a href="https://youtu.be/OmUy1GLtVo8">be</a> in God’s will than be in Heaven out of God’s will—because being out of God’s will, would be hell to me.”<br />
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No matter how undesirable the situation, if it is God’s will then it is good for us, and no matter how desirable a situation is, if it isn’t of God, then it is bad for us. That is how God<b> changed me</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/QhFaWcAFIzw">through</a> my accident (Romans 8:28.)<br />
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As I post this blog, I was supposed to be on my way to Colorado to visit some friends. Obviously, due to the pandemic that would be foolish and probably do more harm than good. There are times in life when it’s not wise to take a vacation, we just <b>gotta live</b> one day at a time, not <a href="https://youtu.be/5f6Q29S_Azk">10K</a> days.<br />
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<b>Vacation?</b><br />
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Vacationing is a curious thing, according to the dictionary it’s, “An extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in traveling.” The implication here is that there is no work to be done. Hence, breaks from a vocation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKMnZ-_LKTLwX6lrb3L8srHQPvY5fgmJzK-i4BR2IZpu1NjdzBkhPJRLRtkGSN0SYk99Ecr8OwjwuZhenhDXu6ixZeqZ_zJzo326m6GAI757jR7bPj6NsmO0Ysx-WM9urbuWol4Wg7sIz/s1600/1918047_1305207593051_1279356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKMnZ-_LKTLwX6lrb3L8srHQPvY5fgmJzK-i4BR2IZpu1NjdzBkhPJRLRtkGSN0SYk99Ecr8OwjwuZhenhDXu6ixZeqZ_zJzo326m6GAI757jR7bPj6NsmO0Ysx-WM9urbuWol4Wg7sIz/s320/1918047_1305207593051_1279356_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="604" data-original-height="453" /></a></div><br />
However, through a spiritual lens, things look different; this world isn’t our home and God has made it clear that the church has work to do in this <a href="https://youtu.be/lWsSkL8SMjo">dark</a> world.<br />
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Jesus taught the <a href="https://youtu.be/4GUPQClaapM">heart</a> of Christianity is humility and service to others. If we’re alive, God has work for us to do in this <a href="https://youtu.be/dLu25Wqt3dE">wicked</a> world. We are the salt and light of humanity which is more than just being positive—it means penetrating the farthest reaches of a fallen world, <b>count me in</b>.<br />
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He told His disciples to go out into the world and be the change; we can’t stay in our comfy little bubbles and <a href="https://youtu.be/9xE9q7iW7Q0">let</a> the world go to hell (Matthew 28:16-20.) Our job is to make sure God’s kingdom increases, not our bank accounts, which is <a href="https://youtu.be/dPhwbZBvW2o">crazy</a> if you actually study the Bible.<br />
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When the church focuses more on believers than God, it’s no longer Christianity—it is paganism. The world seeks to satisfy itself and never has <a href="https://youtu.be/2TPX-lTH_2Q">enough</a>, so when the church seeks its own securities; it is mimicking the world, not Jesus. Our <a href="https://youtu.be/RBDY4Kt7GNI">blessings</a> aren’t Earthly, but Heavenly, we <b>live forever</b>. <br />
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Jesus taught His disciples to seek treasures in Heaven, not on earth. It breaks my heart that the 21st-century church has gotten our Lord’s teaching backwards.<br />
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<b>Backwards?</b><br />
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Years ago John Piper declared, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” When the church focuses more on things of this world and being great here, we take our eyes off of heaven and Jesus. Our Lord taught the kingdom of heaven works opposite of this world (Matthew 9:30.)<br />
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• The least is the greatest.<br />
• Humility is power.<br />
• Less is more.<br />
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The church should not compare itself to a world that is quickly fading, Heaven is <b>infinity</b>. After Pentecost the church grew as individuals sacrificed for each other, which would <b>heal my heart</b> too.<br />
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They were persecuted for being different and <b>washed in the Blood</b>. They never tried to fit in with the Roman society because they were <a href="https://youtu.be/Qa2QKIDr7q8">brave</a> and knew they were different. As I look at the state of this world, the church needs to <b>go </b>and <b>get busy</b>, now is not a time for no vacay!<br />
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</div>mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-29834167418786437762020-07-01T12:10:00.000-04:002020-07-01T17:41:13.783-04:00Liberty? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>While working on this blog, a riot broke out in Atlanta over an act of a hatred that is out of <a href="https://youtu.be/LjVUqU1Uz6U">control</a>. I do not condone racism, which is a door that swings both ways; it doesn’t justify rioting, which isn’t <b>freedom</b> of speech—but further violence, that’s <b>about it</b>. <br />
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Growing up as an Army brat I experienced different cultures, those <a href="https://youtu.be/XB6yjGVuzVo">experiences</a> that taught me how to treasure our differences, to understand they are opportunities to learn from each other.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHiBKsRz9hEBxx9WbC-zlERG_o01WkLZkodF1d78IoBiAW64Cz0fVnA_wzDlw462zPO8p4D2GYRc2KjYJ_84c2ufdAor9cjJ-T8dVcge92VhFNHgclo6FDVrvXKRaV06mneuLA6GWaxDq/s1600/Blog+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHiBKsRz9hEBxx9WbC-zlERG_o01WkLZkodF1d78IoBiAW64Cz0fVnA_wzDlw462zPO8p4D2GYRc2KjYJ_84c2ufdAor9cjJ-T8dVcge92VhFNHgclo6FDVrvXKRaV06mneuLA6GWaxDq/s320/Blog+Pic.jpg" width="310" height="320" data-original-width="681" data-original-height="704" /></a></div>When my family settled in the South, I didn’t fit in because my experiences were different. In college I was again treated to <a href="https://youtu.be/RLTXpftSHfU">snapshots</a> of different cultures: East Indian, Jamaican, Caribbean and European.<br />
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On one occasion I witnessed the hatred between a group of Muslims towards my Hindu <b>best friend</b>, all because he danced with a Muslim girl at a party in Atlanta. America has always been a melting pot of culture, things only melt when things get hot and as racial tensions increase around the world, we will see more conflict. In a way these growing pains are <a href="https://youtu.be/x7-N_Wua9XE">good</a>; although many tend to abuse their liberties.<br />
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<b>Liberty?</b><br />
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When I was a kid my father used to say, “Give people an inch and they take a mile.” I guess I was <a href="https://youtu.be/flEc35foIg0">kind</a> of a bad little boy; it is human nature (sin) to take advantage of our liberties. <br />
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The dictionary defines liberty as, “The state of being <a href="shttps://youtu.be/jFhhrF-oyEQ">free</a> within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.” Herein lies the problem of liberty, it is both good and bad—you can <b>feel it in your heart</b>.<br />
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When we abuse our freedoms, we infringe on the freedoms of others. This is why we must learn to respect and understand our differences. But, the real problem is much deeper than social, political or economic statuses.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyyGZE22BWHr1c1WDOC1-DGoGacaowtCSqpoJ_fC45IzJICBxeSiJ7yy1p-whG9Ai4KbbcCHpA6EoyEoondGwfXrP8h_T3AiO3sZuYDGkYToroOKIO64l29w4Y7Eld7RMxFomCJnPoCoK/s1600/Freedon+Ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyyGZE22BWHr1c1WDOC1-DGoGacaowtCSqpoJ_fC45IzJICBxeSiJ7yy1p-whG9Ai4KbbcCHpA6EoyEoondGwfXrP8h_T3AiO3sZuYDGkYToroOKIO64l29w4Y7Eld7RMxFomCJnPoCoK/s320/Freedon+Ring.jpg" width="320" height="199" data-original-width="1239" data-original-height="771" /></a></div>The real problem is we are sinful; it’s that sinfulness that leads to selfishness. And when we’re selfish, we become slaves to ourselves—no longer free (Isaiah 58:6, Romans 7:15.)<br />
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In Christ, we’ve been set free (Galatians 5:1.) I know <b>I am free</b> (John 8:36.) But not to use my freedom for however I choose. We are free from our <a href="https://youtu.be/HyUm68XMQLE">wild</a> sinful nature, but not from God.<br />
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We are free to express our opinions, but we don’t define what is right or wrong—only God does that. To know what is right or wrong, study God’s Word, but not for the sake of being right, but <a href="-https://youtu.be/CGYa8KuoTqA">saved</a> for the sake of knowing God.<br />
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The purpose of knowing is <a href="https://youtu.be/aPgeaiaKHkg">doing</a>, I’ve learned that just because a person <a href="https://youtu.be/e6TRddSXkas">says</a> all the right things doesn’t mean they are a Christian. The simple truth is a lot of professing Christians simply do not understand what it means to surrender to God.<br />
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They just don’t want to give up their desires, yet forfeit their rights to the kingdom of God. We don’t have the freedom to do as we please like the <b>wild things</b> we are.<br />
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<b>Freedom?</b><br />
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Jesus set us free from this world’s cares. Andrew Murray cautions, “Then there is the tongue! Just think what liberty many Christians give to their tongues. They say that they have a right to think and say what they like: and when they speak about each other, when they speak about their neighbors, when they speak about other Christians, how often there are sharp and <a href="https://youtu.be/l9ml3nyww80">cruel</a> remarks!” <br />
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Americans we pride themselves in their freedom of speech, but there is a catch 22. Freedom is an entitlement to everyone based on the 1st amendment; unless of course we don’t like it or agree with it, then it’s an infringement on others’ rights.<br />
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I think that last part is in the Constitution, it seems most Americans believe that and it is <b>beyond me</b>. When freedom works against us or isn’t ideal for our lives, that is considered hatred, someone hit the <b>cray button</b>. <br />
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Take for example wearing facemasks during this critical time in history, nobody likes wearing them; but we are all called to do our part to help end the spread of this virus. Sure you have a right not to wear one, but nobody has a right to risk the health of others, that is selfishness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3G5e7GeuqSnuNrJTqbycL3VuGsTL2wSjKI_ji-FqRpo9xFkvY9VfWhi4aerFUVgxZIoO7LBkXrt60aB9uBfTND99Iy__FFE9NmnZg5sBzheT1ohj9ksVQmpwz2MAr22Nk6vwQW1SoEJA2/s1600/free+blog+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3G5e7GeuqSnuNrJTqbycL3VuGsTL2wSjKI_ji-FqRpo9xFkvY9VfWhi4aerFUVgxZIoO7LBkXrt60aB9uBfTND99Iy__FFE9NmnZg5sBzheT1ohj9ksVQmpwz2MAr22Nk6vwQW1SoEJA2/s320/free+blog+pic.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
America was built on the sacrifices of our forefathers: white, black, brown and tan. To think we no longer need to make sacrifices because we’re free is unAmerican.<br />
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The beauty of America is we are all different, we haven’t always agreed, yet there has never been division like there is today.<br />
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The problem is we’ve been fed the lie of only “feel good” and “positive” garbage and if what we hear goes against that, we feel our freedoms are at risk. I know this is going to make me sound like a <a href="https://youtu.be/eoiWhRo3A7w">bad guy</a>, but this no negativity only positive garbage makes me sick to my stomach, it is just<b> Dum Dum</b>. The psalmist declared we can <b>trust</b> wounds from a friend (Psalm 27:6,) that is how we <b>let love lead</b>.<br />
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If a person only wants to hear what they <a href="thttps://youtu.be/NOoXfGNaHgI">want</a>, then they are self-centered and immature, God made all of us different for a reason. The analogy of the church the Apostle Paul gives is a great picture of how we use our differences together for good (1 Corinthians 12:4-12,) even the <b>tongues of Angels</b> which is for the lost, not the church.<br />
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Recently I had a discussion with a fellow Christian writer who was bothered by our differences. They even went as far to ask me not to comment on social media, unless of course it was “positive.” This is why American Christianity isn’t biblical; it has become consumer Christianity at best. <br />
