tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16261467583417611842024-03-05T13:04:55.854-05:00Messages From The HeartDevotionals, Sermon Starters, Inspiration, Bible, Spiritual ThoughtsMessages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-32842734985143974022023-06-14T08:57:00.000-04:002023-06-14T08:57:33.327-04:00<p> </p><p align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Use words if necessary</span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">By
Russ Lawson</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzwBe1U7GIZ--FWHo5Qa9R5EdCGg-FO3IaU1fnxFUFb5YrcomKTCl-0-fIj0arGBGggpuslm8dttbCqh3EmwMSiKOYUYeWibdY7NZf86SfogqlguyFyXQE2DuXXGGws3alfAgRjC8Keh2enULCduCHtZD1X2CDBnO_4ShEahizWfL2DCp93ZRUHkr/s474/words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzwBe1U7GIZ--FWHo5Qa9R5EdCGg-FO3IaU1fnxFUFb5YrcomKTCl-0-fIj0arGBGggpuslm8dttbCqh3EmwMSiKOYUYeWibdY7NZf86SfogqlguyFyXQE2DuXXGGws3alfAgRjC8Keh2enULCduCHtZD1X2CDBnO_4ShEahizWfL2DCp93ZRUHkr/w272-h181/words.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">Several years back I read of a
church that had the following sign hanging in front of their building. It read:
“Preach the Gospel at all times... Use words if necessary”. What a great
statement of what our lives should be about. It's not a new concept at all. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 5:16</b> Jesus instructs his
followers, “<b><i><span style="color: black;">In the same way, let your light
shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father
in heaven.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Maybe a way we could describe this is; it’s like when you
want to sell your house and you have an open house for folks. You dust and
sweep, mop and polish so folks will see how great your place is and want to buy
it for their own. That is what Jesus is saying about our Christian lives. I
want us to think about the whole message Jesus is giving to his listeners in
the Sermon on the Mount in <b>Matthew
5:14-16</b> from a different perspective. One man tried to paraphrase Jesus’
message this way, <b><i>“<span style="background: white;">Here’s another way to put
it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is
not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a
hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under
a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there
on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your
lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this
generous Father in heaven.” </span></i></b><span style="background: white;">(MSG) I think in this instance he captures the essence of Jesus’
message.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="background: white;">Proverbs 27:19</span></b><span style="background: white;"> has this to say, <b><i>“As water reflects the face, so
one’s life reflects the heart.”</i></b> Well…
maybe it’s simpler to just say, “</span><b><i>Preach the Gospel at all times... Use words
if necessary</i></b>,” How are you doing at letting your light shine? Sometimes
I don’t do so well, but I’m trying to do better! I hope you are too.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-13474081211617039572023-06-13T13:41:00.003-04:002023-06-13T13:41:26.541-04:00<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>They REALLY lived! </b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NuiYK5_Y5aMeVLj6R1JQzFt8pi2R4smI5SoUoYuQoKuMt_RDOlyUR4mtOah60ASljxZ1YCRv0wrrv17C6A7p3jCEJ0lxkBPqtBc2IIrxg-VcribPOYQ8AOwoAUeAXyN7N6sjq751jRtLnxJgyZjguT80nKbEy9rbwQ5sIUGfODt_tvuN9hcr1Jgj/s115/lion3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="115" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NuiYK5_Y5aMeVLj6R1JQzFt8pi2R4smI5SoUoYuQoKuMt_RDOlyUR4mtOah60ASljxZ1YCRv0wrrv17C6A7p3jCEJ0lxkBPqtBc2IIrxg-VcribPOYQ8AOwoAUeAXyN7N6sjq751jRtLnxJgyZjguT80nKbEy9rbwQ5sIUGfODt_tvuN9hcr1Jgj/w116-h115/lion3.jpg" width="116" /></a></b></div><p></p></blockquote><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b> By Russ Lawson</b><span style="font-size: 8pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">One of my favorite movies
from the past few years is called "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Second Hand Lions</i></b>". The movie
is about two old bachelor brothers living in the middle of the prairie in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state>. They have lived
adventure filled lives, served in the French Foreign Legion and lived in <st1:place w:st="on">Africa</st1:place> for 40 years. Now they have come back to live out
their last years alone and feeling old and useless. Then fate intervenes; a
niece who has made a series of bad choices in her life "dumps" her
son (whose about 12 years old) on their doorstep for them to keep. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The boy is scared out of his
wits; he's a city boy and doesn't know the first thing about the country, the
eccentric uncles are about honor and honesty. Slowly a bond begins to form and
the boy begins to learn about the past these men have led. He understands that
they feel they have no reason to live and are actively looking for dangerous
situations by which to end their life (with their boots on as they say) while
they are still able to face challenges.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Trying to regain some of
their excitement for life at one point the brothers buy an African lion from a
circus, which they plan to turn loose and hunt. It turns out that the lion is
old, sick and tame and they end up letting it live in their cornfield. That's
where they get the name of the movie, "Second hand lions," because
that describes the brothers also, once ferocious, now just old and not able to
do what they once did.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You know what I love about
this movie, I can identify with the two old brothers to a point. Through the
grace of God Melody and I have lived through some tremendous adventures while
serving Him. We have lived in several different states here in </span><st1:country-region style="font-size: 11pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> and
even on the African continent. We have friends, brothers and sisters in Christ
literally all over the world. We have worked hard, dealt death and illness and
difficult situations and are still able to keep going, at least for the
present. We have experienced life to the fullest with all of its joys and
sorrows up to this point in our lives and I pray that we can end our lives
"with our boots on" (still actively seeking adventure in Christ).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">At the end of the movie the
uncles now in their 80's "go out in a blaze of glory" so to speak.
The young boy, now a man meets someone who had heard the stories about his
uncles from his grandfather in </span><st1:place style="font-size: 11pt;" w:st="on">North Africa</st1:place><span style="font-size: 11pt;">.
The statement is made, "so they really lived". The last words of the
movie are the response of the young boy, now a man when he says, "Yes,
they REALLY lived". What better epitaph could you want? Doesn't that say
it all for us, who of us isn't seeking some kind of fulfillment, something that
makes us feel that life is worth living, something that gives meaning to
getting out of bed in the mornings?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Do you want to really live?
The apostle Paul had a handle on that idea. He wrote in </span><b style="font-size: 11pt;">Philippians 1:21</b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">,
"</span><b style="font-size: 11pt;">For<i> to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain</i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">". Paul
also wrote in </span><b style="font-size: 11pt;">Romans 14:8, "<i>For if we
live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore,
whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s."</i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">God speaks through the apostle John in </span><b style="font-size: 11pt;">Revelation
14:13</b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, where we read, </span><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>"And I heard a voice from heaven saying,
"Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes,
says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from all their
toils and trials; for their good deeds follow them!</i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The adventure continues for
those who serve God, because "they really live" loving and serving
God now and forever! How are you doing?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-69395780932479686562017-11-25T14:59:00.002-05:002017-11-25T15:45:47.751-05:00Things Are Always Changing – Maybe for you too…<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuf-GGZz6tESbGLYIvvnWQAe-Nv2XYHriAH0_JFQFIxebRoibnsFmagz-wa3143xjcils469HoYcnUO-Ak0S8_pUZIUSLz45tL1agGqA-cD_NqrImjYjQ9UvtNkHnYFju4nd7OmOpj8I/s1600/Road+endless-road-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="640" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuf-GGZz6tESbGLYIvvnWQAe-Nv2XYHriAH0_JFQFIxebRoibnsFmagz-wa3143xjcils469HoYcnUO-Ak0S8_pUZIUSLz45tL1agGqA-cD_NqrImjYjQ9UvtNkHnYFju4nd7OmOpj8I/s400/Road+endless-road-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Endless Road</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I admit it that I am slow to change. It often takes me
awhile to get started, but after I do, I normally jump in with both feet so to
speak. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's the same way with bringing my web-blog up to speed. I
have been toying with the idea of making some changes for awhile, and finally
have made that move. Keep an eye on this page, mark it and look for more
changes and I hope to do a better job each day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have had a web presence for the past 15 years and have
looked for a better way spread my message. I chose a new name as you can see. I
now use <a href="http://myunexpectedadventure.com/">http:/myunexpectedadventure.com</a>.
