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Post by oscar on Mar 2, 2014 8:12:40 GMT -5
God is not asking us to give up our lives for Him so that our time on earth ends. He is asking us to give our lives so that we and all whom we come across, have life eternally. Romans 8:14-17 (NIV) 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
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Post by oscar on Mar 3, 2014 8:30:13 GMT -5
To go outside this time of year we normally put on a coat, some gloves, maybe even a hat. In like manner, we should put on God, wear Christ Jesus and even the Holy Spirit as we go out into this world, but especially inside our homes; it is never too late to start, until it is too late. Will we walk in in it or not? Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) 16 This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
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Post by oscar on Mar 4, 2014 8:15:10 GMT -5
There are time in our lives when we feel the need to make a change but are unsure which way to turn. Sometimes they are minor changes that will not make a big impact on our lives. Other times they are life changing. It is in these times when we need to stay the course, wait on God to direct us and look for His peace while we wait. Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
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Post by oscar on Mar 5, 2014 8:21:18 GMT -5
In the Book of Joshuah we learn of a man called by God to be a leader tasked with conquering a mighty people skilled in war. Naturally Joshuah had doubts, fear, trepidation of letting his people down, letting down God. Today, we are not tasked with taking over a country, but our fears, doubts, struggles in this life are real, and sometimes feel like a war. God told Joshuah this, had him write it down so that today, He could say it us as we battle this world. Joshuah 1:9 (NIV) 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
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Post by oscar on Mar 6, 2014 8:28:14 GMT -5
What is the most desired thing to have, yet the most difficult to give? It can end most any conflict, it is needed in every type of relationship from family to friends, coworkers to strangers? No, it is not love, but it does come from love for one another. God has given it to us, freely. The answer is, forgiveness. Ephesians 2:3-7 (NIV) 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
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Post by oscar on Mar 7, 2014 8:16:14 GMT -5
Christ Jesus, who sought out large groups of people to speak to, to heal, to teach, even He slid away from the crowds to find a peaceful, quiet place to be alone with our Father, God. On the night He knew He was to be taken, Christ had alone time with God to find His strength, peace, the very love of God to get Him through the ordeal. Now, we too can do this, when stress hits, when things feel too big, find that quiet place to speak with God. So... Romans 15:13 (NIV) 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Post by oscar on Mar 8, 2014 8:49:26 GMT -5
Tick-tock, the clock is running, can you catch it or when will it catch you. 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 (NIV) 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
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Post by oscar on Mar 9, 2014 7:23:14 GMT -5
Oh, should I say that quietly? Did we lose some sleep last night? Did we not plan for the springing forward by making sure to get the proper rest? It is a good example of what happens when we do not plan for something down the road. Sometimes the cost is something simple, but it can be eternal life. Psalm 117:1 & 2 (NIV) 1 Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. 2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord
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Post by oscar on Mar 10, 2014 7:20:02 GMT -5
If we are walking down a street and see a car coming, naturally we get out of the way. As we walk through our day, we can actually see the things that cause frustration coming. Whether that is traffic on the way to work, or kids taking their time when we are in a hurry..... With that said, just like the car, we can get out of the way of stress, sometimes, just by paying attention to the frustration we feel, and moving past it. Hebrews 12:14 & 15 (NIV) 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
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Post by oscar on Mar 11, 2014 7:12:53 GMT -5
If we had an answer for every question, we would stop searching, nothing would be done, nothing invented. In fact, you would not even be reading this, now. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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Post by oscar on Mar 12, 2014 7:31:20 GMT -5
Lumber, nails, bricks & mortar make a house, but it takes love, patience, forgiveness and mercy to make a home. A storm can take down a house, but a home can never be destroyed. Proverbs 24:3 & 4 (NIV) 3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
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Post by oscar on Mar 13, 2014 7:22:00 GMT -5
If you step outside it is easy to tell that winter is still here for one more week by the calander, but only God knows when spring weather will be here to stay, until, at least, it is time for summer weather. Start planning your gardens now, save some time, or is that tyme, or even thyme. Lamentations 3:24-26 (NIV) 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
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Post by oscar on Mar 14, 2014 7:10:11 GMT -5
The word holy means to be set a part, what God wants us to be in this world. He wants us to forgive when no one else can, to love some one when no one cares. To walk with our eyes open so we can see those who are hurting, rather than walking past them as if they are not there. Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV) 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
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Post by oscar on Mar 15, 2014 7:30:03 GMT -5
There are times when we drive from one place to another, lose focus, miss a turn or an exit and before we know it, we are not where we want or need to be. Women would say we are lost, men, not lost, we know right where we are...... But until we realize we have traveled off the path, we cannot know to turn around or to take the next exit. Philippians 3:15-17 (NIV) 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
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Post by oscar on Mar 16, 2014 7:20:39 GMT -5
Yes, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-18 (NIV) OH Lord...., 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.