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The Christian <a href="https://youtu.be/pyuaDo1eLEI">life</a> isn’t a permanent vacation, no, Jesus promised we would face <b>troubles</b> in this world (John 16:13.) As Christians, we don’t <a href="https://youtu.be/UH5hUULu4Nk">wobble</a>—we can’t pick and choose the parts of the Bible we want to believe, we don’t have that liberty.<br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-462745855035755362020-06-01T14:56:00.000-04:002020-06-01T15:55:37.506-04:00Not of This World!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>One of my favorite parts about being an Army brat was traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. My family lived in four different states and three different countries; each place contributed to who I am. <br />
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Our surroundings influence our character—this can be a good or bad thing. The Bible warns us to be careful about who and what we let into our <a href="https://youtu.be/La9Zy917JcQ">lives</a>, <b>God is enough</b> (Psalm 1:1-4.) While the travel was fun, it did have drawbacks.<br />
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I never made any good friends until after my family settled down in the south, second, I was an outsider and never fit in anywhere which didn't <b>feel good</b>. This contributed to me being more of a loner. Its part of the reason I’ve never felt led to settle down in the South, I know this isn’t my <a href="https://youtu.be/IumYMCllMsM">home</a>.<br />
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When I started college, I began the process of fitting in with the southern culture and worldly living became my focus, it was <b>pretty sad</b>. Deep in my gut, I knew I was <a href="https://youtu.be/wIuy0zQbMiU">broken</a>, but I didn’t have the courage to walk away from the world. I was a <b>wanderer</b>.<br />
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If left to my own devices, I would have <a href="https://youtu.be/gx_QEwrgIRo">gone</a> too far. But, true to His word God called me back to Himself after my accident. The changes in my life since have been undeniable and miraculous. <br />
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I’ve left the partying lifestyle for over 20 years and I’ve stayed committed to God’s plan. Ironically, after spending most of my life in the South, I still don’t fit in and don’t know want to, since we are not of this world that faces <a href="https://youtu.be/-A9ngIG4fro">extinction</a>.<br />
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<b>Not of This World?</b><br />
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After my accident I saw the <a href="https://youtu.be/Lu-Wgp2GzLQ">light</a> and made a covenant with God that if He healed me and allowed me to walk again, I would be committed to Him and His plans for the rest of my life; I wanted to be the man He wanted whatever it <a href="https://youtu.be/djV11Xbc914">took</a>.<br />
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I don’t have enough time to explain all of the things God has taught me since that humbling <a href="https://youtu.be/KaAfphvxOTo">time</a> in my life. But, you can see how God has blessed me physically and other <b>miracles</b> by keeping up with my Instagram page.<br />
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As I look back over the last two decades I can see how God has shaped me into the servant He wants me to be. This isn’t just for me, the church is called to be set apart for God—we live on earth, but we are not like it.<br />
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We are called to be set apart from the world to serve God, Scripture calls us royal priests (1 Peter 2:9.) Andrew Murray explains it this way, “we are members of that sickly body, and the sickness of the body will hinder us and break us down unless we <a href="https://youtu.be/8sbuR-fLTgg">come</a> to God, and in confession, separate ourselves from partnership with worldliness, confess our coldness toward each other and give ourselves up to be entirely and wholly His. “<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeBI6otr3i1vFnxVczY1209L5Ip6WJbFGtcTg2JtSMspiYbLLytcuLRQsfzHoM5rHcqhBtPekC01NzFReBjHzqaV7mG-BgZxZnPlLW-zdaRQO73i974lvGxQUmMBeWSHZxw3-nYePE-im/s1600/image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeBI6otr3i1vFnxVczY1209L5Ip6WJbFGtcTg2JtSMspiYbLLytcuLRQsfzHoM5rHcqhBtPekC01NzFReBjHzqaV7mG-BgZxZnPlLW-zdaRQO73i974lvGxQUmMBeWSHZxw3-nYePE-im/s320/image+2.jpg" width="300" height="320" data-original-width="236" data-original-height="252" /></a></div><br />
While we are on this earth, our flesh <a href="https://youtu.be/0y1Wc9nGS98">will</a> crave what this world has to offer. But, the spiritual-minded person focuses on God, not this world. The early church and even the Apostle Paul struggled with this (Rom. 7:15-20,) <b>we goin’ be alright</b> in these <a href="https://youtu.be/1mpPjfiNz3g">hard times</a>.<br />
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Jesus paid too high a price for us to remain slaves to this world—a price to set us free from it, not indulge in it; because we are no longer of this world, there is no need to <b>chase that</b> to be <a href="https://youtu.be/ZgsiDZrn2CE">happy</a>.<br />
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Before Jesus bore the <a href="https://youtu.be/x9hZFyoqp7Q">agony</a> of the cross, He told us He would prepare a place for us in His Father's house (John 14:1-4.) We don't have to fear the pandemic, economic crisis, or the senseless violence of this world, because this is not our home and one day we will leave it.<br />
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Jesus gave <b>the decree</b>; we will face many trials here, particularly in the last days. This is why we shouldn’t be surprised by the adversities we face now. We won’t be fully freed until we are home with Jesus.<br />
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The apostle Paul described his longing to be freed from the cares of this world, he knew to be absent from this <a href="https://youtu.be/YVddwjEJ3Qk">rotting</a> world is to be present with our Lord, it’s <b>not goodbye</b>.<br />
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<b>Freed?</b><br />
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For the lost, death is a scary thought, for believers, it is a joyous thought, cancel the <b>APB</b>. The apostle Paul explained to be absent from this world is to be present with Jesus in our Heavenly Father’s house (2 Corinthians 5:1-3.)<br />
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A couple of years ago I attended the funeral of my high school sweetheart and the pastor’s message resonated with me. “While we grieve, she is rejoicing in the presence of Jesus. <br />
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Indeed she has been freed from her cancer-ridden body. As long as we wear our fleshly bodies, we are <a href="https://youtu.be/pE49WK-oNjU">stuck</a> in a <b>strung out</b> world. The apostle Paul tells us even creation groans for our eternal home (Romans 8:22-23.)<br />
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I was the primary caregiver for my parents as they battled lung cancer; I watched their earthly bodies waste <a href="https://youtu.be/v2T40qPAO-0">away</a> to<b> nuthin</b>’. My father was so ready to die he refused any treatment for his cancer.<br />
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I had a tough conversation with him before he died about whether not he knew for sure he was right with Jesus. He couldn’t talk well, but smiled and nodded his head. My last memory of him is knowing he was not of this world.<br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-51511824212254761152020-05-01T12:55:00.000-04:002020-05-01T18:30:10.577-04:00Milk And Honey? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>Over Easter weekend, I excitedly sat in my living room and watched the classic movie The 10 Commandments, it’s the first time I had watched it since I was in middle school. But, given this season of testing and social distancing it seemed appropriate.<br />
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There are many similarities between Israel’s captivity in Egypt in the church’s placement in the world today. Plagues and famine have invaded the world once <a href="https://youtu.be/zXdWWHjjx4c">again</a>. God’s people must again choose between obeying His law or the ways of the world (Joshua 24:15.) <b>Who you Goin’ be</b>?<br />
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Many who walked away from the faith have returned to <a href="https://youtu.be/8X6NnevtPOU">God</a>. Time will tell if we truly trust in God or man. As I watched the classic call to our faith, I noticed the use of the phrase, “Milk and honey.” Yes, it was one of the ancient <b>promises</b> of God to His people. <br />
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But, throughout the millennium, God’s promises have been twisted and perverted by our sinful nature, our expectations and what we <b>desire</b> from God. God’s favor does not guarantee, fame or finances, health or greatness; they aren’t<b> coming in hot</b>! The Promise land was a <a href="https://youtu.be/mlz0nj1qPkk">miracle</a> of God in many ways.<br />
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The term milk and honey is more of an agricultural term than a declaration of prominence. Remember, Israel was a nation of shepherds and farmers. A land flowing with milk meant the land would support their livestock. Honey meant there would be flowers and vegetation to support bees.<br />
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Milk and honey were basic commodities in the ancient world; they were needs. I hope with this recent pandemic we understand more what it means to have our needs met. Time and testing will strip our carnal desire for over-the-top, abundant lifestyles. Does God really promise us an abundant life <a href="https://youtu.be/3nE7a7awOlU">here</a>, <b>yes and no</b>!<br />
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ABUNDANCE?<br />
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Abundant means, “Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful;” The Hebrew equivalent, śābēaʿ also means to be satisfied; God promised Israel’s needs would be met and they’d be satisfied (Psalm 34:10)—<b>Paradise</b> restored.<br />
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We <a href="https://youtu.be/hFDcoX7s6rE">all</a> understand that when we are full after a good meal, we are satisfied. But, if we gorge ourselves and consume more than we need; satisfaction turns to shame and laziness. In our Heavenly <a href="https://youtu.be/-jaK_VdTx-s">Father</a>’s wisdom, we see that greed and gluttony aren’t good—nor is getting <a href="https://youtu.be/EPo5wWmKEaI">everything</a> we crave.<br />
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The first Adam wanted more than God had given and his seed is sin; the second Adam, Jesus, came to give and love to give us an abundant life in Heaven and draw us <a href="https://youtu.be/A-lebYNcgBk">closer</a> to God as well as meeting our needs on earth (1 Corinthians 15:47.)<br />
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As the nation is shutdown to cope with the pandemic, everyone is searching for ways to have their basic needs met. <b> Why wait</b>? If we, the church, are to lead by example and let our light shine, now is the time for us to lean into an <b>awesome God</b>.<br />
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I know many states are in a rush to reopen, but we must learn to wait on God’s timing and trust His provision during this season. As I write this, the state where I live (Georgia) has already opened most of its businesses despite Covid-19 cases being on the rise, many people believe “<b>you can’t stop me</b>.”<br />
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“We can’t let our desires for pleasure and comforts supersede our safety, this world’s constant lust for pleasure will be its ultimate end. This is why I thank God this world isn’t our home, like the early church and the nation of Israel we are just foreigners passing through a decaying planet, that is real the reason for <b>climate change</b>.<br />
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<b>Strangers?</b><br />
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While Israel was enslaved to Egypt, they were well aware that they weren’t <a href="https://youtu.be/mo1KRuHCkTg">home</a> and yet they desired comfort, greatness and more. The <b>Perfect One</b> had to free them from bondage and <a href="https://youtu.be/n2N5KkqJv58">armies</a> to give them what He had promised.<br />
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These foreigners were led through the wilderness and tested before receiving God’s best, during those 40 years a whole generation and even the <a href="https://youtu.be/DApP8dCZOdU">legend</a> Moses, died without ever receiving what God had for His people.<br />
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There is a lesson here for the church today, stop doing what the <a href="https://youtu.be/9AjkUyX0rVw">world</a> does and turn from your selfish desires. We are called to be different, the early Apostles described us as foreigners and <a href="https://youtu.be/2ZQK5NmVG1g">aliens</a> (Hebrews 11:13, 1 Peter 2:11.)<br />
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The more we conform to the image of <a href="https://youtu.be/37wV6D49iEY">Jesus</a> the less we will fit in and look like the rest of this world. Instead of trying to be great in this <a href="https://youtu.be/2ZQK5NmVG1g">broken</a> world, we should be humbling ourselves and sharing God’s truth with <a href="https://youtu.be/lNzrWNjEQjk">it</a>.<br />
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But then again, the apostles warned us that in the last days the church would turn away from sound teaching and only listen to the things they want to hear; false promises of earthly greatness(2 Timothy 4:3.)<br />