Why? Because it seems that my whole life has been one adventure and I just
never know what is going to happen next. I hope you will continue to travel
with me on this adventure and even take a look at some of the books I have
written about my experiences.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will continue to post my blogs on this site for a short
while longer, but PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to my new site and PLEASE SHARE it with your
friends it is really important me to if I am to continue doing this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So anyway, look for the next leg of life's adventure when
you least expect it, that's how it always happens.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your Fellow Traveler,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Russ Lawson</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-9168338196374967402017-11-22T06:35:00.001-05:002017-11-22T06:35:08.489-05:00THANKSGIVING ALWAYS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8nKisMG3m73blFHfwICBFgl1O0N9J-bc9aY2xca8J98WIsy_dlpBHgQIhhcXXpzusKyyGOnZ7vGAIaK8NOuNncPoDOWkLGwdG_kx8ljhpcZhhu11Gc6Nw8Sa_I8nKf5AO16Sel0W_kA/s1600/autumn+leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8nKisMG3m73blFHfwICBFgl1O0N9J-bc9aY2xca8J98WIsy_dlpBHgQIhhcXXpzusKyyGOnZ7vGAIaK8NOuNncPoDOWkLGwdG_kx8ljhpcZhhu11Gc6Nw8Sa_I8nKf5AO16Sel0W_kA/s320/autumn+leaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Having just completed our book on
our lives in Africa I was reminded of all of the ways God has blessed our
lives. He mostly uses our fellow Christians, but so many times he has also
blessed us through those outside of our Christian family.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Reviewing some old letters for our
book I ran across some thoughts I had written 20 years ago while preparing to
leave Kenya, they went something like this: “We have discussed just what we
will miss when leaving Kenya. It's not a long list until we come to the people.
We have gained many good friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Part of
our hearts will remain with them always; we have come to love the country
through the people we have met.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
In the same way I wrote, “We have
discussed what we will enjoy most about being back in the States. The list
again is short, but mostly it is about being with our family and our Christian
brothers and sisters. As I reflect, it occurs to me that the things we
appreciate both in Kenya and the United States are the people. Physical things
always come in second in our lives... which is the way it should be.” </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
The
Apostle Paul wrote these words 2,000 years ago and they still help guide our
lives. <b>Philippians 4:11-13, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"</i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am
not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever
the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to
have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every
situation; I can do all this through him who gives me strength."</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
In our hearts we know it is true
don't we? We know it will never really be having things which will make us
happy or causes us to give thanks to God. It is always relationships that
matter the most, it is relationships that fill our hearts and will go through
eternity with us.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
So really it's the same this season
as with all the rest of the year isn't it? Whether we are in need or have
plenty, whether we are satisfied or lose it all makes no lasting difference. We
can rejoice and give thanks to God, because our happiness, our contentment
comes from relationships, both with other people and with our God. And right
now, I'm thankful for each of you who let me be part of your lives throughout
the whole of every year.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
https://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Life-Adventures-Africa-ebook/dp/B076VTWLYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511350470&sr=8-1&keywords=book+russ+lawson</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-60401673883413956082017-11-15T10:21:00.001-05:002017-11-15T10:21:16.021-05:00The Leaf<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJNTytQN-czeGAtoW5c3dMLKfZTg3k_YooLBhfELZqFUSav3mnJYtkq0MFp_GKARpIDypTQTVwVkFMwhccyiu1CBymRSiP_3QOaWL47laKbPm9y1k2VXL5N8RiUq94KUZ_FKRcw3A7n0/s1600/leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJNTytQN-czeGAtoW5c3dMLKfZTg3k_YooLBhfELZqFUSav3mnJYtkq0MFp_GKARpIDypTQTVwVkFMwhccyiu1CBymRSiP_3QOaWL47laKbPm9y1k2VXL5N8RiUq94KUZ_FKRcw3A7n0/s320/leaf.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I'm sitting at our dining
table looking out the back patio door. On the patio I see a leaf, dried and
brown, but that is not unusual, especially at this time of year. It's the time
we celebrate Thanksgiving and remember all of God's blessings. In reality, our
yard is filled with leaves, it's part of nature, part of how the world works. I
understand that some folks don't really appreciate this change, but I like to
think of it in a positive light and enjoy God's beauty.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The thought the leaf brought
to my mind is that only a short time ago it was on a tree, bright green and
shining. That of course led me to thinking about the course of our life also.
Things change so very quickly don't they? I mean, where has the time gone? I
have been re-reading Melody and My book, "Living the dream, our life and
adventures in Africa." I just read a paragraph that spoke of my
celebrating my 47<sup>th</sup> birthday in Kenya. That's been 23 years and it
is covered in just a few pages in a book. What happened? How did I get from
there to where I am at now? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Yes, I could detail all of
the steps it took to get where we are now, but isn't that the question we all
ask at some point? We are in school, maybe teenagers, maybe just married and
suddenly we have grandchildren and many of the friends of our youth have
already passed from this life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">There is an old hymn that has
some very pertinent words for us about this process. The hymn is titled, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Swiftly we're turning</b>" and the
words go like this: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">"Swiftly we're turning life's daily
pages, Swiftly the hours are changing to years. How are we using God's golden
moments? Shall we reap glory? Shall we reap tears?"</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">What happens to us is just that
life happens as it is supposed to, as is according to God's plan. You are probably
familiar with the passage in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ecclesiastes
3:1-11</b> where we are reminded that: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">For
everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">A time to be
born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">A time to
kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">A time to cry
and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">A time to
scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to
turn away. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">A time to
search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">A time to
tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">A time to
love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">What do
people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has
placed on us all. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Yet God has
made everything beautiful for its own time. <u>He has planted eternity in the
human heart</u>, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work
from beginning to end. </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Yes, an old, dried, brown leaf can have a lot of
meaning if you just stop and think about it… especially when you think about it
in relationship to the length of and purpose of your life. How are you doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about choosing to think about the
eternity God has planted in our heart. There is only one way to get that and
that is through change. Rather than trying to stop it we need to embrace it…
after all, the pages are turning swiftly, aren’t they.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-85871311132075778752017-11-09T09:52:00.002-05:002017-11-09T09:52:26.974-05:00Just a little bit...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Are you undergoing some
struggle in your life right now? If not then give it time, because you most
likely will at some time in your future. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, but
I've seen how the world (and living in it), works. Yes, I'm sure that some
folks have what we perceive to be "the perfect life," but I doubt
that is really the case. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I remember hearing a story
about our problems that went something like this: A man was deeply troubled
having a very serious problem in his life. He looked at those around him and
did not see anyone who seemed to suffer as he was. That night when he went to
bed he prayed to God to lift his problem from him. When he went to sleep he
began to dream. In the dream he saw people walking in a circle throwing their
problem in a pile in the center. Each person was then free to choose a problem
someone else had discarded to replace their own. He joined the circle and
walked around the pile of problems. As he circled searching for a problem he would
choose to bear he discovered that many people who he had thought had light
problems actually had heavy burdens. In the end he chose to pick up the problem
he had discarded and bear it once again. Sometimes it is true, the trouble we
know is better than the devil we don't. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">How many times have you heard
someone say, "Just hold on a little longer," or "It's always
darkest before the dawn," or "It will get worse before it gets
better," or "God has a plan for you," or "You just have to
believe," or perhaps one of the thousands of other variations of these
sayings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">When you are dealing with a
deep hurt, a struggle that causes pain in your heart, those words often aren’t
of much comfort, are they? And yet if we claim to be Christians we face the
battle around the question of Faith don't we? One of passages which troubled me
for many years is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 17:20</b>
where Jesus said:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Because
you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a
mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it
will move. Nothing will be impossible for you</i></b>."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">What Jesus is saying here is
that Faith is the most important thing we can have in our lives, it is central
to our relationship to God. Did Jesus literally mean that we are suppose to try
to move mountains with their minds? No, not at all; Jesus was using a common
phrase from their society which all Jews knew. A Rabbi would talk about
resolving difficulties as "uprooting or pulverizing mountains". Jesus
never meant for this to be taken literally, but the passage is talking about
the power of even just a little bit of faith to heal our lives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Having even "Just a
little bit" of faith implies that you have a relationship with Jesus to
start with. It is impossible to "cast your cares (or burdens) on
him," (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Peter 5:7</b>), if you
have let the relationship with him slip away. He is not asking for a mountain
sized faith, he is begging you for have the faith of a mustard seed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">So where are you in dealing
with your problems? Where are you in your relationship to Jesus? You can't deal
with the problems without having faith, even just a little bit of it.</span></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-85311024644930610712017-11-01T05:37:00.002-04:002017-11-01T05:37:54.785-04:00You've got to walk right!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LvgRv2XN8piC8OJbGNKGWSAH_tUybL1ThfByzM0-ouUaE2b-oFiE94hag3htPyimc-fAPDbk6wmTF4Da7_sdK4u_y3Bils1w7ZPKYHZcQdCn8Qogc80YiYMk2gtGoJ6lFS9TEgWkCiI/s1600/old-man-cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LvgRv2XN8piC8OJbGNKGWSAH_tUybL1ThfByzM0-ouUaE2b-oFiE94hag3htPyimc-fAPDbk6wmTF4Da7_sdK4u_y3Bils1w7ZPKYHZcQdCn8Qogc80YiYMk2gtGoJ6lFS9TEgWkCiI/s200/old-man-cane.jpg" width="174" /></a><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Many of you know that I've
been debilitated for the past (almost) two months. Yesterday I had a
consultation with my doctor regarding the results of my MRI last week. It seems
they found some compressed disks in my lower back. So, now I see a specialist
and see where that takes me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I mentioned to Melody the
other day that I was getting tired of sitting around so much and wanted to get
back to work. She in her wisdom told me, "You've got to walk right
first!" OK, I admit it, I have been tending to stumble at times lately and
have not had perfect balance with my leg giving away unexpectedly. So, she's
right, before I can get on with the things necessary in my life, I've got to
walk right.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The same thing is true of our
spiritual life isn't it? We stumble around at times unable to walk as we would
wish and then are confused by the fact that we don't have a better relationship
with God. What do you have to do to learn to "walk right"?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">John gives us a little insight into that in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 John 1:6-7</b> where he writes: "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If we
claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do
not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we
have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us
from all sin.</i></b>"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">For me to begin to "walk right," physically
I'm going to have to follow the doctor's orders or prescribed treatment. For us
to walk right spiritually we are going to have to do the same thing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The problem I have is that sometimes I'm not a very
good patient. The doctor tells me, "Do these exercises, take this
medicine, etc.", and I try to do that for the most part, but sometimes I
get lazy and don't follow them exactly and because of that sometimes I don't
heal as quickly as I should.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Some are the same with spiritual things. God gives us
specific directions as to how to walk in this life, how to serve him, yet we
get lazy and don't want to follow His will exactly. God reminds His people in
the Old Testament of this problem and encourages them to do better in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deuteronomy 5:32-33</b> where he says
through Moses: "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">So be careful to do what the LORD your God
has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in
obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live
and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess</i></b>."
