tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24517829086234928452024-03-12T19:41:00.096-05:00Rejoice in PeaceSharing the love of Jesus Christ.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-8814559827875791332015-12-27T08:41:00.001-06:002015-12-27T08:48:21.371-06:00All that we are. The most important truth.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
All that we are cannot comprehend the magnitude of love that God has for us. He is our foundation, and our most important truth.<br />
<br />
<b>Psalms 103</b><br />
<br />
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.103.1"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;"></span><span class="content">1.Let all that I am praise the </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.103.1"><span class="content">with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.103.2"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">2</span><span class="content">Let all that I am praise the </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.103.2"><span class="content">may I never forget the good things he does for me.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.103.3"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">3</span><span class="content">He forgives all my sins</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.103.3"><span class="content">and heals all my diseases.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.103.4"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">4</span><span class="content">He redeems me from death</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.103.4"><span class="content">and crowns me with love and tender mercies.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.103.5"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">5</span><span class="content">He fills my life with good things.</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.103.5"><span class="content">My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.103.6"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">6</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content"> gives righteousness</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.103.6"><span class="content">and justice to all who are treated unfairly.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.103.7"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">7</span><span class="content">He revealed his character to Moses</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.103.7"><span class="content">and his deeds to the people of Israel.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.103.8"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">8</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content"> is compassionate and merciful,</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.103.8"><span class="content">slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.103.9"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">9</span><span class="content">He will not constantly accuse us,</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.103.9"><span class="content">nor remain angry forever.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.103.10"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">10</span><span class="content">He does not punish us for all our sins;</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.103.10"><span class="content">he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.103.11"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">11</span><span class="content">For his unfailing love toward those who fear him</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.103.11"><span class="content">is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.103.12"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">12</span><span class="content">He has removed our sins as far from us</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.103.12"><span class="content">as the east is from the west.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.103.13"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">13</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content"> is like a father to his children,</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.103.13"><span class="content">tender and compassionate to those who fear him.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.103.14"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">14</span><span class="content">For he knows how weak we are;</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.103.14"><span class="content">he remembers we are only dust.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.103.15"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">15</span><span class="content">Our days on earth are like grass;</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.103.15"><span class="content">like wildflowers, we bloom and die.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.103.16"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">16</span><span class="content">The wind blows, and we are gone—</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.103.16"><span class="content">as though we had never been here.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.103.17"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">17</span><span class="content">But the love of the </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content"> remains forever</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.103.17"><span class="content">with those who fear him.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.103.17"><span class="content">His salvation extends to the children’s children</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.103.18"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">18</span><span class="content">of those who are faithful to his covenant,</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.103.18"><span class="content">of those who obey his commandments!</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.103.19"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">19</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content"> has made the heavens his throne;</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.103.19"><span class="content">from there he rules over everything.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.103.20"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">20</span><span class="content">Praise the </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content">, you angels,</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.103.20"><span class="content">you mighty ones who carry out his plans,</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.103.20"><span class="content">listening for each of his commands.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.103.21"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">21</span><span class="content">Yes, praise the </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content">, you armies of angels</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.103.21"><span class="content">who serve him and do his will!</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.103.22"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">22</span><span class="content">Praise the </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content">, everything he has created,</span></span></div>
<div class="q2">
<span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.103.22"><span class="content">everything in all his kingdom.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1">
<span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.103.22"><span class="content">Let all that I am praise the </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div>
</div>
Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-83586435275578851032012-03-25T06:21:00.000-05:002012-03-25T06:21:30.513-05:00Trusting the Lord<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<h4>Trusting the Lord leads to an abundant life. Continue to always place your trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ.</h4><h5>Psalm 9</h5> <sup id="en-NLT-13999">1</sup> I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; <br />
