tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24722645500391502612024-03-04T23:07:06.779-06:00Mark KieftFocusing on God and His WordMark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-81313682656435826232017-02-02T13:59:00.000-06:002017-02-02T14:00:45.894-06:00God KNOWS and SEES Everything - that is BOTH Terrifying and Comforting<div class="MsoNormal">
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My grandmother lived through the depression and that made an
impact on her all of her life. Even
after she had become a doctor and finances were not really an issue she still
saved and kept everything. One of my
favorite things to do when I visited grandma was to sneak away into some of the
rooms and look through the drawers and closets.
I would spend hours sorting and looking
and wondering at all the stuff. Much of it was
new and still in boxes. One time as I
was exploring I came across a beautiful pocket watch. Without thinking too much about it and
without asking I stuck the watch in my pocket and took it home. I had the watch
but I never showed it to anyone because they might ask where I got it. After a number of years being hidden away I
lost it. Years went by, and I seldom thought about it. But then when I was 19 years old I went into
missionary training and then on to Ecuador to serve for a couple of years. During this time God was doing a serious work
in my heart. I remembered the watch and
was overcome with guilt. I tried to
ignore it. After all nobody knew what I
had done there was no way that anyone would ever find out. Yet the quiet inner voice of God kept on speaking
to me in my conscience and would NOT let me rest. Finally I wrote grandma a
letter telling her what I had done and asking her forgiveness. She wrote back a gracious letter telling me she
forgave me. She went on to say that the pocket watch did not matter but a clean
conscience did. The fact that God knows everything and is everywhere present is
both <b>terrifying</b> and <b>comforting.
</b>Let’s look at some verses from Psalm 139. <b> </b></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Psalm 139:1-4</span></b> (NLT)
O LORD, you have examined my heart and <b>know everything</b> about me. [2] <b>You
know</b> when I <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">sit</span> down or <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">stand</span> up. You <b>know my</b> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">thoughts</span> even
when I’m far away. ...[4] <b>You know</b>
what I am <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">going</span> to <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">say</span> even <b>before I say it</b>, LORD. </div>
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David tells us that <b>God
knows</b> everything we DO as well as everything we THINK. We are reminded that <b>God knows</b> every single WORD we say BEFORE we even say it. That is the TERRIFYING part of this. When I sin in
thoughts, words, or actions I am sinning in God’s presence. He knows about it. I cannot hide my sin from
Him. God KNOWS all things and we cannot hide anything from Him. </div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Psalm 139:5-6</span></b> (NLT) <b>You go</b> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">before</span> me and <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">follow</span>
me. <b>You place</b> your hand of blessing
on my head. [6] Such knowledge is <b>too
wonderful</b> for me, too great <b>for me
to understand</b>. </div>
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God has all knowledge and He is present everywhere. So these words can be a <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">comfort</span> to us. I believe that the Lord is
saying I will go in front of you <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">leading</span>
and guiding you. And I will also go
behind you <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">protecting</span> you and
keeping you safe. Further comfort is found in the imagery of God placing His
hand of blessing on our heads. That God
would care for us even when He knows where we have been and what we have done
it absolutely remarkable. Yet God extends
His Mercy and Grace to us even though He
knows how sinful our motives and actions really are. </div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God thank You
for Your quiet voice of conscience.
Thank You for the guilt that you bring when we have sinned. Lord God thank You for the Comfort of Your
Mercy and Grace. Thank You for the
Comfort of Your presence even when we wander away from You. Thank You that Jesus came to Save NOT to Condemn
us. </div>
</div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-86822902939802408232017-01-04T10:47:00.001-06:002017-01-04T10:47:58.462-06:00IS DISCIPLINE TRAINING OR PUNISHMENT?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdWPwPLOPsS7R_cbwvC4NGf-G1iq2b37T-KVgPFn2bP6R_CEpc2vRlNZhSFAv1UksWMH9Q-MUg9BWTShLFmDZbM8SyMJ0qXHMiVu5AyVXYn3Cue2flnJ-VLCoeuXONWrnVrbZaFjvC8SX/s1600/Running+Steps+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdWPwPLOPsS7R_cbwvC4NGf-G1iq2b37T-KVgPFn2bP6R_CEpc2vRlNZhSFAv1UksWMH9Q-MUg9BWTShLFmDZbM8SyMJ0qXHMiVu5AyVXYn3Cue2flnJ-VLCoeuXONWrnVrbZaFjvC8SX/s320/Running+Steps+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I was in high school I willingly
endured torturous training and discipline.
Everyday for about 3 hours I would run up down stadium steps, lift
weights, run wind sprints, do suicide and fourth quarter drills until I was
exhausted. I hated it - and yet I loved
being able to play into the 3<sup>rd</sup> overtime during a game and not be
tired. Our coach was a man who believed
in discipline - and he was deadly serious about it. And anyone who was not serious about the
discipline necessary to play ball for him did not make the team. As I was reading in Hebrews 12 the thought
that God disciplines His children came through clearly. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Hebrews 12:5-7</span></b>
(NET) And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My
son, do not scorn the Lord’s <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">DISCIPLINE</span>
or give up when He CORRECTS you. [6] “For the Lord <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">DISCIPLINES</span> the one he loves and CHASTISES every son he
accepts.” [7] Endure your SUFFERING as DISCIPLINE; God is treating you as sons.
For what son is there that a father does not DISCIPLINE? </div>
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I think that in the past I have interpreted these verses
through the eyes of a child who has been disobedient and is suffering
punishment. Certainly punishment for wrongdoing can be part of God’s discipline. The word chastise (vs. 6) means to
punish. Verse seven
reminds us that many times discipline comes in some form of suffering. So in God’s Word<span style="color: red;"> </span>discipline also means to correct and instruct. There are times when God is not punishing
rather He is shaping and molding us through His discipline.</div>
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Speaking of human parents the writer to the Hebrews says...</div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Hebrews 12:10-11</span></b>
(NET) ...they DISCIPLINED us for a little while as seemed good to them, but HE
does so for OUR benefit, that we may share His holiness. [11] Now ALL DISCIPLINE
seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it PRODUCES the fruit of peace
and righteousness for those TRAINED by it.</div>
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Good parents do their best to discipline
their children, but God like the perfect parent -OR- coach brings DISCIPLINE into our lives SO THAT there
will be a harvest of godliness in our lives.
Once I started seeing the things God brought into my life as an
incentive for growth rather than punishment it
changed my perspective. I was much more willing to embrace those hard
things because they were for MY <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">good</span>. The discipline my coach forced on me trained
me so that I could play at full speed all the way to the end of the game. God TRAINS us through the discipline of
painful things SO THAT we will be able to FINISH the race which He has place
before us WELL. (Heb. 12.1-2)</div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God, please help me to remember that all the things You
are doing in my life is for my benefit and good. You want me to bring You honor and glory by
the way I think, speak, and act. Lord, I
long to finish each day well - in a way that really does honor You. Help me to see the hard things that come
along as part of your discipline in MY LIFE to strengthen me and encourage
me. Thank You. <o:p></o:p></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-37083327613710340802016-07-28T10:41:00.001-05:002016-07-28T10:41:52.297-05:00HELP.....<div class="MsoNormal">
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Have you ever felt like a turtle sitting on fence post? All of us find ourselves in situations when
we realize we are in deep trouble without help. I found myself in that
situation and I felt like I was stuck
floundering with no help in sight as we were trying to finish all the things
that needed to be done for our daughter’s wedding. But it ALL got done. How? A
whole bunch of friends and family gathered round and helped in countless ways.