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">So, if you want to stop stumbling around religiously,
trying to walk right spiritually but not doing such a good job of it, then get
with the program and be obedient to God, do what He says, even when it's hard
and even when you don't want to. Because before you can be successful
spiritually you have to walk right. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-51773815328438260212017-10-31T09:16:00.000-04:002017-10-31T09:16:06.717-04:00New Book Kindle ReleasedDear Readers,<br />
<br />
I finally completed a work I have have going on for several years and wanted to share this information with you.<br />
<br />
It is a Amazon Kindle release and will be listed for free downloads for the next 3 days. Please take a look at it, please share the link with your friends, please give me review of the book. This is very important in the Amazon sales promotion system. The more reviews you get the higher you are in their promotion/advertisment system.<br />
<br />
Anyway, take a look.<br />
<br />
God Bless,<br />
Russ Lawson<br />
<br />
https://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Life-Adventures-Africa-ebook/dp/B076VTWLYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509447320&sr=8-1&keywords=russ+lawsonMessages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-6029076569372519802017-09-22T03:02:00.002-04:002017-09-22T03:02:37.370-04:00How to live forever<!--[if !mso]>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSzR1FXg2352RduLLNw_9gzTQTRfjGDC9JaZWkc8WcimfKQo3txC0VEwmbIdsffNgXTAG72O4YvtMDeg8pchiPWzoMU1fiuZDEK0PjAK46yi4aAkRQteLmO-H42dn63Lf0wqKpSYsNNg/s1600/cross+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSzR1FXg2352RduLLNw_9gzTQTRfjGDC9JaZWkc8WcimfKQo3txC0VEwmbIdsffNgXTAG72O4YvtMDeg8pchiPWzoMU1fiuZDEK0PjAK46yi4aAkRQteLmO-H42dn63Lf0wqKpSYsNNg/s320/cross+sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
This morning our oldest son dropped off our grand daughter on his way
to work. My wife takes her to school and later picks her up. We were fixing
breakfast and just chatted with him for a few moments. He mentioned that he was
tired today, so I gave him some herbs to give him a boost in energy. His mom
jokingly said, “The herbs dad gives us will help us stay healthy for many
years,” then she added, “He’s really trying to help us live forever.” </div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I thought about that and realized once again that I am married to a
very wise woman. Yes, I do deal with the physical side of life (herbs and
such), but I also deal more heavily with the spiritual side of life. </div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I love the old song we no longer hear, but has a great message. The words
say, <b><i>“I’m going to live forever, I’m going to die no never…. Jesus died
on a cross for me and I’m going to live forever.</i></b>”</div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Where do you put your emphasis in life? I know people who spend
thousands of dollars on exercise club memberships, exercise equipment, etc.
They spend hours and hours working out, some have special life coaches or
counselors they spend time with each week. They look good and feel good
physically, but spiritually they are lacking. They struggle to make it through
life and all that it throws at them, yet (for some), they don’t find what they
are looking for.</div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I will be the first to admit that some of the things with which people
struggle go beyond just a lack of spirituality. I know that there are some
genuine physical problems (illnesses, imbalances, etc.), that account for some
emotional problems. I realize that there are some situations over which you
have no control that bring stress and difficulties into your life, both
physically, emotionally and spiritually. It’s hard to hold on to the thought
offered in <b>Romans 8:28</b> where Paul writes: “<b><i>All things work
together for good for those who love the Lord.</i></b>” I am preparing a class
on the book of Jonah right now, and one of the lessons I discovered is that God
can sometimes allow bad things to happen to get out attention.</div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
There are two things we need to remember about life: (1) there is a
great physician who can help us in all aspects of our life. <b>1 Peter 5:7</b>,
“<b><i>Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you</i></b>”. (NIV)</div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
(2) Our life does not truly consist of just the physical. <b>Luke 12:4</b>
tells us, “I<b><i> tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body,
and after that have nothing more that they can do</i></b>”. (ESV)</div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5268298634573312199gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Yes, the physical is important, that’s why I study and practice Herbal
medicine, but that’s not all there is to life. I want to live forever, so I
practice at the spiritual side of my life too. You only have one chance to get
it right, so how are you doing? </div>
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<br /></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-7885747697376745702017-09-20T09:54:00.001-04:002017-09-20T09:54:09.974-04:00THE ORIGINAL TWITTER<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAZkgftZF0aXW5YZvP3zpCzxr2p5I3VMNzMekjh5eqe97ZhyphenhyphenQaxeBQR3ENsjJ8hhY_mtW4yoMvm_8ww5actLV49d0NG_lL8vJODQra8a5MX70Oqva6fy6G72SkYy6Ozrw8ZRYX8NYw48/s1600/twitter.image_.2014.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAZkgftZF0aXW5YZvP3zpCzxr2p5I3VMNzMekjh5eqe97ZhyphenhyphenQaxeBQR3ENsjJ8hhY_mtW4yoMvm_8ww5actLV49d0NG_lL8vJODQra8a5MX70Oqva6fy6G72SkYy6Ozrw8ZRYX8NYw48/s320/twitter.image_.2014.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the younger generation believes that the idea
Tweeting came into being with them, those of us who have been around awhile
know differently. Tweeting is the idea of conveying a message with very few
letters or words. Our generation has been doing that for years and years. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems that we naturally have a thing for writing
encrypted (sometimes shortened) messages in the things we write. When I was in grade
school, my friends and I would make up "secret codes" and spend hours
writing (on paper) private messages to each other. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we matured we outgrew simple codes and became more
sophisticated in the method and message… we discovered "Vanity License Plates"
or "Personalized License Plates" for our cars, trucks and
motorcycles. These vary in the United States from state to state, but normally
state a message using 5 – 7.5 letters. Other countries follow the same
practice, in the United Kingdom they are called, "<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">prestige plate</span>, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">private
number plate</span>, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">cherished plate</span>
or <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">personalized registration".