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When Jesus promised us an <a href="https://youtu.be/rl1GqFiXH1s">abundant</a> life, He used the Hebrew word for satisfaction, śābēa. The longer I’m alive, the less satisfied I in this world. Even when I receive things I have hoped for. Only God can <b>light up my world</b>.<br />
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Before Jesus left, He instructed the early church to strive for treasures in heaven, not here (Matthew 6:20.) God’s plans are greater than we can imagine, He sees the <b>bigger picture</b> of the abundance of heaven.<br />
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God will <a href="https://youtu.be/eXNfF8snYTk">test</a> our hearts through trials and diseases like He did with the nation of Israel before they entered a land flowing with milk and honey.<br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-59622944606630756122020-04-01T08:30:00.001-04:002020-04-03T12:08:58.495-04:00Shalom!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>Currently, the world is in a panic over the coronavirus. Panic shopping has magnified the greed of man, store shelves are empty because people only care about themselves and what they want in the <a href="https://youtu.be/Z0GFRcFm-aY">end</a>.<br />
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Stock markets are crashing; life has become a <b>haze</b> of madness. Savings have been wiped out; now many have <b>nothing to lose</b>. <br />
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None of this surprises me and I won’t let fear <b>take me over</b>. Scripture has told us for 2000 years that this world is fading and none of it will last. This is why Jesus taught His disciples not to put their hopes into the things of this world and many didn’t pay <a href="https://youtu.be/m1-rpd3S-48">attention</a>.<br />
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He taught to <a href="https://youtu.be/_ej9T4bTAGI">fix</a> our eyes on heaven; His counter-society views on greatness confused those closest to Him. Because, as they would later share; this world is not God’s people’s home (1 Peter 2:11.)<br />
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Why would God give us earthly treasures, when nothing on this side of Heaven will remain? Jesus came to <a href="https://youtu.be/yu4HtwbDDJM">set us free</a> from the trappings of this world, not make us <a href="https://youtu.be/Q1T0aW8hu98">slaves</a> to it. Jesus made it clear He is not the <a href="https://youtu.be/KuU_KTYvNLg">King</a> of this world (John 18:36.) <br />
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This is the error of false teachers; they puff up many with lies, causing people to <a href="https://youtu.be/uVWlOmBqd7s">stay</a> in the world. That has been a tactic of Satan from the beginning, <a href="https://youtu.be/Cgovv8jWETM">paradise</a> was lost when he twisted God’s words and offered Eve more (Genesis 3:1-3.)<br />
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When I was younger, I listened to the voice of the tempter and walked away from the truth. In <b>our God</b>’s great love for me, He broke the chains and called me back to Himself and made me a <b>Jesus freak</b>. Ever since then I’ve lived in peace, even in trying times like these.<br />
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God’s goal is to restore what was lost in the garden, but it will never be complete in this world because it is tainted with sin. That is why we should yearn for Shalom.<br />
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<b>Shalom?</b><br />
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The Hebrew word shalom has different meanings: peace, whole, harmony, and prosperity. This is where false teachers get confused with their pompous world-focused selves.<br />
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They are so <b>focused</b> on prosperity that they neglect the context of the word; it is not earthly riches or greatness. True prosperity is being in the presence of God, the Good Shepherd.<br />
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There, we will want or need nothing else (psalm 23:1-6.) Philip Keller cautions, “In spite of having such a Master and owner, the fact remains that some Christians are not content with His control. They are somewhat dissatisfied, always feeling that somehow the grass beyond the fence must be a little greener. These are carnal Christians—one might almost call them ‘fence crawlers’ or ‘half Christians’ who want the best of both worlds.”<br />
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Our Lord made it clear we can’t serve two masters (Matthew 6:24.) For any so-called preacher to teach earthly greatness is to teach the opposite of Jesus or as the Apostle Paul says, “Another Jesus (2 Cor. 11:3-5.)” <br />
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Jesus knew the <a href="https://youtu.be/YggGjJfUONA">snares</a> of this world would only trap us, apparently these frauds don’t. As the times grow peril, <b>the Saints</b> need to burn their books of heresy and get their crap off our televisions.<br />
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They only offer junk food for crack for spiritual crackheads. I never imagined I would see the parable of the wheat and tares unfold in <a href="https://youtu.be/4BpirBRWGUs">my</a> life, today there are so many split-tongue teachers coming <a href="https://youtu.be/ZPtQraArvec">together</a> in the church, no wonder so many people are terrified about what is happening now.<br />
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But, the time is coming when the reapers will separate the tares and cast them into Hell (Matthew 13:24-30.) Now more than ever we need to return to the true God, not this world. This is the deception of these false teachers, they teach believers to focus on this world; they believe we can live our “Best lives now,” in a fallen world.<br />
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This line of teaching is blasphemy at best, but a <a href="https://youtu.be/AHzU-9iozmo">sick</a> lie of Satan himself at its core. Jesus taught His followers to focus on Heavenly rewards, not earthly junk. He reminded Satan of this while tempted in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11.)<br />
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Jesus could have used His Heavenly power to His advantage, even to avoid the cross of <a href="https://youtu.be/5zrQZKAkLpI">Calvary</a>. But, instead He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:8.) If He hadn’t there would be no victory over the <a href="https://youtu.be/O2uncQgPXGQ">grave</a>.<br />
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Our Lord suffered during His thirty-three years on this earth and He said His followers would also (John 16:33.) Anyone who teaches earthly greatness is calling Jesus a liar.<br />
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But, the good news is when Jesus conquered death, He set us <a href="https://youtu.be/s3sk71ffTpo">free</a> from the cares of this world and one day we’ll enjoy eternal peace in <a href="https://youtu.be/GwirdlbkUD8">Heaven</a> (John 16:34.) By now most people have learned that things in this world won’t last, I refuse to let things <b>bring me down</b>.<br />
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This Earth will soon pass. But, Heaven waits for all who turn from the lusts of the eye; the power of Jesus can <b>break every chain</b>. This is why Jesus taught to store treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21.) <br />
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HEAVEN 2.0?</b><br />
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Many take Heaven for granted, some want it here and now; others wonder if it is real—if you are either, I <b>pray for you</b>. Peter preached about this world fading and God’s people suffering before the coming of God’s <a href="https://youtu.be/Y7Lhpp1wW8w">kingdom</a> (1 Peter 1:22-2:4.)<br />
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Jesus made it clear just because <b>you say</b>, “Lord,” doesn’t mean you’re going to Heaven (Matthew 7:20-22.)” If He isn’t your Lord here, He won’t be your Lord in Heaven. <br />
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True <b>repentance</b> is turning away from our desires and even needs if they come between us and our obedience to God. Two thousand years ago Jesus came as a humble King to set God’s people free from the deception of the enemy. He showed them a better way and pointed them towards our Father in Heaven.<br />
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Next time He will be <b>roaring like a Lion </b>and a conquering King to destroy this world and usher in the new Heaven and Earth (Revelation. 19;11-16.) The old will pass away and the true people of God will join God in Heaven for eternity. Jim Elliot said it best, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose.”<br />
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The Bible tells us Heaven is a better than we can imagine; no more death, no fear or suffering no more greed or injustice. Personally, that sounds much better than what the false teachers of today are peddling—<a href="https://youtu.be/34EUfxi26XQ">count me in</a>. Everything will be restored and complete, that is Shalom.<br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-55267624195565052352020-03-01T10:06:00.001-05:002020-03-09T07:33:15.446-04:00Contentment! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>Recently, I had a discussion with a friend about the teachings of opoular preachers in America. My issue with <b>prosperity tweakers</b> is they teach a gospel that is the opposite of Jesus, <a href="https://youtu.be/BV8Z_a5KHVU">all</a> in His name.<br />
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All you have to do is believe and <b>keep going</b> and you can “achieve your dreams.” Jesus taught die to self, surrender and become humble like a little child. The blessed and highly favored attitude of these churches clearly contradicts the humble teachings of our Lord (Matthew 18:2-4.)<br />
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We can’t give God <a href="https://youtu.be/JpYuqKtmCTQ">control</a> and then expect Him to do what we want. Henry Lord Beecher said, “It’s not what we take up, it’s what we give up that makes us rich.”<br />
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Jesus never <b>promises</b> worldly greatness or <a href="https://youtu.be/yd5FQeQvYvQ">good times</a>. During Valentines this year, I saw a post on Facebook by another friend who recently divorced and declared this is, “m<b>y year</b>.” <br />
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She posted a picture of her dream house and how she <a href="https://youtu.be/ewiE8dGx0V4">wants</a> it. I’ve known her for awhile and have talked with her about her first marriage, she divorced because he wouldn’t clean the house to keep her <a href="https://youtu.be/DKC-lRhvdNY">happy</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeakFCPjRQRKxqiXnhx4BuCHPbS0mSM-SKF-XHh5x0kDMRmUh-So2MshRyLzqdp87d3BE7drMDu-C8zBoNo89HC-QD6A-vvhhYtAWEHbbRoBRzSJt_KdZVD9eFDF7-Wli0ABz_JVBmna8X/s1600/dream+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeakFCPjRQRKxqiXnhx4BuCHPbS0mSM-SKF-XHh5x0kDMRmUh-So2MshRyLzqdp87d3BE7drMDu-C8zBoNo89HC-QD6A-vvhhYtAWEHbbRoBRzSJt_KdZVD9eFDF7-Wli0ABz_JVBmna8X/s320/dream+house.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="640" /></a></div><br />
The problem with social media is people post things about what they have and they want others to see. It is a narcissist’s delight. <b>Chances</b> are everyone begins comparing themselves to each other and it leads to dissatisfaction, because our <a href="https://youtu.be/9sRCcr9mnW4">worth</a> is in Jesus, not things. Comparison is the chief thief of contentment.<br />
<br />
<b>Contentment? </b><br />
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Contentment is, “A state of happiness or satisfaction.” Biblical contentment is found in God (Psalm 23:1-6,) not in what He does for us.<br />
<br />
We are satisfied with little as with much. The apostle Paul says he learned this (Philippians 4:12-19.) Not that he can do all things, just because he belongs to God.<br />
<br />
No, the apostle learned to endure all things by God’s grace. I <a href="https://youtu.be/jufCDyNAtoM">highly</a> doubt he was happy sitting in prison chained up.<br />
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Contrary to popular Christianity, Jesus never promised us everything we’ve dreamed. Consumer Christianity teaches dream it and get it.<br />
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It works like television ads; it shows you things over and over that we think we need, but if we’re <b>honest</b> we know we don’t. We just want more stuff and simply go through the <a href="https://youtu.be/m16iFQDb-Nk">motions</a> of religion. We want to fit in with others in this temporary world. I like getting my money’s worth in whatever I buy. Last year, a TV I’ve had for over fifteen years died.<br />
<br />
God provided a top-of-the-line smart TV for free. Yes, I’ve wanted one for the last few years, but I was more determined to be a good steward with what God has already given me. <br />
<br />
God has given me <b>everything</b> I need and more. I could be <a href="https://youtu.be/m7Bc3pLyij0">happier</a> with the more, but know I can be content with less, even if things aren’t <b>okay</b>.<br />