And as they lifted me off that fence post the overwhelming thought that filled
my mind was THANK YOU. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe you have felt that same way in your walk with the
Lord. A time when it was all was dark -
when there was NO HOPE - when it felt like the end was near - when you just
wanted to give up. But in crying out to
God He gave hope and help and lifted you to solid ground. </div>
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<b><i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Psalm 40:2</span></i></b><i> </i><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(NLT) </span><b>He
<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">lifted</span> me</b> out of the <b>pit of <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">despair</span></b>,
out of the mud and the mire. He set <b>my
feet on <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">solid</span> ground</b> and <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">steadied</span> me as I walked along. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The response to that should be Praise Worship - <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">thanksgiving</span> to God for ALL He has
done... </div>
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<b><i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Psalm 40:3</span></i></b><i> </i><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(NLT) </span><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">He</span>
has given me <b>a new song to sing</b>, a
hymn of <b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">praise</span></b> to our God. Many will see what <b>HE has done</b> and be amazed... <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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It is amazing how our perspective changes AFTER help has
come. The turtle that is lifted off of
the post can scurry away safely. For me
there was no need to be anxious - there were many people who helped set things
up and take them down afterwards. I was humbled and THANKFUL. </div>
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Paul’s reminder to us is that
everything we do in life can be done in a way that brings Honor to the Name of
Jesus. And as we do whatever we are
doing it should be done with a heart full of <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">thanksgiving</span>
to God. </div>
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<b><i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Colossians 3:17</span> </i></b><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(HCS) </span>And <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">whatever you do</span>, in <b>word</b>
or in <b>deed</b>, do everything in the <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">name</span> of the Lord Jesus, <b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">giving
thanks</span></b> to God the Father through Him.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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We may feel like a turtle on post - in desperate need of
help. But we are never alone<span style="color: #c00000;">,</span> and God will give us the help that we need if we
will Trust and Him and continue to be Thankful.</div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God - thank You for good Friends and
Family who have been so encouraging and helpful. But thank You most of
all for the way You work in every situation. Thank You for taking the hard things, the difficult tasks and using them to make me look
to You for Your Help and Strength. Thank
You for helping me see that I am never sitting
on a post all alone. </div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-2451873801753220792016-06-08T16:27:00.000-05:002017-01-11T13:15:07.816-06:00IS THERE ANY HOPE OR ONLY DESPAIR? <div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
do we do when the worst possible thing takes place? How do we feel when we wake up and realize it
was not just a horrible nightmare it really did happened? If you have ever heard the words “I’m sorry
it is cancer” or if you have had a close family member or friend commit
suicide. Then in a small way you have a
sense of what Jeremiah was describing in Lamentations chapter three. Jeremiah had preached and prophesied to nation
of Judah telling them over and over to turn away from idols and to turn back to
God. He warned them again and again that God’s judgment was coming. He told them that captivity and death were waiting. But the people did not repent - and the
horrors of war, captivity, and death overwhelmed them. Lamentations is Jeremiah’s description of
those dreadful and difficult times. He describes clearly what he has seen and
what he is feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
Lamentations three Jeremiah is brutally honest about what has happened to the
people of Israel. He speaks passionately of the horrors of the invasion and the
captivity. These are the writings of an
eye witness who is heartbroken over what has happened to Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">Lamentations
3:1-2</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I am the one
who has seen the afflictions that come from the <b>rod of the LORD’s <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">anger</span>.</b>
[2] He has led me into darkness, shutting out all light. (NLT) <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jeremiah
shares the depth of what he is feeling. God has poured out His wrath on me. He has led me into utter darkness there is NO
Light and absolutely NO HOPE. I have
felt God’s wrath - His anger has been directed against me. He has brought me
into utter darkness. </span><span style="font-size: 5.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">Lamentations
3:7-8</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He <b>has walled me in</b>, and I <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">cannot escape</span>. <b>He has bound me in heavy chains</b>. [8] And though I cry and shout, <b>he has shut out my prayers</b>. (NLT</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Listen
to the emotion - God has built prison wall around me - there is NO ESCAPE. He put me in chains, and even though pour out
my heart to Him but He refuses to hear my prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">Lamentations 3:10-11,
20</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> He has hidden like a bear or a lion, waiting to attack me. [11]
He has <b>dragged me off the path and torn
me in pieces</b>, leaving me <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">helpless</span>
and <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">devastated</span>. ...[20] I
will <b>never forget this awful time</b>,
as I grieve over my loss. (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God
has ripped me in pieces like a savage lion.
He has left me helpless and devastated. Jeremiah has seen the horrors of
the destruction of Jerusalem. The
slaughter of people and slaves being dragged away to Babylon. He says he will NEVER FORGET this horrifying
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
then suddenly in the midst of all the horrors of death and destruction there is
a huge shift...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">Lamentations
3:21-23</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b>Yet I still <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">dare</span> to <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">hope</span> </b>when I remember this: [22]<b> </b>The <b>faithful love of the LORD <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">never</span>
<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">ends</span></b>! His mercies never
cease. [23] <b>Great is His
faithfulness</b>; His mercies begin afresh each morning. (NLT) <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
DARE to Hope - What? How? In the darkest times Jeremiah had ever face
he stopped and focused once more on God and His FAITHFUL Love. Why? Because he knew that God’s Love and Mercy never
end. But how can all of this be God’s
love? How can these horrible things show His mercy? Jeremiah accepted the fact that the people of
Israel deserved judgment. He had warned
them and preached to them. He called on
them to TURN BACK to God but they refused.
The Faithfulness of God was seen in that He chose to discipline His
people rather than to give up and totally destroy them. Even in the darkest moments with the horror
of all that has happened Jeremiah believes that God will keep His promises and
restore His people. God’s Mercy will
replace His judgment. This is Jeremiah
reminding himself that God is just and merciful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The words to this song by Stuart Townend are a great reminder and
prayer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">There is a hope that lifts my weary
head a consolation strong against despair</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">That when the world has
plunged me in its deepest pit, I find the Savior there</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Through present sufferings,
future's fear, He whispers 'courage' in my ear.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">For I am safe in everlasting
arms, And they will lead me home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">There is a hope that stands the test of time, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">That
lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">To see the matchless beauty of a day divine When I behold His face!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">When sufferings cease and sorrows die, And every longing satisfied.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul, For I am truly home. </span></div>
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Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-50681109901311140462016-02-03T14:35:00.001-06:002016-02-03T14:59:17.213-06:00ARE YOU NUTS?<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I was in high school
someone challenged me to read some missionary biographies. I remember as I read about Hudson Taylor, Jim
Elliot, and </span>Helen<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Roseveare and the things that they went through as
missionaries that I was stunned by their faith, courage, and perseverance. I was in awe and wondered if I could ever be
like them. Yet down deep inside there
was always doubt and fear. I was sure
that I could never do those kinds of things or be that kind of person.
Sometimes I still feel the same way when I read some of what Paul wrote in the
New Testament. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">2 Corinthians 12.10</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> "That’s
why I take PLEASURE in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships,
persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I
am strong." (NLT) <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paul, what do you mean you
take PLEASURE in weakness, insults, </span>hardship<span style="font-size: 12pt;">, persecution, and trouble? Are you nuts?
Why in the world would you find any pleasure in those things? It makes a
lot more sense to try to avoid those things, to do whatever is necessary to steer
clear of them rather than to embrace them. The first two words of vs.10 give a
hint as to why Paul felt this way. They take
us back to the context in the previous verses.
Paul had something very serious and perhaps even painful that he was
dealing with. So in vs. 8-9 he said </span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">"Three
different times I begged the Lord to TAKE IT AWAY. Each time HE said, MY grace is all you need. MY
power works BEST in weakness..."</i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So Paul took the hardship
that he was facing, that he found extremely </span>difficult<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> to handle, right to God
and asked Him to take it away. God's answer was “you need this Paul because MY
GRACE is seen most clearly in you when you are WEAKEST and dependent on ME.” At that point Paul tells us “that is WHY I
take </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-transform: uppercase;">pleasure</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> in these
things. Because when I am weak, when I
cannot do this alone, when I am powerless and unable to do the next thing, that
is WHEN God's Power is really comes through.
That is when God works in my weakness to give me HIS Strength.” So what does Paul do? He embraces and takes pleasure in whatever
the hardship or struggle may be. No
matter what he is facing he moves forward TRUSTING God to give him the ability
keep on going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God, I
confess that I do NOT DELIGHT in hardship, persecution, weakness, or
insults. Most of the time I fight against
those things. Lord Jesus, please help me to
stop trying to do everything I can do to get out from under these things and
help me to embrace them instead. Help me to
pause and ask for Your for Wisdom, Your Strength and the ability to DELIGHT in
You and whatever You bring into my life.
Lord I cannot do this without Your Power; please help<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> me.</span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-57742577547942685702015-08-17T13:26:00.000-05:002015-08-17T13:26:25.355-05:00CONFESSIONS FROM A QUIET TIME LOSER <div class="MsoNormal">
What is a quiet time loser?
A loser is defined as “a person who fails frequently or is generally
unsuccessful.” I have struggled in the
past with having some kind of a quiet time.
It has been hard for me to set aside a regular time when I could be
alone with God. The more I struggled the
guiltier I felt. They guiltier I felt
the more pressure I put on myself. The
more pressure I put on myself the sooner I failed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I really wanted to be like David to focus my heart and soul
on the Lord day and night. To be able to
...delight in the LORD’s perfections
and meditate on Him Ps. 27.4. But I had
no idea how to do that. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I had been told all “godly Christians” have a “daily” quiet
time. So when I tried and then failed I
felt discouraged and defeated. Please
understand I wanted to spend time with God.
But nothing I tried seemed to work.