These license plates sometimes carry special messages designed by the
purchaser, sometimes easy and sometimes difficult to decipher. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My wife and I keep
an eye out for these plates and try to discover or understand the message they
contain. For example we saw a bright lime green car this week on which the
plated said, "I NO RIT" or "I know, right!" We supposed it
was referring to the uniqueness of the color of the car. Then there was,
"MY1VET," "IMAJEDI," "DOES185,"
"PDOFF," "H20 WELL, and on of my favorites "AFORDY7,"
seen on a 1947 Ford. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I think you can get the idea that we are a
pretty clever bunch of beings, but did you realize that God beat us too it in
this area. Way back in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Exodus
3:13-14</b> we read, "But Moses replied, "When I go to the Israelites
and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors sent me to you,' they will ask me,
'What is his name?' So what can I tell them? God said, "I am who I am. You
must tell them: 'The one who is called I AM has sent me to you.'" </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There has been much speculation regarding the meaning of
this message. What does, "I AM" mean, is it a name or a description? I
believe it is a description trying to convey the power of the creator of the
universe. I like how Matthew Henry's commentary puts it. He says the message of
"I AM" is: "1. That he is self-existent: he has his being of
himself. 2. That he is eternal and unchangeable, and always the same,
yesterday, to-day, and forever." I like that description of the message,
it may not be exactly what God had in mind when he gave us the three letter
message, but then if we live according to his instructions in the rest of His
Book, we can find out in person someday, can't we? </div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-58592706281902480142017-09-19T09:52:00.002-04:002017-09-19T09:52:14.411-04:00BRINGER OF THE LIGHT<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ToyztL7o8RJ_rqSiLQ5GBQGQbeiiHe5uQ07FR_qMgh9nXCsqmQiVvWSxpYkvQYbaZW8SLat897t2R8KMI6X1rzPckEGgfOOd5Qk1sgTqqJBoQDPicpJMhj89xJBYiAHT-SCSxKVZhzU/s1600/smile_christ.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="241" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ToyztL7o8RJ_rqSiLQ5GBQGQbeiiHe5uQ07FR_qMgh9nXCsqmQiVvWSxpYkvQYbaZW8SLat897t2R8KMI6X1rzPckEGgfOOd5Qk1sgTqqJBoQDPicpJMhj89xJBYiAHT-SCSxKVZhzU/s320/smile_christ.gif" width="217" /></a>Have you ever met one of those people who as they say,
"lights up the room when they come in"? I hope you have, because I
have and it gives hope to life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where I work I have a friend named Anthony, he is one of
those people. It may not be a coincidence, but I find it interesting that he
works in the Lighting/ Electrical department. He helps bring light into
people's lives physically, but also spiritually. Anthony is a lover of God and
is not afraid to share his relationship with the father with others. He is one
of those folks I look for when I'm at work, because he makes work seem… well,
less like work, he brings a little light into my life, a little hope when I see
God working in him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
Of
course the example for us all is Jesus Christ, our God; our Brother; our friend
and our support. I love the description that the Apostle John gives of Jesus in
the book of John. In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 1:1-5 </b>we
read, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and
the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything
through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to
everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light
shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it</i></b>."
(NLT)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
There
is our example, the true bringer of the light! We sometimes sing a hymn that
says, "Oh to be like thee, blessed redeemer," but I wonder if we
really understand the full impact of those words, of what he was and what he
did. John goes on and says, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The One who is the true light, who gives
light to everyone, was coming into the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He came into the very world He created, but the world didn't recognize
Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him.</i></b>" (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 1: 9-11</b>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
You
see what this says is that if you try to live as a Christian and bring light to
others; don't expect them to always thank you. They rejected Jesus, they will
often reject you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don't know about you, but I pray that I can be a little
more like Anthony to those around me, but even more I pray that I can let the
light of Christ be seen in me. There is no such thing as a secret Christian,
you either are or you aren’t. Jesus himself said in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 5:14</b>, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You are the light of the world… like a city
on a hilltop that cannot be hidden</i></b>."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">When is the last time someone was glad to see you
coming? Could it be you need to let the light of Jesus be seen more in your
life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-28335260172002109562017-09-15T07:37:00.002-04:002017-09-15T07:37:15.790-04:00Wow, That's Embarrassing!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When is the last time you messed up? Maybe it was something
big, maybe was just a little something, but we all mess up in life from time to
time, don't we?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week, I was talking with a couple of people at work and
that night I started thinking about the conversation. The next day I went to
each of them and said, "I want to apologize, I said something negative and
I shouldn't have."Each of them said, "That's OK, we didn't think
anything about it." That little incident cost me nothing, reminded me of
the value of watching what I said and let others know that as a Christian I
have certain values. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the gospel record of Christ's arrest before his
crucifixion we read of his disciple Peter's actions. You are probable aware of
how he denied even know Jesus, not once, but three times. How would you like to
be remembered for that? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
In
John 21 Jesus comes to the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee about a
week after his death, burial and resurrection. He serves them breakfast and has
one of his more famous discussions with Peter. He asks Peter, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do
you love me,"</i></b> not just once, but three times. Now think about the
situation. He was sitting there around the fire having breakfast with all of
the other disciples. Each of those men knew that Peter had denied Jesus.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
What
was worse is that just a week before this we have the following conversation
recorded for EVERYONE to see and remember: "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peter declared, "Even if
everyone else deserts You, I will never desert you." Jesus replied,
"I tell you the truth, Peter; this very night, before the rooster crows,
you will deny three times that you even know Me "No!" Peter insisted.
"Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You!" And all the
other disciples vowed the same</i></b>." (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 26:33-35</b>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
Wow,
how embarrassing would that be now as he is sitting there with Jesus at
breakfast! Jesus. In the end Peter couldn't bear it, he just bows his head,
heart broken, and says, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the
question a third time. He said, "Lord, You know everything. You know that
I love You." Jesus said, "Then feed My sheep." Jesus was saying,
"then live like you mean it, like you really, really love me!</i></b>"
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 21:17</b>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
You
see, that is what Jesus is asking of us every day. He knows we are going to
mess us, but we need to own up to it even if it is embarrassing, ask for
forgiveness and then get on with serving God. It maybe some little thing or it
could be some big thing… it doesn't matter. Make it right no matter how
embarrassing and get on with living like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>you really love God. The apostle John, who saw all of this take place,
wrote in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1John 1:8-9,</b> "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If we
claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the
truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness</i></b>". Maybe it is
time to stop being embarrassed and start making things right with God and your
fellow men. </div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-1287128927752068732017-06-30T05:17:00.001-04:002017-06-30T05:17:08.402-04:00The Cane<!--[if !mso]>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucueb2kk3rdZrWqu8CDXr5j9BtQYYMiyexjkU4uYnffqwVHs7u0IPxyOAx00lUQrUQr6NjRqgz_pBSMzS-Im0oP90GKUW5JYwCADZ9hvIMbKRqlMgzUtryK7-r5P8giAh5C6c6azwUSU/s1600/canes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="143" data-original-width="352" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucueb2kk3rdZrWqu8CDXr5j9BtQYYMiyexjkU4uYnffqwVHs7u0IPxyOAx00lUQrUQr6NjRqgz_pBSMzS-Im0oP90GKUW5JYwCADZ9hvIMbKRqlMgzUtryK7-r5P8giAh5C6c6azwUSU/s320/canes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
This past week was a bit of a struggle for me. I had a problem with my
back, my sciatic nerve to be exact, which affected my leg also. Because of this
problem for several days I used a cane to walk with, it supported me and kept
me stable as I walked. Most of the time this cane sits in the back of a closet,
but it's great to have it when you need it. </div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Our son, Kirk is often seen carrying a cane. He has at times had to
use it for the same reasons as have I, but most of the time he carries it for a
different reason. He teaches Martial Arts and one of the forms he practices is
called “Bartitsu,” which is called a “Mixed Martial Arts Form.” Basically Bartitsu
is a form of martial arts that uses a cane as a defensive weapon.</div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I know it may seem strange to be writing about a cane, but I’m
mentioning this because of a comment by a member of our church family, Gary. Recently
he said, “Some folks say, ‘your religion is a cane (or a crutch) to get you
through life when you can’t cope,’ and they are right, but that’s not a bad
thing, it’s the way it is suppose to be.” </div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I hadn’t thought of it in that context before, but he is exactly
right. We who are Christians have something that those who are not Christians don’t
have. We have a hope, a faith, a belief in someone greater than any problem we
can face on earth. While dealing with my back injury there were a couple of
times that my cane kept me from falling when my leg gave out. It supported me
and did exactly what a cane is supposed to do. Our cane (or our crutch), is
Christ and His church and it is doing exactly what it is suppose to be doing;
helping and supporting us, keeping us from, falling. <b>Hebrews 4:15</b> tells
us, “<b><i>For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are,
yet he did not sin</i></b>.” Christ understands and supports us, holds us up
when we are about to fall, “IF” we hold tight to him as our cane and our
support.</div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
In a different application a spiritual cane is also that which is used
to protect us and fight against Satan, (The gates of hell shall not prevail
against the church, <b>Matthew 16:18</b>). That shows an aggressive approach to
fighting Satan… so our cane, our crutch is useful in that way also. There are
times that we as Christians must take a stand against Satan and Sin! </div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-2181525740694548556gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
So, my conclusion to all of this is that yes, Christ and his church
are my cane, my crutch, and I’m proud of it, because I know my weakness, I know
how easily I can fall. Maybe you need to become more involved in the use of
this cane to lift up yourself and others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of us have a choice; we can leave Christ
leaning in the back of the closet or take him out and make him a real part of
our lives. Could it be that you need to learn to lean on Christ and his Church
a little more than you do? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-80314646230652265852017-06-23T08:35:00.001-04:002017-06-23T08:35:46.736-04:00Is 49% enough?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">DID
YOU KNOW...Any cheese which is labeled as "processed cheese" is
really only 49% cheese (even thought it is labeled as “Real Cheese”. The other
51% is coloring, binders, preservatives, and stabilizers. So… does that make processed
cheese “real” cheese or only a “cheese like” product. How close to “the real
thing,” does something need to be before it is considered… well… real?</span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">DID
YOU KNOW... that there are no regulations regarding the labeling of Honey? A
product can have as little as 1% honey (the rest corn syrup), and still be
labeled as 100% honey. How much honey does it need to be real honey.</span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">DID
YOU KNOW… that many who claim to be Christians, don’t read their bible
regularly, don’t attend the worship periods of the church, don’t share their
faith with others, don’t fellowship with other Christians, often don’t live
their lives as if Christ lived within them, yet are still labeled as
“Christians”. How much much of God’s directions or commands do you need to keep
to still be considered a “real” Christian?</span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">John
wrote in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>1 John 2:3-4</b>, “<b><i>We
know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I
know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in
that person.”</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>So… how
much does it take to be a real Christian according to God’s Word? It seems to
me that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>God is saying that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>it takes<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(at least<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>trying to give),<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>100% of our lives to him.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Is
49% of the real thing enough? Well, that’s one of the reasons we don’t buy
“processed cheese,” I want the “real” thing. Do you think that God will be
satisfied with 49% of your life?</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-30519316316129783462017-05-26T04:16:00.000-04:002017-05-26T04:16:26.212-04:00A Come to Jesus Meeting<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">It
may be strange to think of it, but when we say the phrase, “Come to Jesus” it
has a different meaning to some than it did just a few years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">For
example, you may hear someone speak of a "Come To Jesus Meeting". In
our American culture this describes a time when a polite ultimatum is given,
generally followed by a less polite ultimatum, then a threat or final option.