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Technology is changing so fast there is no way to keep up with it. This reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-16.)<br />
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Things will never satisfy, they can’t <a href="https://youtu.be/pcpB7cFWGxQ">save</a> us and we’ll never be content with what we have if we keep dreaming about more. As long as there are false teachers encouraging believers to want more, they’ll be no rest for the weary (2 Timothy 3:1-9.) But, <b>God’s not done with you yet</b>. <br />
<br />
<b>Rest?</b><br />
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Christian author Andrew Murray writes, “Many Christians think of Jesus as someone who can save and help them, but they practically deny Him as Master. They think they have a right to have their own will in a thousand things.” It takes <a href="https://youtu.be/cKJ8hlEmEB4">courage</a> to find rest in God, to truly let go and trust Him <a href="https://youtu.be/fyFnrjC40Lo">completely</a>.<br />
<br />
Rest means different things to different people, it doesn’t necessarily mean being lazy.<br />
• Sleep.<br />
• WORRY-free.<br />
• Entertainment. <br />
• Satisfaction.<br />
• Peace.<br />
<br />
Each of us experience rest differently. I can experience each of these whenever I’m outside when I’m biking. This is why am excited about spring starting in a few weeks, until then <b>I’ll get by</b> even if the weather isn’t perfect. Because I am disconnected from other responsibilities, it’s <a href="https://youtu.be/c9-g393puxU">fun</a>, nature helps me to connect with God and that gives me a peace that satisfies.<br />
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Herein lies the deception of the prosperity, feel-good dreamology. It teaches people to find happiness, fulfillment and purpose in things—worse yet, to find love in God’s gifts, instead of God.<br />
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That was the original sin in the garden, Adam and Eve had everything they needed and lived in the presence of God. Yet, the serpent deceived them with a promise of more (Genesis 3:1-8.) There hasn’t been peace since.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3tjchCuMZibxNoMFUqUvTFk0sPAuMmYsqSv0D5lIMz6X0MIdOqn8F3pbFkmo1Hje1TOYOSNjx7UK49jlGODaJEGCwsuh9XQgVgggZxAYAMnLOtfUj70vK2n-dlk6p9x7xsue2qnsl6bi/s1600/Heaven2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3tjchCuMZibxNoMFUqUvTFk0sPAuMmYsqSv0D5lIMz6X0MIdOqn8F3pbFkmo1Hje1TOYOSNjx7UK49jlGODaJEGCwsuh9XQgVgggZxAYAMnLOtfUj70vK2n-dlk6p9x7xsue2qnsl6bi/s320/Heaven2.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="466" data-original-height="466" /></a></div><br />
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However, in God’s great love for us, He has promised to show <a href="https://youtu.be/AJg31komsak">mercy</a> and restore everything. For those who turn from their selfish desires and dreams to Jesus; they will spend eternity in the <b>new Shalom</b> with Him when He returns, until then find contentment.<br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-23394338608887860992020-02-01T17:46:00.001-05:002020-02-01T18:06:39.170-05:00Insatiable!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>Last month I received an email from a company wanting to <b>take me</b> on as a <a href="https://youtu.be/RBbuB01NnHc">new</a> content writer. They were impressed by my online resume and writing portfolio. I was invited to take a skills test and submit an application. <br />
<br />
After visiting the employer’s website, I took the exam and submitted my application. Before I got a response from the company, I found myself online window shopping for things I “<a href="https://youtu.be/9Ve7dWqTC8Y">needed</a>,” I can’t tell you how much time I spent browsing the Internet for items I thought would make me happy or give <a href="https://youtu.be/_SCdj9d8SUQ">me</a> peace, I should have remembered <b>God is enough</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ccRGsiB0sRwxyKpk12EzF9DuDx4z9KK-Pk-tluhSv_bu14vZmMupER7eAEU-A1QXzyPIlU-wSFV3PMVzcX16XBf_xm8z8_gQrccmpCPuL0L-9V3DcD_H5mf26pkyLl-QKsBqj-LAARe2/s1600/Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ccRGsiB0sRwxyKpk12EzF9DuDx4z9KK-Pk-tluhSv_bu14vZmMupER7eAEU-A1QXzyPIlU-wSFV3PMVzcX16XBf_xm8z8_gQrccmpCPuL0L-9V3DcD_H5mf26pkyLl-QKsBqj-LAARe2/s320/Pic+1.jpg" width="320" height="179" data-original-width="926" data-original-height="517" /></a></div><br />
A week later I received a response from the company informing me they decided to go with another candidate. The crazy thing was that I was more <a href="https://youtu.be/lSHGg2f_POg">dissappointed</a> about not having the things I wanted. The truth is I was more interested in having more things, then actually having extra income. <br />
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It’s the age-old truth found in the Bible, man’s heart always wants more, our sinful lusts causes us to <a href="https://youtu.be/pOVrOuKVBuY">burn</a> uncontrollably with desire (Proverbs 27:20.). Christians need to heed to the Holy Spirit, God’s word and the community of believers. <br />
<br />
Together, they give us the guidance we need for life instead of constantly pursuing every selfish <a href="https://youtu.be/29a6o5vRKVM">thing</a> we crave. Man’s heart is insatiable. Jesus told the woman at the well, only the <b>Living water</b> can satisfy her, which is why <b>In God I trust</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Insatiable?</b><br />
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Insatiable is defined as being impossible to satisfy; a quenchless thirst or at unending want. Although we most often associate it with sex or love, the idea is a desire for anything, good or bad that we <a href="https://youtu.be/RZQNe8IMLtQ">can't</a> get enough of and it leads to desperation.<br />
<br />
King Solomon warned us about mankind’s never-ending thirst for more and warned about constantly chasing things (Proverbs 30:16, Ecclesiastes 5:10.)<br />
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As I look around the world and within the church, I see this sad truth played out as everyone pursue their desires, <b>dream big</b> and you too can become a <b>millionaire</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSOhRrrUOMZ2fJqnJRo1B4QtN_1x3XVketBwdiJVxYniCAuxHnxj3V0Qfj4af6ia99H4yhRZW5JdFGz9UmwlWAlKeRE0aIUHLi1wMzzG1dWTthGy6P8xnfqXb3XiwPHw5AIEFJvb75kdD/s1600/Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSOhRrrUOMZ2fJqnJRo1B4QtN_1x3XVketBwdiJVxYniCAuxHnxj3V0Qfj4af6ia99H4yhRZW5JdFGz9UmwlWAlKeRE0aIUHLi1wMzzG1dWTthGy6P8xnfqXb3XiwPHw5AIEFJvb75kdD/s320/Pic+2.jpg" width="320" height="256" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="480" /></a></div><br />
I stand corrected; millionaires <a href="https://youtu.be/dkmBF7SiKhY">are</a> so last century, now everyone wants to be a billionaire and are willing to do anything they can to get there. And Jesus warned that we could gain the whole world and it would do us no good if we sacrificed our soul (Matthew 16:26.) The teaching is true; things can never satisfy the God shaped hole in each of our hearts.<br />
<br />
Last year a number of superstars including Kanye West, Justin and Hailey Bieber confessed all of their wealth and possessions never <a href="https://youtu.be/uvLqioXHhoE">satisfied</a> them and I left them wanting more. Justin even admitted it was t it was the <b>struggles</b> of dealing with fame that led to his drug and drinking <a href="https://youtu.be/uL4p8B7mk58">addictions</a>. <br />
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Bieber sounds a lot like King Solomon who declared that God is placed eternity into man’s heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11.) But, this love was never meant for earthly treasures, this longing was to get man to <b>reach out</b> to his Creator.<br />
<br />
King Solomon and Justin Bieber conclude,<br />
<br />
• Money doesn’t last and won’t satisfy, it will <b>let you down</b>.<br />
<br />
• Alcohol and drug are temporary fixes that only leave us <a href="https://youtu.be/lSHGg2f_POg">dissappointed</a>.<br />
• FAME makes it harder instead of easier.<br />
<br />
• Even sex points back to God.<br />
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• Only God can truly satisfy man.<br />
<br />
<b>Satisfaction?</b><br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/GwirdlbkUD8">Heaven</a> is where our desire will be fulfilled; the dictionary defines satisfaction as, “The fulfillment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs, or the pleasure derived from this.” As believers are called to find our satisfaction in God; once we do, it becomes easier to accept our circumstances. Because God I know <b>You are for me</b>.<br />
<br />
This is where we find contentment, finding our pleasure and needs met in and through God frees us from the cares of this world (Psalm 37:3-5, 2 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Timothy 6:6-8.)<br />
<br />
Contentment brings satisfaction regardless of our circumstances. To me it’s this piece beyond all understanding; knowing my Abba father has got me taking care of and has <b>all I need</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDFFWlr6ta_yHlHo-JIfhtBNwCva_qsnzkLHHRuiILCfc3uIjFl1Hn1nwuyD5bjZUH7-1gEQM4pBoPG8UnZCb_kxFoTgRszrBw8Purdr8P0QRZmm41dXBaym8UaecEYOMuaVSd2qpYdZG/s1600/Pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDFFWlr6ta_yHlHo-JIfhtBNwCva_qsnzkLHHRuiILCfc3uIjFl1Hn1nwuyD5bjZUH7-1gEQM4pBoPG8UnZCb_kxFoTgRszrBw8Purdr8P0QRZmm41dXBaym8UaecEYOMuaVSd2qpYdZG/s320/Pic+3.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="600" /></a></div><br />
Maybe I’m getting older are just <a href="https://youtu.be/cT1Kzk7akjQ">feel</a> lazy, but I find the idea of slaving away and <a href="https://youtu.be/CZOIKB8VXKI">chasing</a> dreams as satisfying as chasing a cold winter wind. Satisfaction is knowing Jesus has broken the <b>chains</b> to my selfish ways.<br />
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I think of the sheep in Psalm 23 or a purring cat, I can be completely confident and safe in my Shepherd’s care. Learning to be content goes against our human/fallen nature. But, through the power of Christ, we can overcome the insatiable!<br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-56264555787632840242020-01-01T08:49:00.000-05:002020-01-01T13:52:06.887-05:00New Desires?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div>Recently my pastor addressed the choir about the Southern Baptist convention’s stance on music produced by feel-good prosperity churches that manipulate the <b>Spirit of God</b>.<br />
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The convention has finally taken a stand against music that encourages emotionalism, music that strokes believers’ emotions and plucks the heartstrings of the lost.<br />
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This music is a quick-fix pick me up emotional Band-Aid used to <b>show off</b>. It lacks <b>real life</b> change and eternal benefits, multitudes flock to it like toddlers to candy. It only satisfies immediate desires, but never delivers the message of Jesus and the gospel (2 Tim. 4:2-4.)<br />
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No wonder the convention has <a href="https://youtu.be/1obJEVDUeM0">already</a> pulled these songs. At the time of our pastor’s conversation, we had unknowingly been rehearsing a couple of the songs produced by a few prosperity churches that only <b>use this gospel</b> to build their kingdoms, not the one that lasts <b>forever</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9kjG2tZgTUeyeq1VggurilS8Iyo9pXH9YRv_vCzPbeLZwJT0-GMTmu0jrs8ISxH8RZPRSY0kNGIq6pJhrLe6mFFKequus0f8wUH1SahML0g6B_FAzb6G8R5jlWvf47L6BqyWZL1cMLnz/s1600/Kingdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9kjG2tZgTUeyeq1VggurilS8Iyo9pXH9YRv_vCzPbeLZwJT0-GMTmu0jrs8ISxH8RZPRSY0kNGIq6pJhrLe6mFFKequus0f8wUH1SahML0g6B_FAzb6G8R5jlWvf47L6BqyWZL1cMLnz/s320/Kingdom.jpg" width="320" height="256" data-original-width="320" data-original-height="256" /></a></div><br />
I thank God for this awakening within the church; I have been a staunch opponent of the “worship” music <a href="https://youtu.be/bCSMlsBEQLg">culture</a> since the late 90s. Not because I’m special, but because I’ve been on the other side of the battle lines against God. I understand how the <a href="https://youtu.be/XCD25vpsqtM">darkside</a> of life feels and <a href="https://youtu.be/jWg-EMHPCME">thinks</a>, it only seeks to satisfy its selfish desires.<br />
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After my accident I was <a href="https://youtu.be/7C7vG-Kqaf8">set free</a>, I had an a-ha moment when my eyes were opened to mankind’s love for pleasure no matter how it’s <a href="https://youtu.be/8WblIzm4z54">masqueraded</a>: power, sex, money, position, reputation or dreams.<br />
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One night I prayed God would give me another chance at life and new desires. I wanted to be completely in love with Him. Martin Luther wisely said, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” God’s Word is <a href="https://youtu.be/6gUP2W5u8wQ">golden</a>. What do you desire?<br />
<br />
<b>Desires?</b><br />
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Desire means, “To long or hope for, to express a wish for.” My hope and prayer for this new <a href="https://youtu.be/QgaTQ5-XfMM">year</a> are that if the career and passions I am pursuing aren’t God’s will, then He’d give me new hopes, dreams, and desires. The psalmist was right, as long as I have God, I’ve <b>got what I need</b> (Psalm 23.) <br />