I tried all kinds of tricks and all kinds of programs. I tried booklets that had questions to
answer. I tried reading through the
Bible in a year. Everything program I
tried eventually ended up in defeat and I felt like a quiet time loser. </div>
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<br /></div>
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At one point I was convinced that all I needed to do was
read 20 chapters a day. It went really well for the 1<sup>st</sup> week and
then fairly well for the 2<sup>nd</sup> week but the third week was very, very
difficult. Finally I realized I could
not sustain it and I gave up in utter defeat.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally someone encouraged me to read LESS rather than
more. They suggested that I read through
a book of the Bible but to only read a small portion. I was encouraged to read with the goal of
hearing from God NOT with the goal of getting through the chapter or the
book. I also learned to take whatever I
had learned or heard from God and turn it into a prayer asking God to make that
truth a reality in my life. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I set my sites on having a quiet time with God 4-5 days a
week. I kept a record of the days I read
to hold me accountable to me. Over time
this became something that I enjoyed and really looked forward to. Not because I “had to” but because I was wanted
to. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
If you can identify with this struggle - let me encourage
you. You are not a loser. That is the
voice of the enemy. Do NOT Give up keep on seeking after the Lord. </div>
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<i>I also want to encourage you to consider trying one of our <b>Quiet Time Journals</b>. You can see the descriptions of them on our <b>Facebook page: Walking Together With Jesus</b>. If you have any questions please send me a
private Facebook message and I will be happy to reply. </i></div>
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Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-41111483448922785552015-07-16T11:59:00.000-05:002015-07-16T12:01:48.005-05:00Foundations of LAW and ORDER have Collapsed<div class="MsoNormal">
Sin and disease are ugly.
To see a friend or family member struggling with cancer or some
incurable disease is to see just a bit of what the fall into sin has done to our
world. We live in a fallen world and we
see that fall vividly portrayed in the hatred and animosity that seems to have
become much more common all around us. As a result evil, sickness and hardship impact
all of us in some way. There are times when I wonder if there is any hope? David
asked that question many times in the Psalms so we know that it is not a new
question? Let’s look at these verses together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="background: yellow;">Psalm 11:2-3</span></i></b><i> (NLT) The <b>wicked</b> are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the
bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at <b>those
whose hearts are right</b>. [3] <b>The
foundations of law and order</b> <b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">have collapsed</span>.</b> <u>What can the
righteous <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">do</span></u>?” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We don’t know what prompted David’s words in this
Psalm. But we know that many times in
his life he faced difficulties and hardships. There were times when he must have thought those
who were evil were taking direct aim at those who were seeking to live for the
Lord. When he was hiding from King Saul,
who was trying to kill him, he must have wondered if it would ever end? In this Psalm he goes on to say that the very
foundation on which law and order were based had collapsed. Watching the news, hearing about the decisions
made by our courts, and laws passed by our government left me wondering exactly
the same thing that David expressed at the end of vs. 3. <b>“What
can the righteous do?”</b> I know we can
continue to pray for revival - we can continue to share the gospel - we can
continue to shine brightly into the darkness.
But is that all? NO, there is
always HOPE with God....</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="background: yellow;">Psalm 11:4, 7</span></i></b><i> (NLT) But the LORD is in His holy Temple; <b>the LORD <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">still</span>
<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">rules</span> from heaven</b>. <b>He watches everyone closely</b>, examining
every person on earth. ...[7] For <b>the righteous LORD loves justice</b>. The
virtuous <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will see his face.</span> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I Love this reminder that the LORD is in His HOLY temple
-AND- that th<b>e LORD STILL RULES</b>. Whatever difficulties David was facing, no
matter how bleak things seemed he knew God was still Sovereign. He accepted the fact that God was still in
Control, He was still <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">Ruler</span> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">over all</span>. David also reminds us that God sees everything
that happens good or evil. God examines
both the godly and the wicked. The fact
that God is Righteous and LOVES Justice is a great reminder. Things may have gotten seriously twisted in
this world and it may appear that evil is winning on every front - but God
STILL REIGNS. Someday all things will
come to an end. Until then on a daily
basis I need to remember <b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">God still Rules</span></b> - He still Loves
Justice - and some day we <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will</span> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">see</span> Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="background: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">PRAYER:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> Lord God, please keep me from losing heart.
Help me to live each moment of the day remembering that You STILL REIGN. Please, Lord, help me to honor You by
surrendering my own heart to Your control moment by moment, day by day. </span>Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-34823417134674472492015-04-27T10:36:00.001-05:002015-04-27T10:36:57.426-05:00TERRIBLE HORRIBLE NO GOOD VERY BAD DAY<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I was seeing new cracks in the bricks and drywall I
had someone come and look at the foundation of our house. He pulled out his laser level and did his
measurements. Then he let us know the
house was slowly sinking especially at one end.
He gave us an estimate on what it would cost to fix the foundation. Suddenly it was a “terrible, horrible, no
good, very bad day”. I had been praying
about this problem for over a year asking God for wisdom to know what to
do. I knew there was a problem and that
at some point we might have to do something.
But I guess I was hoping that maybe we would not need to. After work I came home in a subdued frame of
mind. Just before bed I realized I did
not have my phone. I looked all over the
house and then drove back to the church to look in my office, and it was
nowhere to be found. My “terrible,
horrible, no good, very bad day” got worse. My calendar, address book, and many other
things are now on my phone and it is the only number where people can reach me
away from the office. That night as I went to sleep and every time I woke up I
asked God to help me find my phone - and help me to decide what to do about the
foundation of our house. The next day as
I was reading my Bible these were the verses I read. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">1 Peter 5:5-7</span></i></b><i> (NET) ... <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">all</span> of you, clothe yourselves with <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">humility</span> toward one another, because <b>God <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase;">opposes</span> the proud</b> but <b>gives <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">grace</span> to the humble</b>. [6] And
God will exalt you in due time, if you <b>humble
yourselves</b> under His mighty hand [7] <b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">by</span>
casting</b> <b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">all</span> your cares<span class="fnt"> </span>on Him</b> because He
cares for you. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God makes a couple of things VERY clear. He hates and OPPOSES those that are proud or
arrogant. However, He gives grace to
those who are humble. Peter says humble
yourself... <b><i><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">by</span> casting</i></b><i> <b><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">all</span> your cares<span class="fnt"> </span>on
Him</b></i>. When we choose to lay all
our worries and fears on God what we are saying is I cannot handle this - I
trust YOU, my God, to care for me. We
are accepting the fact that ONLY God can handle ALL our worries, doubts, fears,
stress points, or triggers. Humility
admits that God is <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">big</span> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">enough</span> to handle anything and
everything that we are facing. Rather than focusing on our fear or our stress,
by prayer we turn them all over to God.
We know He cares and we know He has the power to act. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"> PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God, keep me close to You. Help me resist Satan’s attacks of worry,
doubt, and fear. Please help me to come
humbly into your presence with those things that weigh me down. Help me to Trust You to do ALL that You have
promised to do. Help me to change my
focus from my fears and doubts to Your Promise to strengthen and help and care
for me. Thank You Lord. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(PS- I did find the phone the next day in another part of
the church and a structural engineer gave us the all clear on our home. PTL)<o:p></o:p></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-86896807481896336592015-03-18T14:35:00.000-05:002015-03-18T14:35:48.339-05:00 The Treadmill or Recliner ~ Let GO and Let GOD
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let Go and Let God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first time I heard that phrase I thought there it is that is the answer that is
exactly what I have been looking for. I don't need to strive and work and
try harder and harder to DO things to please God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I let go I kicked back and did
NOTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all that is what LET GO
means right? I had been living on the treadmill striving and struggling
to somehow get my walk with God right - NOW I was sitting in my recliner no
problem Let God. The problem was that I was NOT doing anything. We
can NEVER live the Christian Life in our own strength or by our own
efforts. We will FAIL. But if we think sitting back and doing
NOTHING will help us grow we are DEAD wrong. Let's look at these verses
together.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Colossians 2.6-8</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NET) Therefore, just <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">as you received</b> Christ Jesus as Lord, <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">continue</span> to live your lives IN Him, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">rooted</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">built up</b> IN
Him and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">firm IN your faith</b> just as
you were taught, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">overflowing</span> with thankfulness.</b> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We are saved by Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and His
death for us. That means we put ALL our faith and trust in the
Forgiveness He offers us. We cannot do ANYTHING to save ourselves it is
ALL about God’s grace. But once we are saved the process of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">walking with the Lord Jesus</b> on a daily
basis does take <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">thought</span> and <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">effort</span> on our part. It is still
by FAITH <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just as you received</i> your
salvation <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">CONTINUE</i> to live or walk IN
Him. HOW? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our roots go down into
Him as we take time to be in His Word. (Blessed is the man who DELIGHTS in
God's Word Ps. 1.1-3). If our roots are IN Him and we trust Him for the
strength and grace to keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will be building on the foundation of Jesus Christ and His Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spend with Him helps us to build on that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>foundation and we continue to process of
growing in our relationship one brick at a time. Like any relationship it
cannot happen without conscious effort. If we are rooted and built
up in Him the result is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FIRM</i> established
Faith. Anytime I struggle and doubt I can trace it back to a failure to
DELIGHT in God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Growing in our faith will include an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OVERFLOWING</i> thankfulness. Have you ever felt like Eeyore from
Winnie the Pooh<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">?("good morning if it
is which I doubt")</i> If find that in my own life if I stop and
think BEFORE I complain I can always come up with something to be thankful
for. At the very least - I can be thankful that I do not have to run on
the treadmill forever to earn my salvation or even to keep my walk with God
fresh and growing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let Go - yes let go of trying to EARN my salvation I cannot
do that. Let God - well yes I NEED God's grace to save me but I also NEED
God's grace to sustain me. But that will take continuing effort to
DELIGHT in His Word and it will take continuing to BUILD my relationship with
Jesus Christ a day at a time brick by brick on the firm foundation which is
Christ.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PRAYER:</b> Lord,
help me to find that balance between TRUSTING You and the Effort which I
need to put in. Help me to remember that my Relationship with You will
take time and effort. May I learn to Delight in Your Word and in spending
time with You. Thank You Lord God for Your Saving Grace and thank You for
Your daily Sustaining Grace.</span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-37879105309293272162014-07-24T10:37:00.001-05:002014-07-24T10:37:50.654-05:00WEALTH - DANGER! DANGER! DANGER!