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Post by oscar on Mar 17, 2014 7:14:39 GMT -5
School days, school days oh those, frozen road days? Wait, that is not how the song goes is it? It seems the song remains the same today, who would have thought, snow in winter..... Before long the flowers will be up and looking bright, refreshed, anew from their winter slumber. It is time we do as well, for we are God's garden. 1 Timothy 4:7-10 (NIV) 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
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Post by oscar on Mar 18, 2014 8:00:30 GMT -5
There are days when we all struggle with something. Maybe it is something simple like opening a jar, or something more serious as the loss of a loved one. No matter the reason, they can all make us feel lost, alone, worthless. But God wants us to know, we can find strength in Him, that we are never alone and are worth more than all the riches in this world. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV) 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
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Post by oscar on Mar 19, 2014 7:44:13 GMT -5
Every day God sets out to help us, to encourage us on our walk through life with Him. There are many ways He can and does encourage us, but His favorite way is by using us to help, to encourage others on their walk with Him. So.... 1 Corinthians 16:13 & 14 (NIV) 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
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Post by oscar on Mar 20, 2014 7:32:12 GMT -5
Well we made it! Winter, by the calender, is over, spring is here! Now, whether or not the weather will agree is another story, but I digress...... Spring means fresh, warmer air. So let us get a fresh, warmer perspective. We have dishes to wash, laundry to do, because we have food to eat and clothes to wear. Sometimes we just have to step back and take a better look to see the beauty, the mercy of God. Mathew 6:19-21 (NIV) 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
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Post by oscar on Mar 21, 2014 7:15:55 GMT -5
So often in our lives it is the little things we do to help others, or they for us, that go unnoticed. That is, until those things are no longer done, then they see, we notice. God does not just help us with the big things in our lives, but He helps us with the little things as well. From a green light when we most need it, a favorite song when we are stressed, even no one in line when we are in a hurry. Yes God's hands are working, we just need to notice, to say thank you, Father. Job 36:16 (NIV) “He (God) is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food."
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Post by oscar on Mar 22, 2014 7:18:09 GMT -5
Christ Jesus has a lot of faith in you, if not you would not be here, now. All He wants, needs from you is a little faith, in Him. He chose you, afterall. Ephesians 1:2-4 (NIV) 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight in love.
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Post by oscar on Mar 23, 2014 6:59:05 GMT -5
We just need a little more patience with this weather it seems. Me thinks winter doth protest too much! Psalm 17:5-8 (NIV) 5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled. 6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. 7 Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.
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Post by oscar on Mar 24, 2014 7:09:48 GMT -5
Here I am, here you are, proof that God will bring us threw anything. So why worry about the present or doubt the future? Psalm 4:6-8 (NIV) 6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. 7 Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
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Post by oscar on Mar 25, 2014 7:21:26 GMT -5
Hey, it is Tuesday! Yes, it is a big deal to some because this means that they made it through another day. Some people live day to day, hour by hour, clinging to the hope that things will be better. If you are one, know this; SINCE you made it through yesterday, you WILL make it through today. Acts 2:25-28 (NIV) 25 David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope,27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.""
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Post by oscar on Mar 26, 2014 7:25:44 GMT -5
Well, now that winter has gotten that out of its system, let Spring reign, or is that rain! The Apostle Paul was saying this to the Christians at Philippi, but today, I say this to you; you are loved and not alone. Philippians 1:2-6 (NIV) 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
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