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Don’t we celebrate the new year because the old is gone and the future is full of possibilities? I don’t want to waste another year chasing my heart’s desires if they’re not what God desires for me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq9Not7qSvekagjaI1ICVamgRgHhdsCqI1ENhQFyyj_2cAgQh2M9K94VCQAJqdQv9Y5Xe4n703TyVlkpDX6jKVEicxCe1vgvS9grkr82hebhZS9OQdp5swzco08oUBFHab0mpZgv8BHmO/s1600/New+Years+celebration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq9Not7qSvekagjaI1ICVamgRgHhdsCqI1ENhQFyyj_2cAgQh2M9K94VCQAJqdQv9Y5Xe4n703TyVlkpDX6jKVEicxCe1vgvS9grkr82hebhZS9OQdp5swzco08oUBFHab0mpZgv8BHmO/s320/New+Years+celebration.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="426" /></a></div><br />
King David wrote something similar (Psalm 51.) The chosen king knew how rotten his heart was and the only way for it to be changed was an act of God. Don’t think this flaw only applies to our Jewish forefathers who had a <b>powertrip</b>.<br />
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When the other “Son of David,” the <b>Messiah</b>, Jesus arrived He taught His followers to give God their whole hearts (Matthew 22:37.) The real blessing is being <a href="https://youtu.be/ECGZz5ScfL8">restored</a> to a right relationship with a <b>Holy</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/QPwd_TQpsHY">God</a>, not some sick twisted lie about ruling this world. The only way a person can live their best life <a href="https://youtu.be/U6nAJgijT5Y">now</a> is if they’re not a Christian—because this world is a little bit better than hell.<br />
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When God’s <a href="https://youtu.be/o0tFUdJlZmI">people</a> focus more on worldly blessings, our hearts become prideful like our Jewish forefathers’, pride is a heart condition. The apostle Paul warned the church to never boast about anything other than God (Gal. 6:12-14.)<br />
<br />
<b>Heart issues?</b><br />
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I was taught we must give our hearts to Jesus and surrender our lives to be <a href="https://youtu.be/SF54rvmCkMA">right</a> with Him. Nowadays it’s as if following Jesus requires no sacrifice and it’s more about Jesus giving us whatever we want in our hearts.<br />
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This sick feel-good no commitment is an <a href="https://youtu.be/jLRue4nwJaA">abomination</a> to the true Christian <b>faith</b>. You can’t give your heart to God and still love and pursue the things of this world, it’s only <a href="https://youtu.be/v4-KVCT97wU">lipservice</a>. There isn’t <b>enough</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/BhDxbjLLINo">room</a> in our hearts for both God and earthly things.<br />
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This is why Jesus was constantly telling His followers they couldn’t serve two masters (Matthew 6:24.) In our bodies, our hearts are one of the most important organs; it is just as important spiritually as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcxaInwlO-pAHPf38Ms0adFqupHq-8R7JfR7sqCZKhWR5Ns4qxdF5pXUt9NZTEelJHwrDVwmjiP9tEc-OwCXfzLYB4STjCBJnI9x7VRM4jI4HEd-FIwLxj9blldI_ZskkLHHGoRbUdqdR/s1600/heart-1765298_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcxaInwlO-pAHPf38Ms0adFqupHq-8R7JfR7sqCZKhWR5Ns4qxdF5pXUt9NZTEelJHwrDVwmjiP9tEc-OwCXfzLYB4STjCBJnI9x7VRM4jI4HEd-FIwLxj9blldI_ZskkLHHGoRbUdqdR/s320/heart-1765298_640.png" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="425" /></a></div><br />
It’s clear why David prayed for a new heart and not for God to simply <a href="https://youtu.be/yLXJHYICOfg">multiply</a> the things he had. David’s love was <b>above</b> not here below, that is where we should find our <a href="https://youtu.be/wQ7coiDrsBs">joy</a>. David knew he had a heart condition and that is why I pray God will <b>use me </b>and give me new desires.<br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-41384331349235562952019-12-01T20:54:00.002-05:002019-12-01T21:28:29.991-05:00Good Gifts! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>While watching Dancing with the Stars I heard Bachelorette star Hannah Brown share about the turmoil in her life, “I’ve learned to see the blessings in the pain I’ve experienced, its brought me to where I now.” <a href="https://youtu.be/vJEaLetb6fI">Behold</a> <b>all is bright</b> for her now.<br />
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The Bible has a lot to <a href="https://youtu.be/AIF9WZjvFTE">say</a> about adversity, and it isn’t bad. God’s people have endured persecution in this world, God sent His prophets to assure them He would bring beauty from their suffering (Isaiah 61:1-3, Malachi 3:3,) <b>what a time</b> it will be.<br />
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We <a href="https://youtu.be/Xby2I1Eu-6s">live</a> in a world that believes the best things give us immediate pleasure. Unfortunately, this feel-good <a href="https://youtu.be/ajEjkLR_hgc">all</a> the time crap has become popular in the church—everyone gets all they want as long as they believe.<br />
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When Kanye West, a new <a href="https://youtu.be/FUQheX3PSnY">believer</a> visited a popular mega-church that spreads the sugar-tooth gospel, I prayed for him, because when the storms <a href=" https://youtu.be/8KRZktalx8k">come</a> many believers fall away when the <a href="https://youtu.be/aARf8Zi0yGw">heat</a> is on. <br />
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As I <a href="https://youtu.be/U6nAJgijT5Y">look</a> back over the past 20+ years of living with a brain injury, I remember times I wanted to give up. Recently learned most people my age are on four prescription medicines; I am fortunate to not need any.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt65joVFtUXlr6Rrj6HMqeptl1uUSyrLIDVFKjQwcRbjIOFgSxe7sGsamOvBvqwEUeQF19rv0iYmQMeptEEnLz-ttWibuVbEtU8fyuy9Jx6KhvVqgEc5UFacCuzZ_XW6ZHmdgUErmDp6CP/s1600/Article+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt65joVFtUXlr6Rrj6HMqeptl1uUSyrLIDVFKjQwcRbjIOFgSxe7sGsamOvBvqwEUeQF19rv0iYmQMeptEEnLz-ttWibuVbEtU8fyuy9Jx6KhvVqgEc5UFacCuzZ_XW6ZHmdgUErmDp6CP/s320/Article+Pic+1.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div><br />
What I’ve realized is the accident in my 20s motivates me to keep moving and staying in shape has benefited my overall health beyond others. The pain of my 20s has worked together for my overall good (Romans 8:28,) not <b>bring me down</b>. Life can change our perspective about what is good, like why I <b>can’t wait for Christmas</b>.<br />
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<b>GOOD?</b><br />
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Webster’s defines good as, “Of a favorable character or tendency, free from injury or disease.” The <b>takeaway</b> of the world’s standard of good (immediate satisfaction) is realistically flawed.<br />
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Fifteen years ago my parents were diagnosed with lung cancer, a good outcome would have been them being cured and healthy, but eventually that too would have faded. During their treatment I learned that sugary foods cause cancer cells to spread rapidly. The immediate satisfaction of sweets caused more harm than good.<br />
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This is the <a href="https://youtu.be/uPwvgR4RDyI">reason</a> the church needs to stand up against feel-good false teachers of the prosperity gospel, it is spreading like cancer within the body of Christ. Just like God’s definition of love is different than the world’s, so is God’s goodness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs24sAp8Plczztac9dQ_ZqpeA0ZlK07ukOG0baKY-RsYNrEoundM4xxVeXNMPGqR0LtVO9XmaxlnwOTaCzItZRdn9PhjDIpv0kOUPoJwBimaUl73bJeWeczPFbmjcYa8B66CFa4U8-UaV/s1600/Christmas+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs24sAp8Plczztac9dQ_ZqpeA0ZlK07ukOG0baKY-RsYNrEoundM4xxVeXNMPGqR0LtVO9XmaxlnwOTaCzItZRdn9PhjDIpv0kOUPoJwBimaUl73bJeWeczPFbmjcYa8B66CFa4U8-UaV/s320/Christmas+tree.jpg" width="320" height="221" data-original-width="450" data-original-height="311" /></a></div><br />
When God created the world and separated the light from the dark, He said it was good (Genesis 1:3-4.) The Hebrew word used for good is <i>Tov</i>, this Old Testament idea of good means beautiful. Later when Eve saw the fruit she described it as good (beautiful) (Gen. 3:6.)<br />
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After she and Adam ate the fruit, they were separated from God, God promised to restore both them and us through a suffering servant (Isaiah 52:13–53:12,) <b>when Hope came down </b>everything was made right(good.)<br />
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The New Testament uses a few different words for good in the Greek ( Kalos, agathos, eudokia, sumphero, and Hedone’.) Each of these can be translated as pleasing or pleasure, which is a result of the Greek culture’s emphasis on pleasure. The beauty of pleasure is cheapened if the gift isn’t pleasing enough.<br />
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The Apostle Paul traveled to Greece to carry the gospel in the <b>name of the Lord</b> that countered Greece’s hedonistic culture. His message wasn’t readily accepted. Thus, the Apostle was constantly wrote letters to the church there to encourage them how to handle this gift.<br />
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<b>Gifts?</b><br />
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Since we’ve put good into perspective, we can understand what gifts we’ve been given, a <b>grown up Christmas list</b>. When we place too much emphasis on pleasure, power and happiness and they become idols. The things we want often do more harm than good.<br />
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This was the case with the Jewish nation; their distorted view of God’s goodness caused them to miss the Savior they had been waiting for, <b>Mary’s boy child</b> Who left His <a href="https://youtu.be/saVqsKt0ERQ">throne</a> in Heaven. God’s people missed <a href="https://youtu.be/saVqsKt0ERQ">Jesus</a> because they stopped focusing on God’s will for their own desires, what they thought was good. What a message for us at <a href="https://youtu.be/2NFBXxwOwvg">Christmas</a>.<br />
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Bad things happen to us all in life, but not everyone lets it stop them, with Jesus I have <b>all I need for Christmas</b>. I didn’t <a href="https://youtu.be/j3fSknbR7Y4">know</a> twenty years ago that almost dying in an accident and spending the rest of my life living with a disability would be a blessing to me now and I never thought I’d <b>say it</b> that is how God works.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BF48P6gvWnc7rjK4Yn9FdojAg_oawVsW81PZTLG9ize6Ua4Yj5Rd1Qun43FUubxDvfSeJPZgTEQnj8aRFflZ76FqcNjjCvhWLlNQHQ2mYtWu8OowsV8D-jExe7gS6PUAd6FnLs4wzYNK/s1600/Jesus+Hanging+Earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BF48P6gvWnc7rjK4Yn9FdojAg_oawVsW81PZTLG9ize6Ua4Yj5Rd1Qun43FUubxDvfSeJPZgTEQnj8aRFflZ76FqcNjjCvhWLlNQHQ2mYtWu8OowsV8D-jExe7gS6PUAd6FnLs4wzYNK/s320/Jesus+Hanging+Earth.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="300" /></a></div><br />
God’s plan was to give us a blessing we can’t understand, it’s <b>joy to the world</b>—not <a href="https://youtu.be/XRPQpdUSVCg"></a> the church. God didn’t send His Son so we could have heaven here, Jesus came so we could spend eternity in <a href="https://youtu.be/SahRw77yvx0">Heaven</a> with God, with no more suffering, tears or death (Revelation 21:1-4.) That alone is better than any worldly good gifts!<br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-57569770491859804982019-11-01T12:45:00.000-04:002019-12-01T21:20:34.014-05:00For Granted? Blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently the community where I live was rocked by a tragedy. Three young siblings were killed in a car accident within walking distance from their respective schools, no one could come to their <a href="https://youtu.be/uqprwUDOj_4">rescue</a> and they crossed their <b>finish line</b>.<br />
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For weeks locals were <a href="https://youtu.be/MBZBv3zCFjU">raw</a> from the loss. Since I went to school with the father and knew the children since they were little, I still get <b>nauseous</b> when I pass the memorials near the schools.<br />
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The father’s comments since have been a solemn reminder to me. He has been <a href="https://youtu.be/ZXSHzscwgjQ">broken</a> over the time he <a href="https://youtu.be/7RWEllqh5J0">wasted</a> while his children played video games and he did his own thing. He has learned the hard way that it’s really the little things in life that matter, <b>get out my way</b>.<br />
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I’d like to think I’ve learned this lesson myself over two decades ago after my accident, that’s when I had to relearn the simple tasks of life (smiling, eating and tying my shoes.) When we’re young, we think we’re indestructible, totally ignorant of the brevity of life. We take for granted the things we have, with <b>dreams</b> of gaining more (Genesis 3:2-6.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCN3D1laKnH7INBcoNa_8WXvmWPltXRczHx0dgAhUsq4CKpn3p44o6hFErrvnD7jjnoc4HxHa0uD8w2uRQbCjlzqbwxT4CHwoRb0RKgmbkK7UIvi8bNmvgnXBPCtex9XAuaR9DLYTYrgu/s1600/Article+Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCN3D1laKnH7INBcoNa_8WXvmWPltXRczHx0dgAhUsq4CKpn3p44o6hFErrvnD7jjnoc4HxHa0uD8w2uRQbCjlzqbwxT4CHwoRb0RKgmbkK7UIvi8bNmvgnXBPCtex9XAuaR9DLYTYrgu/s320/Article+Pic+2.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div><br />