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Whenever I sit down to pay the bills - there is always a
sense of hope that maybe there will be a little more left over this time.
Paying bills is one of my least favorite things to do. But it is also a
constant reminder that I need to be careful HOW I spend the resources we have.
It is so easy in our culture to simply throw it on the credit card and if we
can't pay it off when that bill is due we merely let it ride. Part of the
problem is that we do not want to say NO to ourselves. We would rather
say yes and then deal with the economic consequences later. That is why
these verses are such a challenge. Because even as I struggle to pay
bills I understand that I have so much more than most believers in the world. </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">1 Timothy 6.17-19</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NLT) Teach those who are <u>rich in
this world</u> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">not</span> to be <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">proud</span> and not to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">trust in their money</b>, which is so unreliable. Their <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">trust should be in God,</b> who <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">richly gives us all we need for our
enjoyment</b>. [18] Tell them to <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">use</span>
their money <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">to do good</span>. They
should <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">be rich in good works</b> and <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">generous</span> to those in need, always being
ready to <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">share</span> with others. [19]
By doing this they will be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">storing up
their treasure</b> as a good foundation for the future so that they may
experience true life. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wealth, riches there is very real DANGER in having more than
you need. It is so easy to slip into thinking you are the reason that
financially you are doing well. Paul addresses that by warning the rich
NOT to become arrogant and TRUST their money - INSTEAD they must trust
God. After all it is God who gives us ALL we NEED for our
enjoyment. The implication in that is that if I do not have enough money
to get the latest gadget or toy or laborsaving device then I don't need
it. I am supposed to remember that God has given me what HE knows I need
for enjoyment. That may require me thinking through more carefully the
things that I enjoy.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Paul goes on to say that they should USE or INVEST what God
has given to them. They are supposed to be doing good with the resources that
God has entrusted to them. They should be generous and ready and WILLING
to share with others. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Last reminder is for us to see that this world is
temporary and that ALL that we have here cannot compare to the wonder of
heaven. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It is a reminder that this
life is NOT all that there is.</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I Love these quotes - great reminders of the DANGER in pursuing wealth.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Be rich in good
works, generous, and ready to share. No matter how much money you have, your
life should demonstrate that God controls the wealth that He has placed under
your care." NLT Notes<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Though riches come,
and riches go, don't set your heart upon them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fields of hope in which I sow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>are harvested in heaven.” A Keys<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God help
me to see clearly ALL the different ways that You have blessed me so that I can
fully enjoy them. Help me to think more about how to be generous and
share with others than about how I can accumulate more stuff. Help me Lord to
see that this life is an investment NOT for here but for Eternity. </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-10430543664138676382014-07-09T09:54:00.002-05:002014-07-09T09:54:51.861-05:00IT IS WHAT IT IS???
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So the news was NOT what I wanted to hear. I wanted
the Doctor to say you can stop wearing the boot and resume normal
activities. Instead I heard think LONG TERM - months not weeks. And
I had such good plans - none of which included being forced to wear a brace or
boot long term. What do we do when we get bad news? How do we
handle serious disappointment? Yes I KNOW God uses hard things - hard
times - to strengthen us, shape us, and form us more and more into the image of
Jesus Christ. But....... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
said for years the phrase "it is what it is" as a statement that some
things you just cannot change. But too many times - for me - that has become a
statement of fatalism... oh well I cannot do anything about it so I have to
accept it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those were some of my
thoughts before I read these verses.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">1 Thessalonians
2.16-17</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NLT) Now
may OUR Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God OUR Father, who loved us and by His
grace <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">gave us eternal comfort</b> and a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">wonderful hope</b>, COMFORT you and
STRENGTHEN you in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">every good thing you
DO and SAY</b>.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After I read these verses today - I had to stop and confess.
I have been complaining and by my complaints (subtle as they may have been -
being expressed mostly in my thoughts) I have been questioning God’s plan for
me. But these verses remind me that MY God gives Grace and Eternal
Comfort, and WONDERFUL HOPE. Not because the circumstances have changed
or gotten better from MY perspective. But because He gives Comfort and
Strength each and everyday. He gives the ability to DO and SAY <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">good things</b> no matter what the
circumstances may be. The question is will I look for those GOOD things
that He wants me to do? Will I seek out ways to SAY those GOOD words that
need to be said? Because the comfort and strength He promised seem to be
connected </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to a willingness to DO and SAY
the good things to which He calls us. <br />
</b><br />
So instead of saying "it is what it is" maybe I need to start saying
"God KNOWS what He is doing." I certainly believe that on a
biblical and theological level. But I need to believe it on the everyday
- I have to wear this brace for an extended period of time - level. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PRAYER:</b> Lord, God
thank you for Your comfort and strength especially during hard and challenging
times. Lord all that I am going through comes from Your hand for a good
purpose. Please help me to keep in mind ALWAYS that no matter what is
happening I can still DO and SAY <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">g</span>ood
God Honoring things. May I hang onto the TRUTH that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">YOU KNOW what You are doing</b>. </span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-3876850363912770452014-03-28T08:20:00.000-05:002014-03-28T08:20:14.315-05:00NO ONE CAME - EVERYONE DESERTED ME
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you have ever felt totally alone - you know it is a very
hard and difficult thing to go through. When I was a single missionary many
years ago there were periods of time when I felt completely alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in a city of over a million people -
but there was no one with whom I could share my fears or longings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The danger for me was to become self-focused
and to think only of my self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becoming
self-focused NEVER helped me grow in my walk with Jesus or help me to love and
serve others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I wonder what it was like for Paul alone in that Roman
prison at the end of his life... </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">2 Timothy 4:16</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NIV) At my first defense, no one came to
my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">NO ONE came to my support...</span></i><span style="mso-font-width: 90%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">everyone</span>
deserted me...</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-font-width: 90%;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I can certainly FEEL the depth of what Paul is saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was left entirely on his own with no
support - where were the Christians from the church in Rome? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does Paul respond?</span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-width: 90%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">May it <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">not</span>
be held <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">against</span> them... </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the
last thing I expected to hear from Pau; - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">No One came...</span></i><span style="mso-font-width: 90%;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Everyone deserted</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me...</i></span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT Lord God please do not hold this against
them. What an example of how to pray for others even those who wronged us or
who have hurt us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">2 Timothy 4:17</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NIV) But the Lord stood at my side and
gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and
all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">NO ONE came...<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">everyone</span>
deserted me...BUT the Lord stood at <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">my</span>
<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">side</span> and gave me <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">strength</span>...</span></i><span style="mso-font-width: 90%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What an amazing testimony to each of us who are
struggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what we must do
especially when we FEEL like we are ALONE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We must remember we are NEVER ALONE. The Lord the Sovereign God of the
universe is ALWAYS with us He is right there at our side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just as Paul trusted God for His presence
and strength - we too can know that the Lord WILL give us His STRENGTH if we
turn to Him when we are lonely, feel abandoned, or feel full of fear and
doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">2 Timothy 4:18</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NIV) The Lord will rescue me from every
evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory
for ever and ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We do not know for sure - but it is possible that Paul was
eventually executed at the end of this imprisonment in Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why these words are so powerful <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lord will <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">rescue</span> me from every evil attack... </i>HOW? He was convinced
that his future was <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">secure</span> he was
trusting God to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">...bring me <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">safely</span> to <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">h</span>is heavenly kingdom. </i>Whether <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">set free</span> to continue to serve the Lord or being executed for
the gospel Paul saw the Lord’s hand in ALL of it and was counting on the Lord to
STAND by him and to give him <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">strength</span>.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord God - thank You that You are ALWAYS with
me whether I feel alone or not YOU are there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please Lord help me to grab onto that TRUTH and never let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord when I struggle and I am tempted to focus
my thoughts on myself HELP me to look to You - to Trust You - and to keep on
loving and serving others. </span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-51751432732669107092014-03-02T12:09:00.000-06:002014-03-02T12:09:02.002-06:00WRONG.... AGAIN!