If you are a parent this may mean that “your meeting” is followed by a parental
spanking or some other form of punishment. If you are an adult, something more
sever may be the result of “your meeting”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The
phrase may be used in this way: “Son, this is your only opt ion and if you do
not want to do this, then you can come here and we will have a "come to
Jesus meeting". In other words, there will be consequences to your
decision not to comply with the request.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
In
reality that meaning has not changed from the original has it? Jesus came to
call all men unto him, right? For what purpose? To initiate a change in their
lives an actions and to ultimately save them from their sins. He never
threatens, but does point out the consequences for someones “failure to comply”.
The refusal to give our hearts to him, to love him enough to do what he asks
has t he consequences of eternal separation from God.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
We
tend to categorize sins (the refusal to obey God’s directions) as either big
sins or little sins, but in reality they all bear the same consequences don’t
they? A good example of this is found in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Revelation
21:8</b>, “<b><i>But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and
murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall
have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the
second death</i></b>.”<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
A
modern translation puts it this way: “<b><i>But cowards, unbelievers, the
corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol
worshipers, and all liars, their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
This is the second death.</i></b>”<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">What
is the second death? It is an eternal separation from God, the source of life,
which by definition is a spiritual death. If you want to understand a true
“come to Jesus meeting,” that is it. Sin of any kind is still sin and our
failure to comply with God’s request brings about the ultimate consequences,
eternal death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">How
about you, is it time for you “come to Jesus meeting?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The
phrase may be used in this way: “Son, this is your only opt ion and if you do
not want to do this, then you can come here and we will have a "come to
Jesus meeting". In other words, there will be consequences to your
decision not to comply with the request.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
In
reality that meaning has not changed from the original has it? Jesus came to
call all men unto him, right? For what purpose? To initiate a change in their
lives an actions and to ultimately save them from their sins. He never
threatens, but does point out the consequences for someones “failure to comply”.
The refusal to give our hearts to him, to love him enough to do what he asks
has t he consequences of eternal separation from God.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
We
tend to categorize sins (the refusal to obey God’s directions) as either big
sins or little sins, but in reality they all bear the same consequences don’t
they? A good example of this is found in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>Revelation
21:8</b>, “<b><i>But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and
murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall
have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the
second death</i></b>.”<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
A
modern translation puts it this way: “<b><i>But cowards, unbelievers, the
corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol
worshipers, and all liars, their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
This is the second death.</i></b>”<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">What
is the second death? It is an eternal separation from God, the source of life,
which by definition is a spiritual death. If you want to understand a true
“come to Jesus meeting,” that is it. Sin of any kind is still sin and our
failure to comply with God’s request brings about the ultimate consequences,
eternal death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-5308041130575393071gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">How
about you, is it time for you “come to Jesus meeting?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-74680922871959076522017-05-26T04:08:00.001-04:002017-05-26T04:08:15.758-04:00Is 49% enough?<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">DID
YOU KNOW...Any cheese which is labeled as "processed cheese" is
really only 49% cheese (even thought it is labeled as “Real Cheese”. The other
51% is coloring, binders, preservatives, and stabilizers. So… does that make
processed cheese “real” cheese or only a “cheese like” product. How close to
“the real thing,” does something need to be before it is considered… well…
real?</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">DID YOU KNOW... that there are no regulations
regarding the labeling of Honey? A product can have as little as 1% honey (the
rest corn syrup), and still be labeled as 100% honey. How much honey does it
need to be real honey.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">DID YOU KNOW… that many who claim to be
Christians, don’t read their bible regularly, don’t attend the worship periods
of the church, don’t share their faith with others, don’t fellowship with other
Christians, often don’t live their lives as if Christ lived within them, yet
are still labeled as “Christians”. How much much of God’s directions or
commands do you need to keep to still be considered a “real” Christian?</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">John wrote in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>1 John 2:3-4</b>, “<b><i>We know
that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know
him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that
person.”</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>So… how much
does it take to be a real Christian according to God’s Word? It seems to me
that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>God is saying that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>it takes<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(at least<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>trying to give),<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>100% of our lives to him.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="m3327666257916897002gmail-western" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Is 49% of the real thing enough? Well, that’s
one of the reasons we don’t buy “processed cheese,” I want the “real” thing. Do
you think that God will be satisfied with 49% of your life?</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-89652362336875219632017-04-29T09:15:00.002-04:002017-04-29T09:15:58.635-04:00The Silver Lining<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
For the past two years we have hung
a Boston Fern on our back patio, both years we have had birds <span class="il">silver</span>, furry,
lining. She showed me the nest and I told her, “I know why it has a <span class="il">silver</span> lining…. You cut my hair on the back patio the other day
and they must have pick up the hair left on the ground to line their nest.” </div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yphvU5uz9LGfrWNhd1J39gGlOWF_EkCw53_aSTs57Lg-A3jhSQvDoDPdskQnApzXOiCIa9G4Ok7No3-Pm8C86Kt7SmFz8csHN74ybDZDG170_tzfuHpJs96Mmupiv8EXLKqkrVj7EBU/s1600/Silver+lining+nest+w-eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yphvU5uz9LGfrWNhd1J39gGlOWF_EkCw53_aSTs57Lg-A3jhSQvDoDPdskQnApzXOiCIa9G4Ok7No3-Pm8C86Kt7SmFz8csHN74ybDZDG170_tzfuHpJs96Mmupiv8EXLKqkrVj7EBU/s320/Silver+lining+nest+w-eggs.jpg" width="179" /></a>Yes, my hair is a kind of <span class="il">silver</span> white, that’s not unusual in our day and age is it. They