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<b>FOR GRANTED?</b><br />
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Grant is defined as, “To assume to be true, willing; a gift or something given.” The last part of that definition is the value most of us miss in life. Gifts are not earned; they are given to us apart from our ability or rights, sometimes <b>impossible things</b>.<br />
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When I was growing up, my father taught me we appreciate what we work for more than what we are given. I didn’t understand it back when I was a kid, because I just wanted my <b>wildest dreams</b>. I didn’t care how I got it, I would be <b>victorious</b>. <br />
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Now that I’m older I understand what my father was teaching me. When <a href="https://youtu.be/GsAypxN8uZo">we</a> invest time, energy or whatever into achievement, we appreciate it more, especially if we <a href="https://youtu.be/zlJDTxahav0">loose</a> it.<br />
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On the flipside, things we are given may be valuable, but we are less invested in them. Hence, why we take them for granted. We want God’s <b>glory </b>in this <a href="https://youtu.be/Z0GFRcFm-aY">world</a>, but get <a href="https://youtu.be/p5H5iUuoeJM">anxious</a> when it’s not what we want, even if God knows <a href="https://youtu.be/zO6sM701rMQ">better</a>. <br />
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There is this evil WAY in each of us, the more we have, the more we want. If I can just get this car, that person or that promotion, I will be satisfied. King Solomon was correct, man is never satisfied (Ecclesiastes 1:5-7, 4:4.)<br />
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The other Son of David, Jesus, gave His life so it was <b>possible</b> to be granted His righteousness in the <a href="https://youtu.be/1jO2wSpAoxA">end</a>. We’ve been made heirs to the throne of God and still we want more and take for granted what we have been given already.<br />
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<b>GIVEN?</b><br />
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Christianity means <b>I surrender</b>—not to get—but to give <a href="https://youtu.be/Dw7hoEidzNE">love</a> back to the One who rescued us from our sin. In this day of entitlement, everyone believes the <a href="https://youtu.be/AHzU-9iozmo">sick</a> <b>lie</b> they are entitled to more and more; they want their <b>Heaven on Earth</b>. <br />
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Sometimes we fail to realize <a href="https://youtu.be/o7X3kuTCz5c">what</a> we’ve already been given; God allows it to be taken away. This was the case with the Job (Job 1:1-22.) His <a href="https://youtu.be/KA07g2lvgbo">faith</a> didn’t get him what he wanted.<br />
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It’s not necessarily to punish us, but test us or help us realize what we have. I’ve learned like my friend from school it’s the small things in life that really matter, don’t get<b> caught dreaming</b>.<br />
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This year I’ve spent time encouraging other brain injury survivors and their families. In an article I wrote for a brain injury magazine, I shared how we need to focus more on what we can do now physically instead of trying to go back to what we used to be a like even if I miss you. I’ve learned to be thankful for what <a href="https://youtu.be/SOaukqq9cIQ">God</a> has done for me, because I’ve learned what I used to take for granted.<br />
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</div>mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-27080962313499063342019-10-01T15:42:00.000-04:002019-10-01T16:36:02.507-04:00The Disconnect?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last month I watched in horror as hurricane Dorian decimated the Bahamas. The popular Atlantic destination was cut off and disconnected from the rest of the world like a <b>lonestar</b>.<br />
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I’m sure the inhabitants felt completely alone as communication with the outside <a href="https://youtu.be/VMH2yvc2PoY">world</a> was lost for days. I’ve heard numerous stories of <a href="https://youtu.be/qMG1BXo8Asg">someone</a> being swept out into the ocean where family and friends will likely never find them.<br />
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We’ve all experienced <b>enough</b> seasons in life where we felt alone and isolated, life is simply out of <a href="https://youtu.be/JpYuqKtmCTQ">control</a>. I've shared before the worst-case scenario for me is having a seizure. Words cannot describe the helplessness a person feels as their bodies fight against them until the individual eventually blacks out, but <b>I will fear no more</b>.<br />
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The most surprising thing to me about what happened to the Bahamas is the defiant attitude to ignore the warnings of what was coming. Despite actually seeing the size of the monster Dorian, people willingly chose to remain on the islands; they can’t say they were <a href="https://youtu.be/7UgPGbfP5hQ">ready</a>.<br />
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The islands are already pretty much isolated from any continent, about 184 miles from the Florida coast and 244 miles from Cuba, that’s <a href="https://youtu.be/7UgPGbfP5hQ">seperated</a>. Bahamians know the risks and consequences of living that far out in the ocean. And yet many chose to remain there, disconnected.<br />
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<b>Disconnected?</b><br />
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The dictionary defines disconnect as, “Disjointed; broken, not coherent or seemingly irrational. In life, we are often aware of the risks and consequences of our choices. Still, we choose to take a chance and <b> we dance</b> around our sin with <a href="https://youtu.be/-ot6NLsbxjg">pride</a>. We know in the pits of our souls we’re wrong.<br />
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I’ll ever forget or stop regretting the season in my life during college when I willingly walked away from God and my faith, after leaving <a href="https://youtu.be/mo1KRuHCkTg">home</a> I thought <b>I’m free</b>. The women and partying only left a void in my soul instead of filling it, that’s when I sensed God pursuing me via the <b>Holy Spirit</b>.<br />
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Yes, it is true <a href="https://youtu.be/UFiyEFmIXvA">God</a> never leaves us, even when we willfully disobey Him—His eyes and love are still upon His children. I can’t help but think of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32.) Jesus says before the lost son and father are even reunited, the father is filled with love (v. 20.)<br />
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For me, that is the best part of the parable. While the son was separated from the father, he was still loved and accepted. The Bible is full of Scripture that describes this unconditional, unshakable love of God (Exodus 20:6, Psalm 52:8, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Titus 3:4-5.)<br />
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Yet, there is a disconnect. <b>Just so you know</b>, the <a href="https://youtu.be/j1SkxhGjs94">basics</a> of sin are anything that comes between us and God. These aren't just bad or shameful things, good things that God has blessed us with can be sinful, just like with Adam and Eve.<br />
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Likewise, also, their sin didn’t stop God from loving them, nor will it with us. Sin is our choice to misuse what God has given us, sin isn’t God’s doing—it’s ours, and that’s how we became disconnected. Love is the <a href="https://youtu.be/zWbQ8PAXsxg">way</a> back, that’s the purpose of <b>the cross</b>. <br />
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Promise Keepers CEO Ken Harrison writes in his book Rise of the Servant Kings, “If we don’t stay focused on victory, there will be consequences for our actions on earth and consequences in heaven.”<br />
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<b>The Way Back?</b><br />
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Over and over in the Old Testament, we read stories about God’s people walking away from Him, after all He's <a href="https://youtu.be/lZu7mfYS_VY">done</a>. But we also find the power of God’s forgiveness and love. Each time God gave them another chance and many blessings, they failed to listen and change their ways. It was almost as if they wanted to be disconnected from their <a href="https://youtu.be/4g1jPjxYvbg">Maker</a>.<br />
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The truth is like our forefathers, we too want to go our way and do our thing—and we expect God to bless us when we misuse what He’s given us. This is why I’m so afraid of doing what I want in life, I’m terrified I will only waste more time when <b>I get wicked</b>.<br />
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Recently, I had a fellow writer friend share his struggles with <a href="https://youtu.be/-PNIeRbC4Dg">holding</a> a job and pondering his career path. I quickly reminded him of the Blackaby principal, “watch <a href="https://youtu.be/w7XAwLIVX8U">where</a> God is working in your life and join Him.” <br />
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Jesus told His disciples that He is the vine and apart from Him we could do nothing (John 15:5)—<b>my refuge</b> is the way back from the disconnect!<br />
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</div>mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-21701560117833657682019-09-01T11:57:00.001-04:002019-09-03T15:46:06.426-04:00God Whispers?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">One of the biggest benefits of resting is <a href="https://youtu.be/ZqFz-mmyv30">hearing</a> God better and understanding His will, instead of just going through the <b>motions</b>. Life is so hectic and everything is screaming for our attention, somehow we have to differentiate between our desires, the world’s and God’s in order to <a href="https://youtu.be/7xr3IKphG64">reflect</a> God.<br />
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Every time you turn around your <a href="https://youtu.be/S-F7p1GdBIE">heart</a> has a new dream. We live in one of the most self-centered societies of all time; we are only <b>in luv</b> with ourselves. The deprivation of man is clearer than ever, it’s <b>always only you</b> that matters.<br />
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For 2000 years the Bible has been telling us man’s heart is wicked beyond our understanding (Jeremiah 17:9.) Not everything in our heart is from God; ask Eve, ask Cain—better yet ask the families of the victims in El Paso or Dayton Ohio, this world is out of <a href="https://youtu.be/JpYuqKtmCTQ">control</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNfFi__bE2IakTDerNrCYQIAug9VytghGJr4JPcU634nomsCQJ2v4Weia9QkKVT4s0ecvum6WcWC-Ecf5Hvjp_1KR_xpMbJFVmC0b3xLSxSefbTOxcEk57gHvvGPX-KkDDqcMwzP4p0q4/s1600/Church+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNfFi__bE2IakTDerNrCYQIAug9VytghGJr4JPcU634nomsCQJ2v4Weia9QkKVT4s0ecvum6WcWC-Ecf5Hvjp_1KR_xpMbJFVmC0b3xLSxSefbTOxcEk57gHvvGPX-KkDDqcMwzP4p0q4/s320/Church+sign.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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The shooters chose to <a href="https://youtu.be/Ef52AmdVwYI">listen</a> to the voices of the enemy instead of the voice of sanity, the voice of righteousness, the voice of goodness—the voice of God. That’s what happens when we listen to the wrong voice, we lose our sense of direction.<br />
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As I look around at the world, whether on the news or in my community, I see a society that is more focused on the <a href="https://youtu.be/cT1Kzk7akjQ">feel</a>-good, do whatever you want voice. Go a hundred miles an hour until you <b>reach</b> where you want to be, we’re <a href="https://youtu.be/Dwr5vrYj2u8">addicted</a> to our sin.<br />
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The world believes that God’s dead. But, if we slow down and listen, we just might hear how much God really loves us in a whisper, that’s where <b>hope finds me</b>.<br />
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<b>whispers?</b><br />
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A whisper is more than just talking softly; it’s speaking that can only be heard by people who are near. Whispers are a form of focused communication to specific individuals.<br />
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When I was growing up my friends and I played the telephone game and whispered what we wanted someone far away to hear. What made it so fun was how the messages changed from person to another.<br />
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The beauty of God whispers is they are undeniable, but it requires us to get closer to Him. For me, it is rarely soft. Perhaps, I’m just hardheaded—it seems like God is screaming at me.<br />
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More often than not God will wake me early in the morning. You see, the problem isn’t really if God still talks or not, the problem is we’re not listening anymore.<br />
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Mainly because we are not hearing what we want, but this is nothing new. Our sinful nature has always caused us to walk away from God (Isaiah 53:6.) This is why in the Old Testament; God was constantly sending prophets to the people. They still wouldn’t listen, <b>so our God came to us</b> through Jesus.<br />