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>NO Sunday Services...</strong> Not some thing I enjoy saying or
doing. From a selfish perspective it means doing a lot of things to get the
word out (changing voice mail messages, sending - emails, Facebook messages,
and text messages). However, the hardest part is wondering if this is the right
decision... should we try to meet anyway? Is it going to be as bad as
they say? What about the ice in the parking lot? At some point a
decision has to be made and then you live with it. But I do miss meeting
together... there is something precious about God's people gathering to honor
and worship Him as well as encourage and serve each other. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I thought about that this morning I thought about several
friends of mine who live and work in very dangerous - closed countries.
They are there for the sake of the Gospel - they are there because they long
for others to know Jesus. So they risk their lives and families
everyday. Many of them CANNOT meet with other Christians especially
openly. So as I read the next chapter in my normal reading today these verses
took on new meaning for me: </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">2 Corinthians
4:11-13</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NLT) Yes,
we live under <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">constant danger</b> of
death <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">because we serve Jesus</b>, so
that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. [12] So <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we live in the face of death</b>, but this
has <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">resulted</span> in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">eternal life for you</b>. [13] But we
continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when
he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Paul’s situation was so dangerous that he said we FACE DEATH
everyday WHY? For one reason - that others may <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">know</span> Jesus and have eternal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These verse reminded me of Carol’s nephew who
was killed last year because he was living and working openly as a Christian in
a close country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His deepest desire was
to see young men and women become disciples of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">2 Corinthians 4:15-18</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NLT)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All of this is for your benefit.</b>
And as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God’s grace reaches more</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">more</b> people, there will be great
thanksgiving, and <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">God will receive more
and more glory</span>. [16] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">That
is why we never give up.</b> Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being
renewed every day. [17] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">our present troubles</span> are small</b> and
won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs
them and will last forever! [18] So <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we
don’t look at the troubles we can see now;</b> rather, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">fix our gaze</span> on things
that cannot be seen</b>. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the
things we cannot see will last forever. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why would you take your wife and children into dangerous
place to live and work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul said he did
it for the BENEFIT of those who had NOT yet experienced God’s grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said He would NEVER give up no matter what
he was facing no matter what the hardship may be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHY?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He saw that the painful present struggles would be overshadowed by the
wonder and glory of the gospel the joy of seeing people’s lives changed for ALL
eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we FIX OUR GAZE - or focus
- NOT on the hardship or the painful struggle - but on the things that CANNOT
be seen... on eternity and our Lord Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we do God WILL Receive More and More Glory and <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">that</span> is what it is <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">all</span> about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOT BEING ABLE TO
MEET...</b> what would that really be like.. Not just the roads are slippery...
or I'm too tired... or it is too much hassle to get ready and go. But if
I meet with other believers I will be in DANGER.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of my friends would do anything to be
able to be at a Sunday service with other Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the best they can expect is to quietly
carefully worship with their family praying for the day when there will be MANY
Believers because of their sacrifice.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PRAYER:</b> Lord God,
help me NEVER to take for granted the wonderful privilege of worshipping YOU
with others - free from fear of any kind. Please Lord encourage and strengthen
my Brothers and Sisters who are in real danger everyday because they are
Serving You. Please LORD help them see the REALITY that what they do WILL
have Eternal Results.</span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-25173198927747160792013-09-25T13:46:00.000-05:002013-09-25T13:46:58.778-05:00DISCIPLINE - WHO NEEDS IT?
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I was in high school I went through some pretty heavy
discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyday for around 3 hours
I would run the stadium steps, lift weights, run wind sprints, do suicides and
fourth quarter drills till I was exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hated it - and yet I loved being able to play into the 3<sup>rd</sup>
overtime during a game and not be tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our coach was a man who believed in ultimate value of DISCIPLINE - and
he was serious about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And anyone who
was NOT serious about the discipline necessary to play ball for him did not
make the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was reading in
Hebrews 12 the thought that God brings His DISCIPLINE into the lives of His
children came through clearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Hebrews 12:5-7</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NET) And have you forgotten the exhortation
addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">DISCIPLINE</span> or give up when He CORRECTS
you. [6] “For the Lord <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">DISCIPLINES</span>
the one he loves and CHASTISES every son he accepts.” [7] Endure your
SUFFERING as DISCIPLINE; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there
that a father does not DISCIPLINE? <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I think that in the past I have interpreted these verses
through the eyes of a child who has been disobedient and is suffering
punishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly punishment for
wrong doing can be part of God’s discipline the word CORRECT means to rebuke
and CHASTISE (vs. 6) means to punish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the word DISCIPLINE can also mean to nurture, correct and
instruct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hard part is that the FORM
the Discipline takes many times is the SUFFERING (vs. 7) that we go
through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Contrasting Parents and God the writer to the Hebrews
says...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Hebrews 12:10-11</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NET) ...they DISCIPLINED us for a little
while as seemed good to them, but He does so for OUR BENEFIT, that we may share
His holiness. [11] Now ALL DISCIPLINE seems painful at the time, not
joyful. But later it PRODUCES the fruit of peace and righteousness for those
TRAINED by it.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Good parents do their best to discipline their children but
God like the perfect parent - OR - the masterful coach brings DISCIPLINE into
our lives using it to TRAIN us SO THAT we will have a harvest of
godliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I started seeing the
things God brought into my life from that perspective - I was much more willing
to see them and embrace them as for MY good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The discipline my coach force on me trained me so that I could play at
full strength all the way to the end of the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God TRAINS us through the discipline of hard
and painful things SO THAT we will be able to FINISH the race which He has
place before us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Heb. 12.1-2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God
please help me to remember that You are doing all things in my life for my
benefit and good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, I long to finish
each day well - in a way that really does honor You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to see the hard things that come
along as part of your discipline in MY LIFE to strengthen me and encourage
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank You. </span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-52141394114882205772013-08-20T11:57:00.000-05:002013-08-20T11:57:20.610-05:00FEAR IS A TRAP - FEAR IS GOOD - ???
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have you every worried about what some one else might
think? Of course not Christians are <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">not</span>
supposed to worry - we are only concerned. Let's be honest - call it
whatever you want - but anytime we think more of what a person may think about
us rather than what God thinks about us we are on shaky ground. Let's look at
these verse.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Proverbs 29.25</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NET) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The FEAR of people becomes a SNARE, but
whoever TRUSTS in the Lord will be set on HIGH. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Proverbs 9.10</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NET)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The beginning of wisdom is to <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">fear</span>
the LORD, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding</i>. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"If you fear what
people might do or think that controls your life. Fearing people is like being
in a TRAP there is no freedom no security. Being set on high is a military
term: it is to find a defensible position a place of safety and security. It is
to have the high ground a fortress that cannot be breached." NET
Notes <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When we put ALL our Trust and Confidence in God that is what
sets us free and gives us safety and security. The choice is ours: will we give
in to fear and doubt and allow our confidence in God to drift away? OR will we
turn away from the TRAP of seeking the approval of men?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we put ALL our hope in God - when our
Confidence is in Him then we do not have to fear the opinion of men. When
His opinion is what REALLY matters most in our lives then we can be free from
the snare of FEARING the opinion of men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Contrast between FEAR of men Pr. 29.25 - and the FEAR of
the Lord is huge. A different Hebrew word is used in Pr. 9.10 it means
worshipful submission, reverential awe and obedient respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are scared of men it is a trap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if we truly FEAR the Lord that will mean
we will NOT be scared of the opinions of men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will put our confidence and trust in God alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will submit to Him and Obey His Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will weigh every opinion of man against
God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we will <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">stand</span> on God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord, help me
to turn to You in Confident Trust no matter what I am going through no matter
what others may think or say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to
Trust You and to Trust Your Word above all things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May what you think of me matter more than
anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-15132628520878578822013-08-14T13:50:00.000-05:002013-08-14T13:50:14.868-05:00YOU WANT ME TO COUNT WHAT?