tell us that we as a nation are living longer and longer. The current average
life expectancy is 78.7 years which is an improvement over the 68.7 years of
1960. In other words, there are more “gray heads” around than there used to be.
Some have referred to this as “the graying of America”. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I’ve been increasingly bothered by
the shift in our nation over the past 20 or 30 years. There seems to be a lack
of respect for the “older generation”. You can see it almost everywhere you go
and throughout all aspects of our society. Yet, this is exactly the opposite of
how God’s word tells us it should be. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b>Proverbs 16:31</b> tells us, “<b><i>Gray
hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” </i></b>In
<em><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Leviticus 19:32</span></b></em> <i>we
read:</i> “<b><i>Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the
elderly and revere your God.’</i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
It seems significant to me that God
links showing respect for the elderly with revering our God? Now I’m not
writing this to beg for sympathy for me as I age, like many of my age group on
the inside I feel a lot younger than I look on the outside. For me personally I
don’t necessarily want or need special treatment, but God’s word says we who
have gray hair deserve it. When is the last time you saw a young person give
their seat to someone who was older than them. When was the last time you saw
the “gray heads” being allowed to go first through a line or even through a
door simply because it was the respectful thing to do? Our county and our
schools will not teach this lesson, but then it is not their job to teach it,
it is the job of us who are parents or leaders in our churches.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
The gray in our hair is more than
just something put there by nature. It is part of the <span class="il">silver</span>
lining God is lining our personal nests with…. It may not often appear that it
is near us or that we have access to it, but if we stop and think about it is
always there if we are near our God. In <b><i>Isaiah 46:4, </i></b>God says: “<b><i>Even
to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear
you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will
deliver you. </i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Our God “<b><i>Has done it” </i></b>and
will continue. Even when we don’t feel very appreciated or respected the one
who truly counts in our life appreciates, loves and respects us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-87461099393429762242017-03-31T04:38:00.001-04:002017-03-31T04:38:07.737-04:00Do You Want To Live?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6onFax8FhQxlALc_dJm4SSZR1zSwKSZOBg5ijl1FnSPu2cctsp8oMKPAB3TtztbJ3Hujbl-yhcHhu9nmcRSe9ZEDbn4ecb4fqz_aH3PoyJq4YqBByyPlKyLdsG1P2JPcL_BzcBgebTxk/s1600/conan-the-barbarian-wallpaper-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6onFax8FhQxlALc_dJm4SSZR1zSwKSZOBg5ijl1FnSPu2cctsp8oMKPAB3TtztbJ3Hujbl-yhcHhu9nmcRSe9ZEDbn4ecb4fqz_aH3PoyJq4YqBByyPlKyLdsG1P2JPcL_BzcBgebTxk/s320/conan-the-barbarian-wallpaper-2.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is an old movie from the 1980's, Conan the Barbarian.
At one point in the movie Conan and his group of warriors are fighting and as
they face battle with overwhelming odds one asks the other, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What's the matter, do you want to live
forever</b>". The thought expressed, being that there in no better way to
die than in battle or that life is not worth living without facing a challenge.
A great inspiring thought, but how close to reality?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I was in the hospital for tests a while back and I was
asked a question I had never been asked </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
before. The doctor came in and talked
about the procedure I was going to have and asked, "Do you have a living
will?" I told him, "Yes, I do." He said, well I have to ask
this, "If something happens and your heart stops during this procedure, do
you want us to try and bring you back?" Now that will make you sit up and
take notice! I had to stop and think and ask a couple of questions to make sure
I understood. I then told him, "Yes, bring me back." <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
What
is it you want, what is really important to you? I'm reminded of a incident in
the life of Jesus as he left the city of Jericho
recorded in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mark 10:46</b> and
following. Notice what happened:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> "<span style="color: black;">And so they
reached Jericho.
Later, as Jesus and his disciples left town, a great crowd was following. A
blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road as
Jesus was going by. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus from Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout out,
"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" "Be quiet!" some
of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, "Son of David,
have mercy on me!" When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, "Tell
him to come here." So they called the blind man. "Cheer up,"
they said. "Come on, he’s calling you!" Bartimaeus threw aside his
coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked.
"Teacher," the blind man said, "I want to see!"</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
The
man, Bartimaeus, didn't have to ask questions for clarification, he didn't have
to stop and think about it, he knew exactly what he wanted and Jesus granted
his request.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
What
is it YOU want more than anything? Most folks, when given time to think about
it would like to avoid death, they would say, "I want to live and if possible,
to live forever". Paul wrote in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans
6:23</b>. "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For the wages of sin <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span>
death; but the gift of God <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span>
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord</i></b>." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
I
want to live and I know I have eternal life because of God's promises! John
wrote fabulous words of encouragement in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">1 John 5:13<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i></span></b><span style="color: black;">Notice what he says: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"I write these things to you who
believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have
eternal life</i></b>." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black;">There's an old gospel song that says, "I know, I know,
there's no doubt about it, he's real in my heart and I'm going to shout
it". That's the feeling you have when you understand that you have life
with Christ! Do you want to live? Yes! Then go to the book and see what he
tells you that you must do! In fact read the whole chapter of Romans 6 for a
starter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black;">May our God bless you with success in your attempt to live
forever!</span></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-499693055408715372017-03-27T05:34:00.002-04:002017-03-27T05:34:19.464-04:00GRACIE'S HAIR<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
My wife helps teach in our church’s preschool in the class for 4 year
old children. She loves it and is </div>
always being surprised by the observations
the children make. Little Gracie is in the class, and Gracie is always easy to
spot because she has a beautiful head of red hair. <br />
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
This last week the children were sitting in a row watching an activity
going on. My wife was sitting behind the children and over heard when a little
4 year old boy leaned over to Gracie and ask, “Do you dye your hair?” Gracie
turned to him and said, “No, it’s all my own.” </div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hT9lj75FHcqhZ0gMFX3paRec-VLmlbLZbIPmEy9CxRhRdtBIWTinIWG5Un-qPG1QlVxzcPs3jHqs8zB8AMVRtqcziixVaQQbuZGQXswRPKk68yphlrP9qNnLpDBcQ6v3mAooZ0uFdN8/s1600/red+hair+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hT9lj75FHcqhZ0gMFX3paRec-VLmlbLZbIPmEy9CxRhRdtBIWTinIWG5Un-qPG1QlVxzcPs3jHqs8zB8AMVRtqcziixVaQQbuZGQXswRPKk68yphlrP9qNnLpDBcQ6v3mAooZ0uFdN8/s200/red+hair+girl.jpg" width="166" /></a> </div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
The question is; what prompted the little guy to ask the question?
Obviously, Gracie’s hair is different from most of the other kids. It would
seem likely though that he knows someone who dyes their hair. </div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Often in our world today it’s hard to know what is real and what is
not real. People do a great job of disguising things as well as themselves.
Most of the time only the outside is changed, which only disguises what lies
underneath. Obviously many people do this, that’s why “plastic” surgeons make a
good living. That’s why cosmetic companies thrive and clothing companies work
hard to design the latest trendy clothing. We want to look good and feel good
about ourselves. </div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Sometimes we wonder what is real and what is not in the religious
world, don’t we? There are hundreds and hundreds of different kinds of
churches, (religious belief’s) in our world. How can we know what is real and
what is not. Most everybody in our county knows about Jim Jones and his
“church”. They know the meaning of the phrase, “drinking the cool aid” also.
Jim Jones was the church leader who convinced 918 of his followers to drink
cool aid with cyanide in it and kill themselves. We think about that and
wonder, “How could they not realize this was not God’s message for His church
today?” “How could they not know this was not real?” </div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
If you look at the person next to you, can you tell if they dye their
hair? It’s a silly question I know, but unless it is a really bad dye job, you
may not be able to tell. However if you worked with hair on a daily basis you
most probably could tell immediately what is real or what was not. </div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
There is a way to discover the truth though isn’t there… by study, by
exposure, but being instructed. In <b>John 8:32</b> Jesus said, “<b><i>and you
will know the truth, and the truth will set you free</i></b>.” In <b>John 17:17</b>
we read, “<b><i>Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth</i></b>,” (NIV)
“<b><i>Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth</i></b>”.
(NLT) You see, if you spend enough time with God’s Word, you will be able to
recognize what is real and what is not.</div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m2559518512679349619gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
As you look at your life, is it real or is it fake? Do you dye your
spiritual life (change it on the outside) to make it look good to others, or is
it really you? Are you drinking the cool aid, just because someone gives it too
you, or are you able to tell what is real?</div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-14356846597391271702017-03-27T05:25:00.003-04:002017-03-27T05:27:28.168-04:00The Gift <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I’ve written a couple of times
about our new rescued dog, Cassie, but something I don’t think I have mentioned
is that she was a <span class="il">gift</span> to my wife. Our little dog Chewy
died this past summer and my wife has been grieving every since. Actually,
until we got our new furry kid I didn’t realize how much I missed her too.