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Since I’ve already blogged about the difference between true prophets and false prophets, I’ll just share two reminders—a prophet’s job isn’t to make people happy and a prophet is never wrong.<br />
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Likewise, God’s word is never wrong; that’s why it’s one of the primary ways God speaks to people. Yes, God is always talking, unfortunately so are we. If we stop praying,<b> gimme gimme</b> perhaps we would be able to hear.<br />
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This is a reason why I enjoy being outside so much; it’s easier to hear God in the peace and <a href="https://youtu.be/ZTVQHlfJ3sw">quiet</a>. When there are no televisions, music players, cellphones, traffic, etc. you’ll hear Him and maybe even <a href="https://youtu.be/cT1Kzk7akjQ">feel</a> Him.<br />
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Even when I was in college and had walked away from God, I remember going to the beach and hearing God on the evening breeze or in the crashing waves of the <b>oceans</b> and even in the deafening sounds of a thunderstorm. God is always trying to get our attention, just stop doing what you want and listen. His <a href="https://youtu.be/UrIiLvg58SY">word</a> is the best place to look when <b>looking for words</b>.<br />
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My favorite place to get away and be with God is at a nearby <a href="https://youtu.be/7pvci1hwAx8">park</a> behind a local church. I like taking breaks from my hectic day to just go walk, most of the time I talk—but the <a href="https://youtu.be/8Oc4Nd43BVs">great</a> times are when I just look around and listen, I can hear Him in the sound of crickets and frogs. No, <b>God’s </b><b>not dead</b>, He’ll never <a href="https://youtu.be/XGGWhOUYObc">leave</a> us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyAfaL0-FCtYym6pvHAiXJ3UTRQFYopv-MZFp7CswhipPIv3ok8s28npdUn-aPP1jdERy3K3KF6-rz09bRABQxstzsqkp8iA0nF20wgO5MyDXLsi4QOplsq54WA4a3JJhv-ND4Ca0vvCt/s1600/Park+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyAfaL0-FCtYym6pvHAiXJ3UTRQFYopv-MZFp7CswhipPIv3ok8s28npdUn-aPP1jdERy3K3KF6-rz09bRABQxstzsqkp8iA0nF20wgO5MyDXLsi4QOplsq54WA4a3JJhv-ND4Ca0vvCt/s320/Park+pic.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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It’s not uncommon for me to be walking late at night, instead of being scared or feeling alone, I get surrounded in God’s <a href="https://youtu.be/_0Tg2dtLORc">presence</a> when I look up into the night sky at all of the <a href="https://youtu.be/TbLJyjfyACM">stars</a> (Job 9:7.) All of His promises come to mind and I remember life really isn’t about what I want. Living in God’s light will <b>terrify the dark</b>.<br />
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<b>Want?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rsH2xCNSteIdMFTd-WLqvLy90AkCKIFi3ZpVfbsPwP5XJ6BuQM5CQREIkdnoeiNXXDcv21WBQ9PCZ2_Q7cyXJn1WhaCB9YokZXC5MzxL2qI4ts6HVcwxyt8mNuOMPQfKaHsWQ-prdvQH/s1600/Night+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rsH2xCNSteIdMFTd-WLqvLy90AkCKIFi3ZpVfbsPwP5XJ6BuQM5CQREIkdnoeiNXXDcv21WBQ9PCZ2_Q7cyXJn1WhaCB9YokZXC5MzxL2qI4ts6HVcwxyt8mNuOMPQfKaHsWQ-prdvQH/s320/Night+pic.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="1080" /></a><br />
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Instead of having a sound theology, the church has turned to a self-centered “me”-ology (1 Tim. 6:5.) This is why we have so many pastors, so-called prophets and so-called teachers spending more time <a href="https://youtu.be/3AtDnEC4zak">talking</a> about how loved and “blessed” we are. We won’t <b>fare well</b> with hearing sweet-toothed messages.<br />
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Although God’s love is undeniable, His detest for selfhishness is as well. There is no disconnect between the two doctrines—God is a loving God, but He is also a righteous and just judge. This means He won’t always <a href="https://youtu.be/pBI3lc18k8Q">say</a> or do what we want.<br />
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<b>Somehow</b>, we need to get our priorities and lives realigned with the will of God, instead of pursuing what we want, let’s try listening to what God wants (2 Tim 4:3.) This is the essence of sound theology, “The study of God and of God's relation to the world.” We should have no problem understanding this as long as we listen for the God whispers.<br />
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</div>mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-35310757750463538502019-08-01T15:04:00.001-04:002019-08-01T15:51:46.481-04:00Rest Blog?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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</div>One of my favorite quotes is from John Piper, “God is most <a href="https://youtu.be/6vQpW9XRiyM">glorified</a> when we are most satisfied in Him (Psalm 17:15.)” I often remind myself of this when I become restless. When things in life aren’t working out no matter how hard I try, that’s <b>my stress</b>.<br />
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It is easy to get caught up in the rush of life. We get busy doing what we think we need to do and forget what matters most. After months of studying, brainstorming, rewriting and editing I finished rewriting a screenplay.<br />
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To my surprise, after I saved the file I wasn’t satisfied. I realized <a href="https://youtu.be/_jNhgGmY7kw">there</a> are some changes I wanted to make. Not only that, my mind was bogged down with ideas for other writing projects; from my blog to magazine articles, new screenplays and on top of that I still had two columns posts to write. I prayed, “God, <b>I’m leaning on you</b> to <b>catch my fall</b>.”<br />
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With my plate full I couldn’t concentrate enough to do anything. I’m not a good multitasker and I’m not a fan of the concept, I like to focus on what I’m doing and give it my all. What’s a passionate Christian man to do when he is trying to be in God’s will? The answer I was <a href="https://youtu.be/fnlJw9H0xAM">searching</a> for wasn’t that complicated.<br />
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After my accident I saw a neuropsychologist and I never forget her advice, “When in doubt, wait it out.” Simply take a break and rest. She wasn’t saying be lazy or inactive, but taking passive action by learning to rest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF7D_PB-lAC4MZWlVW0J-T5UFQqK0irvIhGiW-7RYn9pHX1R5NfqFx3GDHkLM_breDPf-dtKZaeUCpPB5NDeFi3hpyQWFmWfZJjww8-V4GsrQAQa7VLejxLgfImwVl7DnA_RXc-01eTzG/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF7D_PB-lAC4MZWlVW0J-T5UFQqK0irvIhGiW-7RYn9pHX1R5NfqFx3GDHkLM_breDPf-dtKZaeUCpPB5NDeFi3hpyQWFmWfZJjww8-V4GsrQAQa7VLejxLgfImwVl7DnA_RXc-01eTzG/s320/coffee.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div><br />
I’m not a big fan of caffeine because it affects our nervous systems; coffee can never replace the benefit of a good night’s rest.<br />
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<b>Rest?</b><br />
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Rest is a confusing subject because it has many different definitions:<br />
• To cease from action or motion. <br />
• Refrain from labor or exertion,<br />
• To be free from anxiety or disturbance,<br />
• To remain confident—trust.<br />
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I want to concentrate on the latter two. The idea of resting has deep spiritual meaning going all the way back to the beginning of time (Genesis 2:2-4.)<br />
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Ever since then God has constantly told His people to rest. Not so they could just be lazy and do nothing, but so that He could do <b>miracles</b> they couldn’t, resting in God is trusting in God and not us. He has the <a href="https://youtu.be/VTZ0dyIZC1A">power</a> to do <b>impossible things</b>, to <a href="https://youtu.be/vglt-7n_URA">turn</a> bad into good.<br />
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In most Christian circles there’s a popular saying, “Let go and let God.” The problem is when we don’t see what we want happening, we don’t think God is doing anything; so we get anxious and can’t rest because we really don’t trust God is <a href="https://youtu.be/rR3DsGJ5QVQ">fighting</a> for us—He is <a href="https://youtu.be/DApP8dCZOdU">legendary</a> for coming to His peoples’ <a href="https://youtu.be/gYR0xP1j4PY">rescue</a>. <br />
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Jesus made it clear to the Jewish people that God is working today—even if we can’t see it (John 5:17.) God promised to fight for His people (Exodus 14:14, Isaiah 41:10.) God is <a href="https://youtu.be/gSpeFXVW76Y">unstoppable</a> and can do what we can’t do on our own.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PWk4k__d9U5yaTxnv2uHUepjLGOc-OqRyPwnSzOqwQ79sE8I5VziIAOYp62nGNKxN-_bMMUfdkeRY5QQfnHBDV8MYSlJwD60CgTfa6m9WhxVntpkt8zspgv_Y2ExKCEiGOv3EDXF8X6_/s1600/Church+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PWk4k__d9U5yaTxnv2uHUepjLGOc-OqRyPwnSzOqwQ79sE8I5VziIAOYp62nGNKxN-_bMMUfdkeRY5QQfnHBDV8MYSlJwD60CgTfa6m9WhxVntpkt8zspgv_Y2ExKCEiGOv3EDXF8X6_/s320/Church+sign.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
In today’s church everyone is trying to do a million different things to become <a href="https://youtu.be/-nY0hvNOR_U">somebody</a> great instead of simply seeking God and trusting Him to work through us. <br />
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The book of Luke contains a <a href="https://youtu.be/bgn14PrvXo8">great</a> story of two sisters attempting to serve Jesus in different ways and Jesus makes it clear the sister who is resting with Jesus, the one who is actually spending time with Him instead of trying to impress Him is doing the <a href="https://youtu.be/ebAxdmMYoC0">right</a> thing (Luke 10:38-41.)<br />
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I may not be the best singer, but I enjoy singing; if you’ve ever sang a fast song, you appreciate a musical rest. There is no music in a rest but the making of it, a rest helps singers catch their breath and continue to make music. In a <b>symphony</b> a rest is a break in the music to help the musicians keep a musical pace with one another.<br />
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Resting helps us to slow down and be still with God. Recently I had a health scare that kept me from being active. So I decided to take a few days to rest so I could get back on track with my physical activities.<br />
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<b>ON TRACK?</b><br />
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When the <b>Godfather</b> left <b>heaven</b> in the form of Jesus like an <a href="https://youtu.be/VIba88zHxRA">avatar</a> (Philippians 2:5-8,) He came to help us rest <b>forever</b> in His <b>perfect love</b> so we could grow. Most people <a href="https://youtu.be/_5_qDtV_nm8">know</a> I am an outdoor fanatic, but I am also a gym rat and lift weights four days a week. My motivation isn’t superficial, but crucial to living with a brain injury. Strength training helps compensate for the lack of <a href="https://youtu.be/tKuRSdOhjrE">feeling</a> on the left side of my body; it keeps atrophy for setting in. My routine is disciplined and focused.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgsdwm5jpbQ-SBFiSy7ZrTxg_gtJerGdIXCFIFd7UvamhTc_LW3yqHKk0Zk6V-4ZBKTi6H1z2ZJ-lJsjpuSpcQdi82C41Rx1gaYOKWoWdJBQPm89gwMkwnpqN2H5LCKpueIGds649nRuP/s1600/Workout+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgsdwm5jpbQ-SBFiSy7ZrTxg_gtJerGdIXCFIFd7UvamhTc_LW3yqHKk0Zk6V-4ZBKTi6H1z2ZJ-lJsjpuSpcQdi82C41Rx1gaYOKWoWdJBQPm89gwMkwnpqN2H5LCKpueIGds649nRuP/s320/Workout+Collage.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
I workout alone so I can concentrate on my workout and specific muscle groups, my routines run through eight week cycles with a week off for rest between each. The purpose for rest weeks is to give me <b>time</b> to heal, grow and recover.<br />
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It doesn’t matter how much you <b>feel it</b>, change it up or how intense you get; if you <a href="https://youtu.be/uVWlOmBqd7s">don't</a> listen to your body and rest, your body will never grow. Likewise, our faith only grows as we learn to trust <b>our God</b> by learning to rest.<br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-3610611157159405142019-07-01T10:35:00.001-04:002019-07-01T13:44:54.258-04:00Glory Defined? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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</div>Recently, I saw an interview on the news about a new ministry coming to my area. The ministry leader <a href="https://youtu.be/UIMEe0wOd3w">said</a>, “I know if I use my talents and give God the glory, He will bless my ministry.” To <b>be honest</b> the minister’s interview struck a nerve with me.<br />
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It is a popular false belief if we attach God or Jesus’ name to something we are free to do what we want and He is obligated to bless it for His <a href="https://youtu.be/yQHhqDRn4_c">glory</a>, but it actually glorifies nothing but you. If that were true no Christian would ever struggle in this life. I think most of us can testify to the opposite as we each face <b>hills and valleys</b>.<br />