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14000">2</sup> I will be filled with joy because of you. <br />
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14001">3</sup> My enemies retreated; <br />
they staggered and died when you appeared. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14002">4</sup> For you have judged in my favor; <br />
from your throne you have judged with fairness. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14003">5</sup> You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; <br />
you have erased their names forever. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14004">6</sup> The enemy is finished, in endless ruins; <br />
the cities you uprooted are now forgotten. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14005">7</sup> But the LORD reigns forever, <br />
executing judgment from his throne. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14006">8</sup> He will judge the world with justice <br />
and rule the nations with fairness. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14007">9</sup> The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, <br />
a refuge in times of trouble. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14008">10</sup> Those who know your name trust in you, <br />
for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14009">11</sup> Sing praises to the LORD who reigns in Jerusalem.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Psalm+9&version1=51#fen-NLT-14009a" title="Go to">a</a>]</sup> <br />
Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14010">12</sup> For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless. <br />
He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14011">13</sup> LORD, have mercy on me. <br />
See how my enemies torment me. <br />
Snatch me back from the jaws of death. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14012">14</sup> Save me so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalem’s gates, <br />
so I can rejoice that you have rescued me. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14013">15</sup> The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others. <br />
Their own feet have been caught in the trap they set. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14014">16</sup> The LORD is known for his justice. <br />
The wicked are trapped by their own deeds. <i>Quiet Interlude<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Psalm+9&version1=51#fen-NLT-14014b" title="Go to">b</a>]</sup></i> <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14015">17</sup> The wicked will go down to the grave.<sup>[<a href="http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults.php?passage1=Psalm+9&version1=51#fen-NLT-14015c" title="Go to">c</a>]</sup> <br />
This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14016">18</sup> But the needy will not be ignored forever; <br />
the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed. <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14017">19</sup> Arise, O LORD! <br />
Do not let mere mortals defy you! <br />
Judge the nations! <br />
<sup id="en-NLT-14018">20</sup> Make them tremble in fear, O LORD. <br />
Let the nations know they are merely human. <i>Interlude</i> </div>Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-63721514378924711152011-12-24T20:32:00.000-06:002011-12-24T20:32:28.878-06:00Highly Favored<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Christmas is our opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the untold blessings he has revealed in our life. Although he provides gifts that we can never repay, we must always remember that as long as the Lord is with us...we are highly favored.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Luke 1:26 - 28</span></div><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24920" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: text-top;">26</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24921" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: text-top;">27</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24922" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: text-top;">28</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”</span></div>Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-67745353837570995342010-11-07T06:41:00.001-06:002010-11-07T06:42:40.360-06:00Comfort<b>Comment:</b> So often we benefit from the comfort provided by the Lord, in all situations. We should remember to share our comfort with others and to be compassionate, providing others with hope.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2 Corinthians 1: 3 - 7</b><br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28804">3</sup> Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28805">4</sup> who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28806">5</sup> For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28807">6</sup> If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28808">7</sup> And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-32894201722674244982010-10-17T06:29:00.001-05:002010-10-17T06:46:43.106-05:00Renew and Restart<b>Comment: </b>It's very easy to drift away from what we know in our hearts are the actions of Christ. Revisiting the scripture and renewing our minds, can help us "double-down" on what we know to be the truth.<br />
<br />
<h4>Colossians 3</h4><h5></h5> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29503">1</sup>Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29504">2</sup>Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29505">3</sup>For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29506">4</sup>When Christ, who is your<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29506a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29506a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29507">5</sup>Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29508">6</sup>Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29508b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29508b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29509">7</sup>You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29510">8</sup>But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29511">9</sup>Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29512">10</sup>and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29513">11</sup>Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29514">12</sup>Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29515">13</sup>Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29516">14</sup>And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29517">15</sup>Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29518">16</sup>Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29519">17</sup>And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-34012597670319036012010-09-17T09:14:00.000-05:002010-09-17T09:14:58.656-05:00By Faith<b>Comment:</b> Faith is knowing with certainty that God is constantly providing opportunities for us to choose Him and benefit from His love, mercy, and grace.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Hebrews 11<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30158" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">1</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30159" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">2</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This is what the ancients were commended for.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30160" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">3</sup>By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30161" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup>By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30162" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup>By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30163" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">6</sup>And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30164" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">7</sup>By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30165" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">8</sup>By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30166" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">9</sup>By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30167" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">10</sup>For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30168" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">11</sup>By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30168a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV#fen-NIV-30168a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>considered him faithful who had made the promise. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30169" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">12</sup>And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30170" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">13</sup>All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30171" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">14</sup>People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30172" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">15</sup>If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30173" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">16</sup>Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30174" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">17</sup>By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30175" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">18</sup>even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30175b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV#fen-NIV-30175b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> will be reckoned."<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30175c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV#fen-NIV-30175c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30176" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">19</sup>Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30177" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">20</sup>By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30178" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">21</sup>By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30179" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">22</sup>By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30180" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">23</sup>By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30181" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">24</sup>By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30182" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">25</sup>He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30183" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">26</sup>He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30184" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">27</sup>By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30185" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">28</sup>By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30186" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">29</sup>By faith the people passed through the Red Sea<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30186d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV#fen-NIV-30186d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup> as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30187" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">30</sup>By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30188" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">31</sup>By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30188e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV#fen-NIV-30188e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30189" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">32</sup>And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30190" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">33</sup>who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30191" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">34</sup>quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30192" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">35</sup>Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30193" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">36</sup>Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30194" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">37</sup>They were stoned<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30194f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV#fen-NIV-30194f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]</sup>; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30195" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">38</sup>the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30196" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">39</sup>These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30197" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">40</sup>God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.</div>Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-10251223831301030612010-09-15T05:01:00.000-05:002010-09-15T05:01:06.434-05:00The Bread of Life<b>Comment: </b>Many times we search for ways to fulfill voids. We should always remember that Jesus has already paid the price to fulfill the void which matters most. We can rely on him to accept us, lift us up, and raise our spirits. He is the Bread of Life.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> John 6:35 - 40<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26282">35</sup>Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26283">36</sup>But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26284">37</sup>All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26285">38</sup>For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26286">39</sup>And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26287">40</sup>For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-60465362446694994722010-09-10T05:02:00.000-05:002010-09-10T05:02:08.606-05:00The Truth<b>Comment:</b> Life is usually much more simple then we make it. The things which matter most are often what we focus on the least. Take the time to give thanks for what you have and remember that the kindness, mercy, and truth of the Lord endures forever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Psalms 117<br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" style="width: 601px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="5%"><i><a href="" name="1">1</a></i> </td><td valign="top" width="95%"> O praise the L<span>ORD</span>, all ye nations:<br />
<table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td width="1%"> </td><td width="99%"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td> praise him, all ye people<span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr><td align="right" valign="top" width="5%"><i><a href="" name="2">2</a></i> </td><td valign="top" width="95%"> For his merciful kindness is great toward us:<br />
<table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td width="1%"> </td><td width="99%"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td> and the truth of the L<span>ORD</span> <i>endureth</i> for ever.</td></tr>