Anyway, the search for a new dog began as a search for a special dog for my
wife for Valentines day. We got her a few days late, but the name which was
chosen for her is “Cassie Valentine”. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3wCYc7t_novovyCMxRSkEcI_nFQFitqOT_Q91tMtxNRL2ZM47Rt62pQpZbvrYDVI7MMsEFT3NTD_O6CV3Vu11JZHww4NoxdzW9lMpTwZU2mxiAPTLT3VwzCpam3fWLVR1FdZGYmP6TQ/s1600/gift+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3wCYc7t_novovyCMxRSkEcI_nFQFitqOT_Q91tMtxNRL2ZM47Rt62pQpZbvrYDVI7MMsEFT3NTD_O6CV3Vu11JZHww4NoxdzW9lMpTwZU2mxiAPTLT3VwzCpam3fWLVR1FdZGYmP6TQ/s1600/gift+dog.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
You probably have heard the saying
which goes, “it’s the <span class="il">gift</span> that keeps on giving,” well
that’s Cassie. She has bonded with both of us, but especially my wife as she is
with her so much more. My wife can’t leave the room without a little black
shadow following her. She gets so excited when we give her canned dog food that
she prances around, rolls on her back and wags all over, (the dog, not my
wife). She returns the blessing of love, maybe because she understands the <span class="il">gift</span> she has been given and remembers what it was like not to
have those who loved her and cared for her. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Our grandaughter has also received
a <span class="il">gift</span> through this little fur ball. She has “suggested”
for the past six months that “you guys REALLY need a new dog”. What she was
really saying is that she wanted us to get a dog that she could play with.
However, blessings sometimes bless us in unexpected ways. Our 9 year old
grandaughter has begun hand sewing cloths for the dog. She has made her a coat
and Shaw and a neckerchief. They really look cute and she is proud of her
ability to make these little <span class="il">gifts</span> for the dog. <span class="il">Gifts</span> can be blessings which fill our needs, gives us something
we can’t give ourselves, or even that which causes us to share with others. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
From another aspect though which we
understand is that this <span class="il">gift</span> comes with responsibility.
Dog’s take care; they take time, and there is some expense with having a dog.
That’s not unlike the <span class="il">gift</span> of being a Christian is it?
Someone reminded me again, that Dog spelled backwards is GOD, maybe that’s not
an accident that it’s that way. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I like this modern translation of <b>Ephesians
2:8</b> that tells us, “<b><i>God saved you by his grace when you believed. And
you can't take credit for this; it is a <span class="il">gift</span> from God</i></b>.”
Often in the New Testament we read of the reaction of those who come into
contact with Jesus. They rejoiced, gave thanks and went and told others what
Jesus has done for them, because the <span class="il">gift</span> he has given
them. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
How are you doing with that? <b><span style="font-weight: normal;">In </span>Matthew 28:119-20 </b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">we read of Jesus saying,</span> “</b><b><i>Therefore
go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them</i> <i>to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very
end of the age</i></b>.” You see, this is our response to the <span class="il">gift</span>!
It is the <span class="il">gift</span> that keeps on giving and one for which we
must keep on rejoicing. </div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-77364353029505936832017-03-27T05:21:00.000-04:002017-03-27T05:21:56.353-04:00SECOND HAND DOGS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may or may not have read the article I wrote about our
family rescuing an older dog from the local animal shelter. Some might call her
a “Second Hand Dog,” but that’s OK, we love things that have seen a little wear
and tear, maybe has some of the ‘new’ rubbed off. We did adopt her and she is
fitting in just fine with just minor adjustments as she figures out this new
home and strange people in her life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had to take her to the Veterinarian this week as she had
developed a cough. They warned us at the shelter this might happen; I guess
kennel cough is a common problem where there are large groups of dogs. She is
on antibiotics and has almost stopped coughing completely now. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Vet said something that made an impression on me during
the exam. As many of us do when we go to the doctor we experience what they
call “White coat” anxiety. Our heart rate goes up; our blood pressure goes up,
etc. After examining her, the vet said, “I can see that she has chosen you for
her family?” I was confused by that statement, but the Vet continued: “When I
began the exam her, heart rate was high, she was afraid. You came over and
began to pet her and talk to her and as I listened her heart rate dropped. I
knew she had chosen to trust you and accept you.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know about you, but I think that is such a cool
thing to be trusted and accepted as someone’s protector (even if it is a dog). It’s
great to be chosen as a protector, but what about the ones who choose to
protect and love us. We have come to love that little furry one, protect her
and provide for her. She gives us back something which is without price, her
love. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isn’t that just like our God and our relationship? He chooses
us doesn’t he? Paul writes in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Colossians
3:12</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe
yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and
patience</i></b>.” How do we respond to our God who has chosen us? The apostle
Peter adds in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Peter 1:5</b>, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But
now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.</i></b>”
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pray that you may be granted the peace, comfort and trust
that our little dog finds in us in your relationship with our God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-84567389291814772072017-02-24T01:58:00.002-05:002017-02-24T01:59:41.844-05:00OLD AND UNWANTED<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I’m getting to the age where many of the “young” people refer to me as
“old”. That’s OK with me, I really don’t care, I figure that the gray hair is a
mark of the many adventures we have had in this life. The problem with getting
older is that your body can no longer keep up with what your mind thinks it can
do! </div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I’m much luckier than many people in this world, because even though I
am “more mature” in age, I am also loved by those important to me. Now the
reason I am thinking about this is because our family status just changed. You
see, about 8 months ago our little “furry kid”, (our dog), who had been with us
for almost 16 years died. After struggling with the decision we went to the
local Animal Shelter and found a little dog and rescued her. </div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2pvi903c8cI71x9mWHDrQSo166-xEki_pzbnJVAfOuV3MXTEbRZ-dPQGv_jGmq-zZdViBArswbSUqadvqNgsfW1EvcNutxFORClwnz2Xadz_LBjYX0hZCW9c6fKXdDEf3dyQVFkLM9g/s1600/Cassies+first+pic+Russ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2pvi903c8cI71x9mWHDrQSo166-xEki_pzbnJVAfOuV3MXTEbRZ-dPQGv_jGmq-zZdViBArswbSUqadvqNgsfW1EvcNutxFORClwnz2Xadz_LBjYX0hZCW9c6fKXdDEf3dyQVFkLM9g/s320/Cassies+first+pic+Russ.jpg" width="180" /></a>Now what makes her special is that she was picked up as a stray and no
one came to claim her. She was scruffy or scraggly looking with matted hair and
quite a bit undernourished (you can easily feel her bones through her skin).
The Shelter staff estimate her age to be about 12 year old, which makes it
harder to find folks who are willing to adopt her. She was in the “OAU”
category (old and unwanted). You see everyone wants a cute little puppy, but an
older dog with just a few years left is another story. The bottom line was that
if the Shelter didn’t find someone to adopt her they would euthanize (or kill)
her. </div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
From the first time I saw her picture (scruffiness and all) I wanted
her. I saw a scared little dog who didn’t understand what was happening and was
completely at the mercy of people. Being older ourselves and having had two
small dogs in the past who lived to be near 16 we understand somewhat the
limitations of age. We wanted to love her and give her the best (last) years
that we can. We called everyday until they put her up for adoption because we
surely didn’t what the alternative to happen. That morning my wife was there
when the doors opened, and now she is ours.</div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
It seems that our society has also lost some very important values and
one of them is honoring older folks. Our younger generation for the most part
worships youth and rejects the concept that those who are older just might have
something important to contribute, something as important as love and
acceptance. Our “old dog,” is already finding her way into our hearts. She was
so over joyed to come home with us that she runs around like a puppy and climbs
in our laps and cuddles up and exudes love. My wife said it seemed a little
strange that she should adapt so quickly. I replied, “Maybe she knows the fate
that awaited her before we came along,” probably not, but we knew and we acted
because of that. </div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m-6405162524498197535gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Now looking at the spiritual application a bunch of scripture comes to
mind as it relates to this. The scriptures tell us, “<b><i>While we were still
sinners Christ died for us</i></b>” and that “<b><i>he was not willing that any
of us should perish but all come to salvation</i></b>”. You see, we may be
older, we may be a bit scruffy looking too, but not to God. God understood the
fate that awaits those, who like that little dog, lost and alone in a big world
will suffer. He determined that he would go to any extreme to rescue us and he
did. He died for us that we can live eternally in the arms of a loving master.