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There I was laying on the table waiting for the technician
to try to stuff me head first into that tiny metal tube.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep you guessed it I was getting an MRI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the most part I am not claustrophobic but
there is something about being stuffed into a metal tube and being told not to
move that give me all kinds of abnormal feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as the started to push me in and I had to
roll my shoulders in because they would not fit and when I opened my eyes and
saw the top only an inch or two above my nose my feelings were screaming at me
- this is awful you will never be able to put up with this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point I had a choice - I could lay
there and say over and over in my mind I hate this - when is this going to be
over?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does that awful machine have
to be that close to my face?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OR I could
change my focus entirely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Admit to
myself that though I would rather NOT being doing this - it had to be
done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So rather than let my feelings
rule and make me panicky, fidgety, or even ornery I started to focus my heart
and mind on something completely different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I closed my eyes and started to review verses - then I tried to remember
words to praise songs - then I prayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did not do any of those things exceptionally well but I was able to make it
through the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong I
am not going to sign up to get this done again anytime soon. But there was a
change in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment I looked to God
and sought His help rather to focus on my feelings and the external situation
things changed. Let’s look at these verses...</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">PSALM<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>13:1-6</span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(NLT)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>O Lord, how long will you forget me?
Forever? How long will you look the other way? [2] How long must I struggle
with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my
enemy have the upper hand? [3] Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the
light to my eyes, or I will die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[4]
Don't let my enemies gloat, saying, "We have defeated him!" Don't let
them rejoice at my downfall. [5] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But I
trust in Your <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">unfailing</span> love</b>.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will</span>
rejoice</b> because You have rescued me. [6] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will</span> sing</b> to the
Lord because He has been so good to me. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">What we Feel in NOT
always the Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feelings that we
experience are not always based on the reality or the truth of a situation.
Once when I was visiting an elderly person it became very clear that all they
could see in their life at that moment was the bleakness of their surroundings
and the hopelessness of their situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried to give some encouragement but finally I challenged them to stop
and honestly evaluate the what was happening in their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They needed to honestly look at ALL that was
happening around them and then to start a Blessings List.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to change their focus from
circumstances and feelings - to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
challenge was to start to remember the TRUTH that God is ALWAYS with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this Psalm David complained for four
verses then stopped - and stated the <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">truth</span>
in vs. 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Truth is that God is a God
of UNFAILING LOVE. Then he goes on and makes two statement of purpose based on
that truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David says “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">trust</span>
in</b>” that amazing love of God’s which never fails. “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I WILL sing</b>” about the Lord’s GOODNESS to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow what a contrast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All because of a shift in his focus. Rather
than focus on his feelings - he focus on the Truth of God’s Love and care for
him. The old song reminds us to focus on God in this way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Count your blessings, name them one
by one,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Count your blessings, see what God
has done,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Count your many blessings, name them
one by one,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And it will surprise you what the
Lord Has done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER: </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Lord God, help me always to remember the
TRUTH... You are a GOOD GOD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to
count my MANY BLESSINGS, before I start to count the troubles I am facing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-29452944079934234082013-07-13T15:19:00.003-05:002013-07-13T15:19:39.934-05:00Do NOT be SQUEEZED!
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I get my hair cut I sit in a chair and allow the barber
(Carol) to do what she needs to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
does not want my active participation in the process. She wants me to sit still
and to do only what she tells me to do turn your head, lift your chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants me to do what she is telling me to
do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants me to be a passive recipient
of what she is doing rather than an active contributor to this event. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dentist says the same thing - sit still and
let me do my work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being passive is a good thing in a dentist
chair - or - the barber chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
being passive is NOT a good thing when it comes to our interaction with our
world - our culture.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Romans 12:2</span> </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(HCS)<b>
</b></span>Do not be <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">conformed</span> to
this age, but be <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">transformed</span> by
the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing,
and perfect will of God.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What does it mean to be conformed? <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">Conform</span> is defined as: to do what is
accepted -OR- to be or become similar in form, nature, or character. When you
conform to something it means that you accept what is happening and do not try
to stop it or fight against it in anyway.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The word Paul uses here has a passive sense to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is as if <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the world it trying to shape us in a direction
<span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">DIFFERENT</span> than what God wants - and we
allow it to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is being <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">PASSIVE</span> as apposed to being <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">ACTIVE</span> in our pursuit of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love how JB Phillips translates this verse:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Romans 12:2</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (JBP) Don't let the world around you
<span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">squeeze</span> you
into its <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">own mold</span>,
but let God <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">re-mold</span> your minds
from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is
good, meets all His demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity</i>. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So as a Christian - one who is seeking to grow in my walk
with the Lord - what must I do so that the world DOES not conform me or <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">SQUEEZE</span> me into its own mold?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must be <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">TRANSFORMED</span>
by the renewing of my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HOW?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That takes God’s Word and the Holy Spirit
working from the inside out - changing my heat, my mind, my motives, my
attitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I want to change - if I do
NOT want to be molded by the world - then I MUST be Transformed by the Holy
Spirit and the Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I want to
walk in a way that is worthy of Jesus and His sacrifice for me - I will NOT be
passive - I will NOT let the world <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">squeeze</span> me into the shape it wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead I will pursue the Lord through His
Word by His Spirit with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span> </b>Lord Jesus,
please keep on using Your Word in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Holy Spirit please keep shaping me through Your leading and Your Word. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, God do not let me become passive in my
walk with You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please keep on drawing,
and prompting me into a deeper walk with You. </span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-7977321246501402562013-06-13T08:58:00.000-05:002013-06-14T12:38:04.689-05:00I DO NOT NEED THE INSTRUCTIONS … <span style="font-family: Arial;">Have you ever thought
that you did not need the instructions that came with the item you had just
purchased?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you set them aside and
started to assemble the item only to discover you had made a mess of it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've been there and done that - eventually I
had to take it ALL apart and start over. If that is true in general why do we
think we can make our lives work apart from God and His Word? I was talking
with some one a few years ago and trying to encourage them to start reading
their Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said things were going
badly in their life and that they really wanted to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encourage them, challenged them, and
offered to meet with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in the
end they did not pursue their relationship with God and eventually they drifted
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making the extra effort of seeking
out instruction - pursuing God through His Word seemed to them - too high a
price to pay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they did NOT make the
investment of time and effort necessary. Or to say it more strongly they DESPISED
God's Word and the difference it could have made n their lives. To despise
something is to hate it it or dislike it very strongly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at what Proverbs says about instruction.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Proverbs 13.13</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NET) The one who despises instruction will pay the penalty... <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do I REALLY want to GROW?
Am I willing to pay the price SO THAT I will grow and mature in my walk with
God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is impossible to grow in our
Faith apart from a willingness to be IN the WORD of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By that I mean way more than just daily
devotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the base and the
starting point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it cannot end
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must VALUE God's Word enough to
study it - to study it with others - as well as to learn with others as I take
in the teaching of God's Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I take
time to THINK about God's Word - MEDITATE on it looking at it from every
angle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I make the effort to try and
memorize or learn those verses that I want to impact me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Proverb reminds me that if I do not seek
to learn and grow I am DESPISING instruction and I will pay the price negatively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if we are NOT getting into God's Word
regularly - if we REFUSE to listen to instruction from God's Word and godly
people who want to pour into our lives then we WILL pay the PRICE in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PRAYER:</b> O Lord, please keep me close help me to be IN YOUR WORD -
help me to receive instruction from those who are seeking to impact other with
YOU WORD. Please Lord God help me NEVER to despise instruction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-89736451289491015502013-05-23T14:55:00.000-05:002013-05-23T14:55:16.855-05:00WAKE up CALL -OR- CHANGE of FOCUS
<span style="background-color: white; color: #660000;">(THOUGHTS ON THE CHURCH BEING BURGLARIZED)</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The burglary of our building last Sunday took me completely
by surprise. I was very troubled as I pulled up to church and saw a small group
waiting outside for the Police to clear the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became even MORE troubled as I walked with
the Police officers into every room trying to see what had been stolen or
damaged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had planned a very unique service
for that day - special baptism, ordination service, Mexico team testimonies and
yet this had changed everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OR had
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question was did it catch God by
surprise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer of course is
NO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as I sat their Sunday morning and
we were getting ready to start the service... I was trying desperately to stop
asking questions and simply WORSHIP God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all NOTHING had changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God was STILL God - God would still KEEP His Promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have been privileged to be at the Moody
Bible Instituted Pastors Conference this week I have had the chance to Re-
Focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes I have been on the phone with
Janet at the office and the insurance company - but my heart, and soul, and
mind have been challenged to FOCUS on God who is never caught by Surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some thoughts that may encourage you
as they did me in light of last Sunday’s events.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">1 Samuel 17:8, 10-11</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NLT) Goliath stood and shouted a <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">taunt</span> across to the Israelites. ...I <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">defy</span> the armies of Israel today! Send
me a man who will fight me!” When Saul and the Israelites heard this, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they were <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">terrified</span>