<tr><td> Praise ye the L<span>ORD</span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-41374067155071853942010-08-21T08:05:00.000-05:002010-08-21T08:05:23.106-05:00Doing Good<b>Comment: </b>Many times our best instincts tell us to get even or repay insult with injury. We must recognize that these natural instincts are not aligned with God's purpose for our life. We are encouraged to not grow tired of showing kindness or doing good. We are reminded not to give in to what our natural instincts might want.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Galations 6:7-10<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29180">7</sup>Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29181">8</sup>The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29181a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29181a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29182">9</sup>Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29183">10</sup>Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-71832879830961612102010-08-20T06:21:00.000-05:002010-08-20T06:21:33.130-05:00Knowing the Mind of Christ<b>Commentary: </b>We can only know the mind of God by submitting to the Holy Spirit. Our individual attempts to understand will always fall short. Only through the Holy Spirit can we faithfully communicate and effectively share the wisdom, mind, and love of Christ.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> 1 Corinthians 2<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28380">1</sup>When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28380a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28380a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28381">2</sup>For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28382">3</sup>I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28383">4</sup>My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28384">5</sup>so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.<br />
<h5>Wisdom From the Spirit </h5> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28385">6</sup>We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28386">7</sup>No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28387">8</sup>None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28388">9</sup>However, as it is written: <br />
"No eye has seen, <br />
no ear has heard, <br />
no mind has conceived <br />
what God has prepared for those who love him"<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28388b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28388b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup>— <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28389">10</sup>but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. <br />
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28390">11</sup>For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28391">12</sup>We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28392">13</sup>This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28392c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28392c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28393">14</sup>The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28394">15</sup>The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28395">16</sup>"For who has known the mind of the Lord <br />
that he may instruct him?"<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28395d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+2&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28395d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup> But we have the mind of Christ.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-26789301050887831162010-08-13T06:03:00.001-05:002010-08-13T06:03:46.362-05:00Worthy of Our Praise<b>Comment: </b>We should always have time to lift our voice and give praise. God has blessed us with much more then we deserve and will continue demonstrate evidence of His abundance in our lives. God is most worthy of our praise!<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Psalms 145<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16322">1</sup> <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-16322a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145&version=NIV#fen-NIV-16322a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> I will exalt you, my God the King; <br />
I will praise your name for ever and ever.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16323">2</sup> Every day I will praise you <br />
and extol your name for ever and ever. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16324">3</sup> Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; <br />
his greatness no one can fathom. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16325">4</sup> One generation will commend your works to another; <br />
they will tell of your mighty acts. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16326">5</sup> They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, <br />
and I will meditate on your wonderful works. <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-16326b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145&version=NIV#fen-NIV-16326b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16327">6</sup> They will tell of the power of your awesome works, <br />
and I will proclaim your great deeds. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16328">7</sup> They will celebrate your abundant goodness <br />
and joyfully sing of your righteousness. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16329">8</sup> The LORD is gracious and compassionate, <br />
slow to anger and rich in love. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16330">9</sup> The LORD is good to all; <br />
he has compassion on all he has made. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16331">10</sup> All you have made will praise you, O LORD; <br />
your saints will extol you. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16332">11</sup> They will tell of the glory of your kingdom <br />
and speak of your might, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16333">12</sup> so that all men may know of your mighty acts <br />
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16334">13</sup> Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, <br />
and your dominion endures through all generations. <br />
The LORD is faithful to all his promises <br />
and loving toward all he has made. <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-16334c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145&version=NIV#fen-NIV-16334c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16335">14</sup> The LORD upholds all those who fall <br />
and lifts up all who are bowed down. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16336">15</sup> The eyes of all look to you, <br />
and you give them their food at the proper time. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16337">16</sup> You open your hand <br />
and satisfy the desires of every living thing. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16338">17</sup> The LORD is righteous in all his ways <br />
and loving toward all he has made. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16339">18</sup> The LORD is near to all who call on him, <br />
to all who call on him in truth. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16340">19</sup> He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; <br />
he hears their cry and saves them. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16341">20</sup> The LORD watches over all who love him, <br />
but all the wicked he will destroy. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16342">21</sup> My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. <br />
Let every creature praise his holy name <br />
for ever and ever.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-41089531238843471362010-08-12T04:38:00.000-05:002010-08-12T04:38:27.594-05:00Victory!<b>Comment: </b>The Lord knows us better then we know ourselves. Before we speak a word, before we think a thought, before was make a choice, God is there and knows our hearts. He is there, ready to guide us to victory.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Psalms 139<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16241">1</sup> O LORD, you have searched me <br />
and you know me. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16242">2</sup> You know when I sit and when I rise; <br />
you perceive my thoughts from afar. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16243">3</sup> You discern my going out and my lying down; <br />
you are familiar with all my ways. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16244">4</sup> Before a word is on my tongue <br />
you know it completely, O LORD. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16245">5</sup> You hem me in—behind and before; <br />
you have laid your hand upon me. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16246">6</sup> Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, <br />
too lofty for me to attain. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16247">7</sup> Where can I go from your Spirit? <br />