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I recently went on a walk with lots of doubt and <a href="https://youtu.be/vvzhChnHWYo">fears</a> in my mind on a track behind a church. As I began to walk down a hill, I looked up and noticed a strange <a href="https://youtu.be/CRSfbv0dgUs">phnomenon</a>; the moon was still visible in the morning sky. I thought to myself, <a href="https://youtu.be/LyXpX4fuS0E">God</a> only You can do such wonderful things, put both the sun and the moon in the sky at the same time; surely you can <a href="https://youtu.be/pcpB7cFWGxQ">save</a> Your people from this broken world.“<br />
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In my heart I sensed God say, “God things are not man things.” God has always brought glory to Himself through His works and <a href="https://youtu.be/uti69zClyzQ">creation</a>. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Beauty is its own reason for existence.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSGMK5OwU7WuoNhJ27G2R04xc0CGo9Z9jAcqaTNQjndhFQd3TL-PoTUNu-b53i6IpkQqa4U1Erpy0_PDLsdZK28ffc-SdoUyr2HEm5902pBqglq6BlQPauaX10Ia7Y3q5GkoZ3Yra2vGH/s1600/Blog+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSGMK5OwU7WuoNhJ27G2R04xc0CGo9Z9jAcqaTNQjndhFQd3TL-PoTUNu-b53i6IpkQqa4U1Erpy0_PDLsdZK28ffc-SdoUyr2HEm5902pBqglq6BlQPauaX10Ia7Y3q5GkoZ3Yra2vGH/s320/Blog+Pic+1.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1008" data-original-height="756" /></a></div><br />
Scripture tells us <a href="https://youtu.be/sW19hpzKpiE">over and over</a> that the ancient world saw God in nature and it glorified its Creator (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1, 66:4, Isaiah 40:26,) in <b>every moment</b>. Creation glorifies God and never says a word to bring Him glory! All glory is due to God, because it comes from Him, not us—His glory is <b>all that matters</b>.<br />
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<b>GLORY?</b><br />
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Like most words glory has more than one meaning.<br />
• High renown or honor won by notable achievements.<br />
• Magnificence or great beauty.<br />
• Take great pride or pleasure in.<br />
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And there is the problem, it’s a <b>holy collision</b>. We think that if we attach God’s great name to our works, it glorifies God and He’ll take it to another <a href="https://youtu.be/p3ORv5bcLwE">level</a>. But if God has truly <a href="https://youtu.be/cVHrkYBEgFM">done</a> something, it’s obvious. <br />
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We are only taking pride in our achievements. It is sad to think God’s people are so <a href="https://youtu.be/7NpklKcfI5o">shallow</a> in our thinking. We think God is glorified through our greatness and our works, our successes.<br />
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But in the Bible, the opposite is true. When Israel was fleeing Egypt and Pharaoh. God told Moses and His children to be still so that He could <a href="https://youtu.be/lPDw1QexVy4">rescue</a> them and in the end glorify Himself (Exodus 14:13.)<br />
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Later God told Moses to speak to a rock and He would make water come out, instead Moses struck the rock with his staff, robbing God of the glory (Numbers 20:8-11.) Moses, pride <b>Gotcha</b>!<br />
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Even in the New Testament, we see God isn’t glorified in our strength or deeds— but, in our brokenness and weakness. On one occasion the disciples asked Jesus why a man was born blind and Jesus replied that God may be glorified (John 9:2–3.) <br />
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Later the apostle Paul explained God’s power is shown in our weakness, not our strength (2 Corinthians 12:9.) When God is doing really something, we don’t have to attach His name to it. People know when only God can do something.<br />
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LET GO AND LET GOD?</b><br />
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If you’ve been in the Christian community you’ve heard the saying, “Let go and let God.” With our mouths we surrender, but with our actions we try to succeed in our own strength. Which <a href="https://youtu.be/rIBRcQdzWQs">just</a> glorifies us, sinful man—that’s not <b>the cause of Christ</b>.<br />
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God is glorified by what He does, not man. God gets the final word or gets nothing at <a href="https://youtu.be/jY_lNGiTiLY">all</a>. When one of Jesus’ friends died, Jesus <a href="https://youtu.be/9KBsFHTwmfM">said</a> God would be glorified (John 11:1-44.)<br />
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On another walk, this time home <a href="https://youtu.be/TUjuRFwwvaw">from</a> the gym, I was exhausted; I still had a lot of writing to do. I had so much I wanted to do for God. But, upon arriving home all I felt like doing was eating and reading. But, <b>what can I do</b>?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32hGUmWtP2VeiqfioySrP6V66WCEJfd8K5RDsRP49-CzH32oFtFuV5vbnFjxhvXZvnRwNtnkA5zka8sKnZmu1FkA1b7XQpp1ppYE4wUSubPjsuKg0fNj9eoY-YdTu43ryJ7hm4FYiae1/s1600/Blog+Pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32hGUmWtP2VeiqfioySrP6V66WCEJfd8K5RDsRP49-CzH32oFtFuV5vbnFjxhvXZvnRwNtnkA5zka8sKnZmu1FkA1b7XQpp1ppYE4wUSubPjsuKg0fNj9eoY-YdTu43ryJ7hm4FYiae1/s320/Blog+Pic+3.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1008" data-original-height="567" /></a></div><br />
As I curled up in my popasan chair to read by a window, I read the following words by the late Bob Briner, “God created us for beauty—to be beautiful and to enjoy beauty. To the degree that we passionately engage ourselves in this love affair with the Lover of our souls, we will not be able to hide beauty if we try.”<br />
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When Jesus called His first disciples, they weren’t out seeking greatness, still God made them who they were <b>made to be</b>. He found them where they were, ordinary uneducated men. But God used them to do <a href="https://youtu.be/rdZMIlDu3J8">great</a> things despite their faults and brokenness, that’s <b>glory defined</b>. <br />
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mjohns51http://www.blogger.com/profile/06330750432417600598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897391149566094880.post-69390724792666481212019-06-01T23:05:00.001-04:002019-06-05T18:38:58.337-04:00The Harvest?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>Outside is my favorite place to be and place to praise God; whether I’m biking, hiking are simply walking around town. It feels like I am in the presence of God, <b>everyday I’m blessed</b>. Especially this time year, I enjoy the feeling of the warm sun on my skin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE0FfAquOn1rJ1NuqF-aLFZj-FXDO58ggMiaFymz1TemB-vQXA9RepgQT-GMX5A7sjfDyXq8aLbVtRuuVYP4itS-VpqKsmPDg3ArvoaUUrqU6t0wnpAefMPQSM5A4JFtiH4y6icP58a0h/s1600/First+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfE0FfAquOn1rJ1NuqF-aLFZj-FXDO58ggMiaFymz1TemB-vQXA9RepgQT-GMX5A7sjfDyXq8aLbVtRuuVYP4itS-VpqKsmPDg3ArvoaUUrqU6t0wnpAefMPQSM5A4JFtiH4y6icP58a0h/s200/First+Pic.jpg" width="200" height="200" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="1080" /></a></div><br />
We had an unusually warm winter and most of the trees began growing leaves earlier than normal. After a few cold nights the leaves began to change like it was fall. It was as if Mother Nature had lost track of time and <a href="https://youtu.be/SDGTC-6lPzg">gone</a> through the seasons in a matter of weeks. I’d never <a href="https://youtu.be/qe47sUtewa4">seen</a> anything like it. <br />
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Even the flowers began to bloom early, but the blossoms didn’t last long before they died also. One day before my bike ride I prayed for direction in my life. God always <a href=" https://youtu.be/ZqFz-mmyv30">hears</a> <b>the prayers</b> of His children and yes He always answers them, but not with a <a href="https://youtu.be/SVOuYquXuuc">yes</a>. Most of us can <b>testify</b> to this.<br />
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As I began biking through the countryside I passed farms and pastures where weeks before there was nothing, but now teamed with life as the harvests began sprouting or the livestock was rotated in the pastures.<br />
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As I enjoyed the beauty of nature and all the life teaming around me, I sensed God say, “I make everything beautiful in its season. Trust Me.” The life lesson is, there are seasons for growth and reaping and there are seasons for planting and waiting (hgh.)<br />
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Furthermore, we aren’t all in the same season and each of us will reap a harvest at different points in life. God has placed an eternal longing in our <a href="https://youtu.be/WKfOtip07B4">hearts</a>, but only He knows when each season will come (Ecclesiastes 3:11.)<br />
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This is why we mustn’t compare ourselves to other people and definitely not the world. Some reap now and others later, some are good soil and some are bad. Jesus’ parable about good and bad soil (Matthew 13:24-30,) should make us all <b>tremble</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJM_hDioSLJPqX0UYw_1SMijR2GCTiHCldrpLsiC0kJN8QLzGhsYDBbgXJUa8l2SwiwBB-EXQtfcefO9o-4PPODH7-gGYYkEwyRFE-HcIEzl7drRrs10oZfycVAYbFl2CtfquY61Xt4eu/s1600/soil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJM_hDioSLJPqX0UYw_1SMijR2GCTiHCldrpLsiC0kJN8QLzGhsYDBbgXJUa8l2SwiwBB-EXQtfcefO9o-4PPODH7-gGYYkEwyRFE-HcIEzl7drRrs10oZfycVAYbFl2CtfquY61Xt4eu/s320/soil.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
<b>Child of God</b>, the good soil must never compare itself to the bad soil…the lost. We serve a different King/purpose, that’s why I wonder why so many false teachers and preachers teach believers to chase things of this world and their selfish <b>dreams</b> and a big <a href="https://youtu.be/IrhCUZXbJ0I">paycheck</a>—only the lost chase dreams, we chase God; it’s His harvest after all, He gets the <a href="https://youtu.be/sD8JHcHeBDQ">spotlight</a>.<br />
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<b>The Harvest?</b><br />
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The dictionary defines harvest as, “The season of gathering for crops, a mature crop, the quantity of a natural product gathered in a season.” By this we understand a harvest is only ready in the perfect season, it will <b>stand up</b>.<br />
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Only the planter reaps the harvest, although the workers do the work. In the planting process, the soil breaks down the seed and nourishes it, in Jesus’ parable we are the soil and good soil absorbs the seed (God’s word.)<br />
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But, when the seed has <b>fallen</b> on rocky ground, it can’t take root. Regardless, sometimes there’s a good crop and sometimes bad.<br />
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Either way, God is in control, because He is the Lord of the harvest. What most people fail to realize is the harvest benefits the landowner only. When Jesus told His disciples that the harvest was ready, He was referring to an eternal kingdom, not a temporary one full of selfish dreams.<br />
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This is why Scripture repeatedly says only God’s plans prevail (Psalm 33:10–11, Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 14: 27, Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 6:17.) We are simply the workers fulfilling His plans—the harvest, it is <b>greater than all of my regrets</b>.<br />
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God is too <a href="https://youtu.be/mN5GlOZky3M">loving</a> a Father to give us everything we want. He knows have selfish desires. The apostle Paul explained to the church what the harvest of the spirit is and isn’t (Galatians 5:22–23.)<br />
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This is why I’m confused when I see so many so-called Christians <b>boasting</b> about earthly wealth. God promises to give us what we need in life, not always getting <b>your way</b> (Matthew 6:18-21.) The irony of Christianity is sometimes winning in life requires losing in this life.<br />
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And like a seed dying in good soil, it will <b>be alright</b>, we produce eternal rewards in heaven, scripture talks about the patriarchs of the faith not receiving earthly treasures, but gaining heavenly rewards (Leviticus 25:23, Hebrews 11:13-39, 1 Peter 2:11.)<br />
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<b>Heaven?</b><br />
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Heaven <a href="https://youtu.be/JZFiO95-K_8">unveils</a> a new earth <b>all the way</b>, with new soil and glorious treasures beyond our <a href="https://youtu.be/dUweAQ38Ed8">imagination</a> with no <a href="https://youtu.be/J46hMyrTL7Y">tears</a>. God is preparing the new heaven and earth <a href="https://youtu.be/7yjPSEDDPes">right</a> now. This is why it’s important for to use our <a href="https://youtu.be/jzF_y039slk">gifts</a> for the work He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10-12.)<br />
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When you focus on Heaven and not the <a href="https://youtu.be/EXKXZxcA28k">things</a> <b>where you are</b> then everything you do will be for the glory of God, because that is the real harvest (Zechariah 14:21, 1 Corinthians 10:31.)<br />
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