and deeply shaken</b>.</i></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Goliath an enemy of YAHWEH the promise making and promise
keeping God of Israel was taunting the Israelites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Challenging them to fight and disrespecting
their God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The response of King Saul and
Israelites - of course they focused on God and sought His strength and
help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WRONG - they were terrified and
did NOTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For forty days the taunting
and disrespecting of the God and Israel went on and neither the king nor any of
his men <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">called</span> out to God.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">David arrives with a NEW perspective - he was NOT seeing the
giant he was seeing the POWER of Yahweh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God had protected him in the past and David expected God to protect him
in the FUTURE.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">1 Samuel 17:37</span>
</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(NLT) The LORD who rescued me
from the claws of the lion and the bear <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will rescue me </span>from this Philistine!...</b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">David heads out to FACE Goliath TRUSTING in God’s Power...</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">1 Samuel 17:41-47</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NLT) Goliath walked out toward David with
his shield bearer ahead of him, sneering in contempt... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I a dog, he roared at David, that you come
at me with a stick? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he cursed David
by the names of his gods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>...David
replied to the Philistine, You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I
come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies - the God of the armies
of Israel, whom you have defied. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today
the LORD will conquer you...</b> and I will kill you and cut off your head. And
then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the whole world</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will know</span> that there is a
God in Israel</b>! And everyone assembled here <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will know</span> that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
LORD rescues his people</b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, but not
with sword and spear</b>. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to
us!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Goliath with all his power, strength, and sneering contempt
was no match for David, a stone, and the God of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saul and his soldiers saw a <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">giant</span> - David saw <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">God</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Saul and the armies of Israel had been paralyzed by FEAR of men - David
was full of the FEAR of the Lord and as such could go and face Goliath and be
victorious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHY?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The battle was the Lord’s - He was in
control of every part of it including the trajectory of one stone slung by a
shepherd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an amazing awe inspiring
God we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is Worthy of ALL of our
worship, adoration, praise and thanksgiving. Even in midst of troubled times -
Our God is KING - He is Sovereign over all things and we can REST completely
and totally in HIS promises.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God
thank You that NOTHING - is beyond Your comprehension - nothing is beyond Your
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank You that not one thing,
not one word, not a single action or attitude ever catches you by
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord I want to submit to You -
Your plan and I long to see things around me always with Your Promises in
view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-23175373038240556612013-03-21T17:22:00.000-05:002013-03-21T17:22:16.402-05:00STRIP OFF - NEVER QUIT
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have you ever felt like quitting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever been so tired or discouraged
that you just did NOT want to continue?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we are honest we have all been through something at one time or another that
made us wonder if it would not be smarter to just walk away. I usually went
through that the first week of two a day practices for the basketball season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was sore and tired and had blisters on
my feet there were times I briefly consider quitting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I knew that in a few of weeks I would be
in great shape and I would enjoy playing in the games so I kept on going. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my walk with the Lord Jesus there are times
I feel tired - discouraged - hopeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are times when I wonder if I can keep going or sometimes even if I
want to keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those dark times
I go back to passages like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go
back to verses that remind me the Christian life is NOT a sprint - it is NOT
quick and easy - it is a marathon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></i></b></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Hebrews 12:1-3</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NLT) ...let us <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">strip off</span> every weight that slows us down, especially the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sin</b> that so easily trips us up. And let
us <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">run</span> with <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">endurance</span> the <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">race</span> God has set before us<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. </b>[2] We <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">do this</span> by
keeping our <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">eyes</span> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">on Jesus</span>, the champion who initiates
and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross,
disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s
throne. [3] <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">Think of</span> all the <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">hostility</span> He endured from sinful
people; then you won’t become <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">weary</span>
and <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">give up</span>. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></i></b></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Hebrews 12:3</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (HCS) For <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">consider</span>
Him who endured such <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">hostility</span>
from sinners against Himself, <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">so that</span>
you won’t grow weary and lose heart. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">These verses are some of the most comforting and challenging
all at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are reminded
that we are ALL running the race - the race which is the Christian life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are reminded we are NOT alone and that
many others have run before us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we
are give very, very practical advice so that we can RUN WELL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Take <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">OFF</span> everything that <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">hinders: </span></b>Put aside anything that gets in the way of
running the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take off anything that
can slow us down, or trip us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Our race is NOT for sprinters. It is for
faithful PLODDERS who fast or slow strong or week keep on <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">PERSEVERING</span>.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">RUN</span> with Perseverance:</b> Run with endurance
refusing to give up or quit. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Perseverance
has nothing to do with GIFTEDNESS, but everything to do with your heart and
determination.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Run the <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">RACE</span> God chooses for
you: </b>Each of us must run the race. I cannot run the race for you and you
cannot run my race for me. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We can <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">finish</span> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">well</span> if we choose to RELY on Jesus who is our Strength and our
guide.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can keep on going enduring
and running by putting our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FOCUS on
Jesus: </b>He saw the end goal of providing forgiveness of sins and being
seated once again at His Father’s right hand so He went to the Cross for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">REMEMBER
Jesus endured <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">Hostility</span> for us: </b>We
must think about the price that He paid on the cross for us SO THAT we will not
get discouraged and give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
FEEL like quitting when we think we cannot go on we MUST go back to Hebrews 12
and refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus SO THAT we can hang on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<em><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">Persevering</span> grit possesses a terrible
beauty, but it is eternally beautiful when devoted to the real-life spiritual
race that is marked out for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
sense of <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">biblical</span> perseverance is
<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">patient</span> fortitude, patiently <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">gutting it out</span>. Perseverance that
refuses to be deflected, overcomes obstacles and delays, and is NOT stopped by
discouragement within nor opposition without.”</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><em> </em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord God, thank you that I do NOT have to run
this race alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank You that I can
look to You for encouragement and strength. Please Lord Jesus, help me to hang
on tight and keep on plodding no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please Lord don’t let me quit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Keep me going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span><em> </em>All quotes from R. Kent Hughes. Disciplines of a Godly Man </span></span>Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-43244079733229250732013-02-27T14:29:00.000-06:002013-02-27T14:29:25.631-06:00THANKFUL to SHOVEL SNOW?
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I really enjoy seeing how beautiful the snow makes
everything look. I do not even mind driving in it. But moving it
from point A to point B - well that is another matter. A snow drift can look
pretty until you have try to move it out of the way. Who would have
believe that those tiny fluffy flakes could join together into such a heavy
shovel full. Yet there I was moving snow from my driveway to the yard. I was OK
with it - but not really excited or joyful - OR enthusiastic about the process.
I was thankful my little electric snow blower was working and could handle the
job. I was very thankful to be done and then a neighbor plowed the street
several times with his plow and he filled the end of my driveway with deep snow
- <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">again</span> ... not one single happy
thought crossed my mind at that moment. It wasn't until later that I was
able to get my attitude right. </span><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Part of what we all face in life are tasks or work which
needs to be done. How we do that work (no matter what that work may be)
matters to God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martin Luther
writing about the God's view of work said this: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Your <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">work</span> is a
sacred matter - God delights in it - and through it He wants to bestow His
blessings on you." </i>Let's look at these verses together.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Colossians 3:23-24</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-width: 90%;">(HCS) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">Whatever</span> you do, do it <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">enthusiastically</span>, as something <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">done for</span> the Lord </b>and not for men, knowing that
you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">serve</span> the Lord Christ. <o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In this context Paul is giving instructions to slaves who
are Christians. So he is not referring to someone who is well compensated for
doing a job they love. He is talking about doing their jobs in such a way that
the Lord would be proud of them for their <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">efforts</span> and their <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">attitudes</span>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul
reminds them that they are not only serving their owners they are serving the
LORD Christ. No matter what the task may be, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or what work I must do, I can have it as my
goal to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“do it enthusiastically, as
something done for the Lord</i>.” After all whether shoveling snow or
vacuuming the floor - whether changing a diaper or going to my job - I must
remember it is the LORD Christ I am serving.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God I do
not always enjoy the jobs or tasks that I have to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do want to respond to whatever situation
I face by doing it for YOU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to
be able to remember that I can honor you with my attitude and my Effort no
matter what the task may be.</span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-31846546189425701302013-01-26T13:15:00.000-06:002013-01-26T13:15:22.444-06:00GARBAGE in GARBAGE out
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sticks and stones may
break my bones but words will never hurt me.</i> That may be true on a very
basic level especially if you have a really thick skin and if the person saying
harsh things to you is not important to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That being said the words spoken to us by people who matter to us, by
people whose opinion we value, can have a <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">huge</span>
impact in our lives. They can encourage us and give us hope -or- they can crush
us and wound us deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James warns us
about the POWER of our words.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">James 3:5-8</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NET) Think how small a flame sets a huge
forest ablaze. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the tongue is a fire!