Where can I flee from your presence? <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16248">8</sup> If I go up to the heavens, you are there; <br />
if I make my bed in the depths, <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-16248a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=NIV#fen-NIV-16248a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> you are there. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16249">9</sup> If I rise on the wings of the dawn, <br />
if I settle on the far side of the sea, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16250">10</sup> even there your hand will guide me, <br />
your right hand will hold me fast. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16251">11</sup> If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me <br />
and the light become night around me," <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16252">12</sup> even the darkness will not be dark to you; <br />
the night will shine like the day, <br />
for darkness is as light to you. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16253">13</sup> For you created my inmost being; <br />
you knit me together in my mother's womb. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16254">14</sup> I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; <br />
your works are wonderful, <br />
I know that full well. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16255">15</sup> My frame was not hidden from you <br />
when I was made in the secret place. <br />
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16256">16</sup> your eyes saw my unformed body. <br />
All the days ordained for me <br />
were written in your book <br />
before one of them came to be. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16257">17</sup> How precious to <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-16257b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=NIV#fen-NIV-16257b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> me are your thoughts, O God! <br />
How vast is the sum of them! <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16258">18</sup> Were I to count them, <br />
they would outnumber the grains of sand. <br />
When I awake, <br />
I am still with you. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16259">19</sup> If only you would slay the wicked, O God! <br />
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16260">20</sup> They speak of you with evil intent; <br />
your adversaries misuse your name. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16261">21</sup> Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, <br />
and abhor those who rise up against you? <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16262">22</sup> I have nothing but hatred for them; <br />
I count them my enemies. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16263">23</sup> Search me, O God, and know my heart; <br />
test me and know my anxious thoughts. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16264">24</sup> See if there is any offensive way in me, <br />
and lead me in the way everlasting.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-23294007376703019052010-08-08T08:10:00.001-05:002010-08-08T08:12:20.651-05:00Easy Choice<b>Comment:</b> Christ has extended an open invitation to all who are facing difficult times. We have a choice and can make our challenges easier. The simple step is to choose Christ. Patiently learn from His example. His "yoke is easy and His burden is light".<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Matthew 11:25 - 28<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23485">25</sup>At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23486">26</sup>Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23487">27</sup>"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23488">28</sup>"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23489">29</sup>Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23490">30</sup>For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-89543700197271307622010-08-06T05:57:00.001-05:002010-08-06T05:59:21.112-05:00A Purposeful Life<b>Comment: </b>We should be ready to praise God in all circumstances. His purpose for our life will be revealed through patient study of His word. Through God we can be bold, facing any challenge, living a life focused on the humility and unwavering love of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Psalm 138:1 - 8<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16233">1</sup> I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; <br />
before the "gods" I will sing your praise. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16234">2</sup> I will bow down toward your holy temple <br />
and will praise your name <br />
for your love and your faithfulness, <br />
for you have exalted above all things <br />
your name and your word. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16235">3</sup> When I called, you answered me; <br />
you made me bold and stouthearted. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16236">4</sup> May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, <br />
when they hear the words of your mouth. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16237">5</sup> May they sing of the ways of the LORD, <br />
for the glory of the LORD is great. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16238">6</sup> Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, <br />
but the proud he knows from afar. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16239">7</sup> Though I walk in the midst of trouble, <br />
you preserve my life; <br />
you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, <br />
with your right hand you save me. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16240">8</sup> The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; <br />
your love, O LORD, endures forever— <br />
do not abandon the works of your hands.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-39602809938519332452010-08-05T05:51:00.002-05:002010-08-05T05:54:27.489-05:00Children of Light<b>Comment: </b>God has called us to a very difficult task, if we choose to pursue it on our own. Instead, we should aim to "find out what pleases the Lord" and ask Him to guide our steps and our thoughts with an obedient heart. He is the parent. We are the child.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Ephesians 5:1-21<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29290">1</sup>Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29291">2</sup>and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29292">3</sup>But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29293">4</sup>Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29294">5</sup>For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29294a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29294a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29295">6</sup>Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29296">7</sup>Therefore do not be partners with them. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29297">8</sup>For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29298">9</sup>(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29299">10</sup>and find out what pleases the Lord. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29300">11</sup>Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29301">12</sup>For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29302">13</sup>But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29303">14</sup>for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: <br />
"Wake up, O sleeper, <br />
rise from the dead, <br />
and Christ will shine on you." <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29304">15</sup>Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29305">16</sup>making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29306">17</sup>Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29307">18</sup>Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29308">19</sup>Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29309">20</sup>always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29310">21</sup>Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-64918855012424650522010-08-01T07:14:00.002-05:002010-08-01T07:18:25.426-05:00Indescribable Gift<b>Comment: </b>God has provided us with an indescribable gift. All we have to do is make a commitment to give our best to Him. Giving our best depends on prayer and an attitude that is cheerful, humble, and ready to serve. We are encouraged to "abound in every good work"!<br />