Are you there yet? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-91832145262632386172017-01-27T01:39:00.004-05:002017-01-27T01:39:42.774-05:00TELL US NICE THINGS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuYn85NnE0HCcGmc7V1_pNCNkuUiXmdGIvVLnXDMKBi_KyuT6ZGhyphenhyphenA1GRPAlZge8hI5ro4ditvSfHJxO8_uhnKbRCKtWC_eIRWp2vpKpP95QkPDGpTN4KdoDneB-I_I_J5MdFHVxPRhE/s1600/nice+things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuYn85NnE0HCcGmc7V1_pNCNkuUiXmdGIvVLnXDMKBi_KyuT6ZGhyphenhyphenA1GRPAlZge8hI5ro4ditvSfHJxO8_uhnKbRCKtWC_eIRWp2vpKpP95QkPDGpTN4KdoDneB-I_I_J5MdFHVxPRhE/s1600/nice+things.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">One of the Elders in our church, Bob, shared some
thoughts with us the other evening. One of the scriptures he mentioned struck a
cord with me. It is several thousand years old, but it speaks clearly to our
society. We live in a world where far too many have dismissed the idea of moral
or ethical values or constraints. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">We live in a world where more and more people feel
they have “A RIGHT” to do or say whatever they want, whatever feels good to
them without restraint. They teach, “Have sex with whoever you want, we’ve made
abortion clinics available for everyone”. “Have homosexual relations, we
changed the laws and it’s legal now”. “Cheat just a little on your taxes, or
anywhere you can, it won’t really matter.” “Speak your mind, as crudely and as
loudly as you want, no one can stop you”. “Participate in all of the worldly
things you want… drink just a little, gamble just a little, party just a
little… it’s your right!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The problem is that the world has tried this before,
(more than once), and it always has the same results. Notice what God says
about this through his spokesman, Isaiah. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“Now go and write down these words. Write them in a
book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness that these people are
stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the Lord’s instructions. They
tell the seers, "Stop seeing visions!" They tell God’s spokesmen:
"Don't tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies. Forget
all this gloom. Get off your narrow path. Stop telling us about your 'Holy One
of Israel.'"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Notice how God responds to this line of reasoning: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This
is the reply of the Holy One of Israel, Jehovah God: "Because you despise
what I tell you and trust instead in oppression and lies, calamity will come
upon you suddenly; like a bulging wall that bursts and falls. In an instant it
will collapse and come crashing down. You will be smashed like a piece of
pottery; shattered so completely that there won't be a piece big enough to
carry coals from a fireplace or a little water from the well."</i></b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isaiah 30:8-14</b>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m convinced that the reason
some of the “Modern churches” are growing today is because they no longer speak
for God. I visited a church awhile back and sadly I never heard the scriptures
read or mentioned during the whole service. The preacher instead gave a book
review of the latest motivational book. Tell us lies the people said, Tells us
only nice things, Forget all this gloom. It’s surprising that so many “Church
Leaders” are listening to people like that. It has become all about numbers and
money, not the truth. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Let me suggest to you that
just because the government approves of something doesn’t make it right. Just
because something is now socially acceptable doesn’t make it right. If we don’t
begin to follow God’s word, “The Holy One, Jehovah God’s” instructions for our
lives we will eventually be broken into pieces just as he did to Israel. Could
it be that you need to make a change, maybe take a stand for what is right in
God’s sight?</span></div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-61835500610377737382017-01-27T01:37:00.002-05:002017-01-27T01:37:31.415-05:00Motivate Yourself<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1V2FWPzECJlQRMNb738QzljnTUhf-x-oFCX5q1aXRSF3FPq2zE5InS6RT8owV4QboqB1zK7AY4eqQE6tRiFduxQvqwmRAUZ46lKpDZBn8EDPdDRj2SJ8tBrimuvDj4pjlCD8CIEhgX0/s1600/motivation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1V2FWPzECJlQRMNb738QzljnTUhf-x-oFCX5q1aXRSF3FPq2zE5InS6RT8owV4QboqB1zK7AY4eqQE6tRiFduxQvqwmRAUZ46lKpDZBn8EDPdDRj2SJ8tBrimuvDj4pjlCD8CIEhgX0/s1600/motivation.png" /></a></div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
As I have become “more mature,” I have found that often I find home
more inviting than something that is “not home,” especially on these cold
winter days. I sometimes find it harder to motivate myself to get out of my
warm comfortable space and do things, even if I know they need to be done. But
of course if we don’t motivate ourselves then perhaps God will allow our
motivation to come from somewhere else. </div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
I’m reminded of an incident that happened when I was about 18 years
old. I was helping build a house with my dad and others in one of the suburbs
of Dayton, Ohio. There was an old stray dog that showed up on the job site. He
was really skittish and afraid to get too close to us, probably he had been
mistreated by someone. Anyway, I kept trying to win his confidence and even
shared some of my lunch with him. He finally seemed to become a little more
trusting and even took some food from my hand. He backed off and sat down and
then surprisingly he yelped loudly, jumped up and took off running. I was
mystified until I went over and looked at where he had sat down. There was an
electrical cord with two frayed wires just where he had sat down. He received
an unexpected shock and a lot motivation to vacate the premises. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
What is it that you know you should be doing and are not? I’m
convinced that there are a great many people who don’t begin to use their
talents or God given abilities. They are comfortable and don’t want to get out
of that comfort zone. Sometimes we enjoy the comfort of hearing others teach,
but perhaps we should be teaching ourselves. Isn’t the church always asking
(sometimes begging) for those to help teach? What about serving? Do we ever
really have enough people to do the many things that need to be done within our
church family? That takes a lot of forms such as cooking, cleaning, visiting,
sharing, comforting, encouraging just to name a few. </div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_7414680075020033307_en-ESV-24035"></a>There is a parable
told by Jesus meant to motivate us to do what we should be doing. It is about
three men who are given talents (in this case money) and told to use them for
their Lord. Two did, but one buried his and gained nothing for his master, (<b>Matthew
25:14-30)</b>. In the end Jesus said, “<b><i>For to everyone who has will more
be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even
what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer
darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.</i></b>”
(vs 29-30)</div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="m7414680075020033307gmail-western" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Let’s hope that God doesn’t have to give us this kind of “shocking”
motivation to get us to use our talents. Don’t think you don’t have any, God
gives them to us all, it’s up to you to discover them and develop them.</div>
Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1626146758341761184.post-6121240690537559612017-01-27T01:28:00.000-05:002017-01-27T01:28:00.502-05:00DEATH IS INCONVENIENT<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBH1cz0BFGF1Eg7IIDnwb8r1JB8nYUZ1Nw-Dvvbvy6qWjBJH03rDX072iERFbkqE58FJCyRwttLErepj4pZEICAOWmzxZzNIYnsxsWPWtVCKxHJDXy8iIzq8SpYharuEhY_Kvcd6f_BA/s1600/tombstone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBH1cz0BFGF1Eg7IIDnwb8r1JB8nYUZ1Nw-Dvvbvy6qWjBJH03rDX072iERFbkqE58FJCyRwttLErepj4pZEICAOWmzxZzNIYnsxsWPWtVCKxHJDXy8iIzq8SpYharuEhY_Kvcd6f_BA/s1600/tombstone1.jpg" /></a>It seems that our lives are constantly coming into contact
with death and whenever they do it is never convenient. Plans that have been
made suddenly cease, trips that have been planned suddenly seem unimportant.
All of those things on your “to-do” list can wait a little longer while we
focus upon this seeming tragedy in our lives. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes, I said, “seeming tragedy”. Death is always a loss, many
times it is a surprise, but it is not always a tragic thing when it happens. You
know that some folks are ready to face death; they have prepared themselves
spiritually and are ready to go and be embraced by their God. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I have been involved in somewhere around 100 funerals in my
preaching career, (and I realize that is not a lot compared to some ministers),
but it is enough to learn some things about people. The simple truth is that
unless it is an immediate family member, death is more of an inconvenience than
anything. It disrupts their plans. It’s not that they are not truly concerned
and sorrowful, but the truth is that often the ones involved in the death are
soon forgotten. Simply because in life, there are goals to meet, plans to
complete, things to do… death is inconvenient. </div>
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<br /></div>
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There is actually a record in the bible of someone who felt
that way. In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Luke 12:16-21 </b>Jesus
tells us about it: “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man
yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no
place to store my crops.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Then he
said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones,
and there I will store my surplus grain. And I'll say to myself, "You have
plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be
merry."' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life
will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for
yourself?'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"This is how it will be
with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."</i></b><span style="color: red;"></span></div>
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I believe that the man in this story found death to be very
inconvenient to say the least. He had his plans made, his future planned out,
his retirement prepared and death intervened. What about you? If you knew that
you would be facing death soon, would your priorities suddenly change? Would
your lists and your plans really matter any more? I would think that for many
things would change a great deal. We don’t like to be reminded of it, but death
is a reality and it is the one thing we will never escape in life. All you can
do is prepare in advance for that which is coming to you at sometime whether it
is convenient or not. An old hymn asks, “Are you ready, are you ready, are you
ready for the judgment day?” Are you? </div>
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<![endif]--><br />Messages From The Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646019070399255586noreply@blogger.com0