...no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly
poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made
in God’s image. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>...These things should
not be so, my brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Commenting on these verses Hughes says this: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Those who <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">misuse</span>
their <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">words</span> are guilty of
spiritual <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">arson</span>. ...The uncontrolled
tongue has direct pipeline from hell.</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what hope is there? If no human can
control the tongue then why even try?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
Love the fact that the Lord Jesus tells us <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">how</span>
we can make sure there is a change in the words that come out of our
mouths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Luke 6:45</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NAS) <span class="jesuswords">The good man
out of the good <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">treasure</span> of his
heart brings forth what is good; and the evil <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">man</span> out of the evil <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">treasure</span>
brings forth what is evil; for<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> his mouth
<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">speaks</span> from that which <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">fills</span> his <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">heart</span>.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What am I storing up in my heart - those things which lead
to godliness - or things which lead to worldliness? What am I treasuring in MY
heart?</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Luke 6:45</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NLT) <span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">...</b></span><span class="jesuswords"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What you <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">say</span> flows from what is <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">in</span> your <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">heart</span></b>.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If I want to change the way that I speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I want my words to have an impact on
others for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I must <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">fill</span> my <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">heart</span> and <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">mind</span>
with GOOD things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must saturate my
heart and mind with God’s Word as well as anything else that is godly and
uplifting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we watch, read, or listen
to anything that is full of bad language even if we NEVER use bad language
ourselves it is in our minds and at moments of stress it will pop to the
surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I must guard what I put into
my heart and mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garbage in - Garbage
out is true of programming and using computers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is even more true of the things that we put into our hearts and
minds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord God
please give me YOUR words to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep
me from spewing nonsense or sinful words when I am upset, depresses, angry, or
stressed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please Lord Jesus help me
to fill my mind with those things which are good and wholesome and pure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord please take control of my mind and my
mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May I honor YOU with my thoughts
and my words. </span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-50446687267914987702013-01-10T10:45:00.000-06:002013-01-10T10:45:24.663-06:00AMAZING WOMAN - AND A FRESH NEW LOOK
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am married to am amazing woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carol has been, and continues to be, the one
who encourages me, believes in me, and challenges me, to pursue God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She challenges me to be REAL and to LIVE OUT
my love for God in practical ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
love the fact that after 35 years of marriage there are times that I do not
even bother to ask Carol about something because I know what she will say.
There are also many things that regularly take my by surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So each day is a new adventure, she is always
changing and growing, and always fresh and new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I love that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking at
Romans 12:1 is little like that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is so much there that I already get and understand - and yet it is new and
fresh each time I look at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s look
at it together:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Romans 12:1</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NET)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>...I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">mercies</span> of God, to present your bodies as a <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">sacrifice</span> - <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">alive</span>, holy, and pleasing to God - which is your reasonable
service.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Romans 12:1</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (HCS) ...by the <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">mercies</span> of God, I urge you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>holy and pleasing to God; this is your <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">spiritual worship</span>.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">God's amazing Mercy is the basis of this command.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus died paying the price for ALL my
wickedness from my sinful thoughts, to my twisted motives, my harmful words, to
ALL my sin-filled actions. Though I have earned condemnation I was offered
Forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My response should be to
GIVE myself to God each and every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I do it can be one of the ways I worship God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MacDonald said it this way: “...as believer-priests,
we do not come to God with the bodies of slain animals but with the spiritual
sacrifice of <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">yielded, SURRENDERED</span>
lives." Watts expressed it this way: "Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my heart, my life, my ALL.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b> Lord, thank
You for Your extravagant, lavish Mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You have forgiven the unforgivable in me, thank You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please Lord God I offer myself to You today
as a sacrifice that is ALIVE, a sacrifice that is on-going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May I be pleasing to You today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please accept my offering of myself as an act
of worship.</span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-83793804352980316492012-12-27T12:12:00.000-06:002012-12-27T12:12:04.018-06:00WHEN SHAME COMES CRASHING DOWN...
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Every now and then a
memory will come crashing back into my consciousness - not a good memory - but
a bad memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A memory of something
awful, of a time when I said or did something horrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something I would go back and correct if I
could - but I cannot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two or
three of these memories which come back regularly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please understand I have confessed these
things to the Lord Jesus and I know that they are <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">forgiven</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet they come back - many times at a moment of weakness. These memories
bring horrible remorse and terrible shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is why these words from Romans were such an encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Romans 9:33</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (NLT) ...I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">trusts</span>
in him will <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">never</span> be <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">disgraced</span>.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Romans 9:33</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> (HCS) ...the one who <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">believes</span>
on Him will <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">not</span> be put to <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">shame</span>.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The stone in Jerusalem
was Jesus Christ - many stumbled over Him and would not accept the fact that He
was the Messiah and that salvation could be found <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">only</span> through Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to ALL who do believe to those who TRUST in
Him He gives the right to become sons and daughters of God. (Jn. 1:12) When we
are forgiven and enter into a relationship with God - one of the things we can
count on is that God will not <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">disgrace</span> us or <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">SHAME</span> us
because of those things that we have said and done in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are truly covered <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">once</span> and <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">for</span> <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">all</span> at the cross.
Psalm 103 tells that HE has removed our sins as far as the east is from the
west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">FORGIVEN</span> us and those sins are GONE forever! What an amazing God of
Mercy and Grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when I feel the
shame of those old sins - I remember that God will NEVER remember those sins
and He will NOT shame me with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
must choose to believe the TRUTH about my forgiveness and stand in His grace
putting <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>behind me <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">(100 times a day if necessary)</span> ALL those
memories that come flooding back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do
I put them behind me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By focusing on
Jesus. I pray and thank God for His Mercy and Grace. I sing a song of worship, or
review verses I am memorizing, or open my Bible and start to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHY?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why can I do this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
"..the one who believes on Him will not be put to shame."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise God what an awesome Savior we have. A
song I heard many years ago says it well.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And though your body lay weary from wasting, and your eyes show the
sorrow they've had.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh the love that your heart is now tasting - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has opened the gate, Be Ye Glad.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And there is no disease or no struggle, that can pull you from God, Be
Ye Glad.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Every debt that you ever had<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">PRAYER:</span></b>
Lord Jesus thank You that You did PAY in FULL for my sin and shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank You that I do NOT live under the
crushing weight of guilt and sin. Thank you that forgiveness cleanses me from
sin and shame here and now as well as forever. Amen</span></div>
Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2472264550039150261.post-85617465528491386932012-12-18T17:14:00.000-06:002012-12-18T17:14:14.088-06:00 I choose HOPE and PRAISE in JOY and SORROW
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Christmas can be a time of joy for some and a time of discouragement or
others. Many times how we see it is based on the things we have experienced or
the things that we are currently going through in our own lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time of the year which normally brings
me so much joy is different. Please do NOT misunderstanding me I am thrilled
and proud as I can be that Tascha and Kathryn are serving the Lord in Quito,
Ecuador.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I miss them, I miss their
laughter, and I miss the tears when we are moved by something, I miss the
conversations we have, and the special times we spend together. Yes I am
thankful that God has called them and that they are serving Him but Christmas
will be different without them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So these
verses today were encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: yellow;">Psalm 42:5-6</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
(NLT) Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will</span> put my <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">hope</span>
in God! I <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">praise</span>
him again - my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">will</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">remember</span>
you...<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I love the way the Psalmist honestly says what he is feeling. He is deeply
discouraged, sad and down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he does
NOT stop with the statement of what he is feeling. He goes onto remind himself
of what he should do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He goes on to make
three statements of purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I WILL put my hope in God</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">WILL</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>praise
Him</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">WILL</span> remember You</b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHY? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why can the writer say I will Hope, Praise,
and Remember even during the difficult things he is facing? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all he cannot control the circumstances he
cannot change the things that are happening all around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he can <span style="mso-font-width: 90%; text-transform: uppercase;">choose</span> to Believe and Trust God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He can <span style="mso-font-width: 90%;">DECIDE</span>
that he will put his TRUST in God’s promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many times life may feel like the waves of fear and doubt are crashing
over us </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-width: 90%;">vs. 7</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
this writer reminds that ...each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon us...
</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-font-width: 90%;">vs.8</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he speaks of commitment when he says I will
choose to HOPE in God, I will choose to PRAISE God, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will always seek to REMEMBER God - even
during those times when nothing is going right and God FEELS like He is far,
far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer is that this
Christmas will be all you hoped it would be and that you will be full of joy as
you PRAISE God for His wonderful gift. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then maybe you are going to be separated
from those you love, or perhaps you will not be able to buy the gifts that you
wish you could have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is when it is
important to REMEMBER God, to HOPE and Trust Him, and no matter what happens
ALWAYS respond by PRAISING Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we
see Christ Jesus and the HOPE and JOY only He can bring this Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">PRAYER:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"> Lord Jesus thank you that I can choose Hope and Joy
no matter what. Thank You that we can share Tascha and Kathryn with others...
Please give them Your Joy and Hope this Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we all worship YOU - You are worthy.</span>Mark Kiefthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06298470253078441727noreply@blogger.com0