<br />
<b>Verse: </b>2 Corinthians 9:6 - 15<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28947">6</sup>Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28948">7</sup>Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28949">8</sup>And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28950">9</sup>As it is written: <br />
"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; <br />
his righteousness endures forever."<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28950a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%209&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28950a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28951">10</sup>Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28952">11</sup>You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28953">12</sup>This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28954">13</sup>Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28955">14</sup>And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28956">15</sup>Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-1258710908921083912010-07-29T06:29:00.001-05:002010-07-29T06:30:08.858-05:00God is Faithful<b>Comment:</b> We must remember that God knows us better then we know ourselves. In every situation, He is faithful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> I Corinthians 10:12 - 13<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28564">12</sup>So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28565">13</sup>No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-79066870388750925192010-07-25T09:14:00.004-05:002010-07-25T09:16:04.291-05:00Obedience Leads to Blessed<b>Comment:</b> The blessings of obedience are more abundant then we can imagine. We should spend less time questioning and more time obeying God's word and His will for our lives.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Deuteronomy 28: 1 - 12<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5613">1</sup> If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5614">2</sup> All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5615">3</sup> You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5616">4</sup> The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5617">5</sup> Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5618">6</sup> You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5619">7</sup> The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5620">8</sup> The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5621">9</sup> The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5622">10</sup> Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5623">11</sup> The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5624">12</sup> The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5625">13</sup> The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-5626">14</sup> Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-74635818091459972792010-07-03T07:54:00.000-05:002010-07-03T07:54:26.722-05:00Abundantly<b>Comment:</b> Our knowledge of the Lord can provide all that we need to live abundantly. We should double-down our efforts to use what we have learned to bring honor and praise to the name Jesus.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> 2 Peter 1:2 - 11<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30478">2</sup> Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30479">3</sup> as His divine power has given to us all things that <i>pertain</i> to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30480">4</sup> by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption <i>that is</i> in the world through lust.<br />
<h5></h5><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30481">5</sup> But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30482">6</sup> to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30483">7</sup> to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30484">8</sup> For if these things are yours and abound, <i>you</i> <i>will be</i> neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30485">9</sup> For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30486">10</sup> Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30487">11</sup> for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-88970180253569397492010-06-29T05:10:00.001-05:002010-06-29T05:39:00.050-05:00The Spirit of Truth<b>Comment: </b>Too often we search for truth in all the wrong places. The truth is simple obedience to the word of God, guided by His Spirit.<br />
<br />
The truth is that Jesus suffered and died for our sins. He rose again. Today, He is alive!<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> John 14:15 - 27<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26673">15</sup>"If you love me, you will obey what I command. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26674">16</sup>And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26675">17</sup>the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-26675c"
title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-26675c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> in you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26676">18</sup>I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26677">19</sup>Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26678">20</sup>On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26679">21</sup>Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26680">22</sup>Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26681">23</sup>Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26682">24</sup>He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26683">25</sup>"All this I have spoken while still with you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26684">26</sup>But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26685">27</sup>Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-26051211050680153962010-06-24T06:37:00.000-05:002010-06-24T06:37:10.211-05:00The Truth<b>Comment:</b> Prayer and praise allow our faith to grow and provide even more opportunities for God to intervene on our behalf. Our ability to share the truth of our situation through prayer is an essential aspect of our faith that can empower our lives and transform the lives of others. <br />
<br />
<b>Verse: </b>James 5:13 - 20<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30352">13</sup>Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30353">14</sup>Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30354">15</sup>And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30355">16</sup>Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30356">17</sup>Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30357">18</sup>Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30358">19</sup>My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30359">20</sup>remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-34207378397439443532010-06-22T06:16:00.001-05:002010-06-22T06:18:32.538-05:00Pure Joy<b>Comment: </b>We may not associate difficult circumstances as ones in which we should be joyful. It is important for us to remember that patience and perseverance lead to the development of a perfect work in our lives. Now that is truly a reason to celebrate with pure joy.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> James 1:2 - 8<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30265">2</sup> My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30266">3</sup> knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30267">4</sup> But let patience have <i>its</i> perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30268">5</sup> If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30269">6</sup> But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30270">7</sup> For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-30271">8</sup> <i>he is</i> a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-50392589156215708312010-06-17T07:05:00.003-05:002010-06-22T06:18:58.454-05:00Clap Your Hands<b>Comment: </b>How often are we able to let go of our worries and simply thank God for His intervention and place in our lives? Today is the day to simply clap our hands and praise.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> Psalms 47<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-14627" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">1</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Shout to God with the voice of triumph!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-14628" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">2</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For the LORD Most High</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>is</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">awesome;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>He is</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">a great King over all the earth.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-14629" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">3</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">He will subdue the peoples under us,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> And the nations under our feet.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-14630" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">He will choose our inheritance for us,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> The excellence of Jacob whom He loves. Selah </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-14631" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">God has gone up with a shout,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> The LORD with the sound of a trumpet.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-14632" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">6</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Sing praises to God, sing praises!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Sing praises to our King, sing praises!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-14633" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">7</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For God</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>is</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">the King of all the earth;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Sing praises with understanding.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-14634" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">8</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">God reigns over the nations;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> God sits on His holy throne.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-14635" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">9</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The princes of the people have gathered together,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> The people of the God of Abraham.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> For the shields of the earth</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>belong</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">to God;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL',charis,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> He is greatly exalted.</span>Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-68237179119139082862010-06-11T06:20:00.001-05:002010-06-11T06:22:17.159-05:00Be Thankful<b>Comment:</b> We must remember that prayer, praise, and patience can help us better understand God's plan for our life. Our daily actions should focus on emulating a kind heart and joyful spirit, one that is diligent for Christ and thankful in all circumstances.<br />
<br />
<b>Verse:</b> 1 Thessalonians 5:12 - 22.<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29593">12</sup> Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29594">13</sup> Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29595">14</sup> Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29596">15</sup> See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29597">16</sup> Always be joyful. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29598">17</sup> Never stop praying. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29599">18</sup> Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29600">19</sup> Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29601">20</sup> Do not scoff at prophecies, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29602">21</sup> but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29603">22</sup> Stay away from every kind of evil.Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451782908623492845.post-16378773208313691012010-06-06T22:47:00.002-05:002010-06-06T22:55:12.503-05:00His Love Endures Forever<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Comment:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> We can always make the choice to give praise and thank the Lord for all that he has done in our lives. No matter how complicated we feel our situation has become. We must remember that God's love endures forever. He is always worthy of our praise.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Verse:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Psalms 106: 1 - 8</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15653" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Praise the LORD. </span><sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-15653a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">[</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+106&version=NIV#fen-NIV-15653a" title="See footnote a"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">a</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">]</span></sup><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> his love endures forever.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15654" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> or fully declare his praise?</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15655" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Blessed are they who maintain justice,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> who constantly do what is right.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15656" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> come to my aid when you save them,</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15657" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> that I may share in the joy of your nation</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> and join your inheritance in giving praise.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15658" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> We have sinned, even as our fathers did;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> we have done wrong and acted wickedly.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15659" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> When our fathers were in Egypt,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> they gave no thought to your miracles;</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> they did not remember your many kindnesses,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. </span><sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-15659b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">[</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+106&version=NIV#fen-NIV-15659b" title="See footnote b"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">b</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">]</span></sup><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-15659b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]"></sup></span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-15660" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Yet he saved them for his name's sake,</span></div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> to make his mighty power known.</span></div>Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07456323758950737631noreply@blogger.com0