tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18892234774664236812024-02-20T23:46:16.723-05:00Our Identity in ChristSelma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-63337155354451369672023-11-06T19:22:00.000-05:002023-11-06T19:22:51.478-05:00Who is your personal God? English/Spanish<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU0VimvI600fceCjN-AxZmZLQSwNoQkym7dtsYXGejhNnyR48C6EGvaIwr1zr5_QUHm7qwUlxIVRkwEt0l-EEbAruh63SK-oVnokLva81Q1pjm-gYPINd-mzKVv_TbR9ZzkMcYhF4aqmHkZgiZDgX-cMTKAtkz47gceM_WJFByz_WxKvPcDZ5PABz_iL4/s530/kneel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="530" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU0VimvI600fceCjN-AxZmZLQSwNoQkym7dtsYXGejhNnyR48C6EGvaIwr1zr5_QUHm7qwUlxIVRkwEt0l-EEbAruh63SK-oVnokLva81Q1pjm-gYPINd-mzKVv_TbR9ZzkMcYhF4aqmHkZgiZDgX-cMTKAtkz47gceM_WJFByz_WxKvPcDZ5PABz_iL4/w214-h194/kneel.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0F5nWx_OZof2Uns6Y1lIA8CPLsqAy_knWvmY7_QnNddWPruASeQ7fVocNxqiFz42EKgYixTajj5j6VNZD3krZ7PVZPHIn8QEoDhQduHATGRbSgWJ4Hifb_dDR1pC0ZdMvg1DfqJXQB57fHcCOMiTFfO5WvbT-P2ElY91hVIZiKgAeueD3uXAXzF8KR2D/s7008/Document_2023-11-06_183347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7008" data-original-width="4960" height="719" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0F5nWx_OZof2Uns6Y1lIA8CPLsqAy_knWvmY7_QnNddWPruASeQ7fVocNxqiFz42EKgYixTajj5j6VNZD3krZ7PVZPHIn8QEoDhQduHATGRbSgWJ4Hifb_dDR1pC0ZdMvg1DfqJXQB57fHcCOMiTFfO5WvbT-P2ElY91hVIZiKgAeueD3uXAXzF8KR2D/w508-h719/Document_2023-11-06_183347.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdozJ7DkpyrEqJ2-6BrQlbsi-avaNDkCck5SiiTnEa6Y7ynRRxKInG90m0568rhPks_twKCYS-NvDzrJUzci9JPWJc7Zy989za2snTcRUFdAHdKFW0Ez7Pb_zdfSL53_kIw-ptrNO1mrmrNfrVAI4Bapa0pwg9liMD9zs8phj20R8XqnJaslucwc4PgVDp/s7008/Document_2023-11-06_183934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7008" data-original-width="4960" height="767" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdozJ7DkpyrEqJ2-6BrQlbsi-avaNDkCck5SiiTnEa6Y7ynRRxKInG90m0568rhPks_twKCYS-NvDzrJUzci9JPWJc7Zy989za2snTcRUFdAHdKFW0Ez7Pb_zdfSL53_kIw-ptrNO1mrmrNfrVAI4Bapa0pwg9liMD9zs8phj20R8XqnJaslucwc4PgVDp/w542-h767/Document_2023-11-06_183934.jpg" width="542" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-165142328943542032022-09-26T18:13:00.000-04:002022-09-26T18:13:23.361-04:00Pray Vote Stand Summit 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2b3sqEV4TA5xNjOLM_u09zIKKCJmuDr_XOU6JiRlkUeaOhI5psopv-0xgavvXvlAy-ENXxGcZ7nuy-ivSwypxVecVxQaPg2GlZ90RsreNeWP4DmgK6c3OlfTxkmlm4zo9b9x6W3bJoYr6Zmaij89fZHq8iPNPEnFgyU7Q7HWY86SzDR2IsEeYtWVLA/s2481/PVS2022blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1754" data-original-width="2481" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2b3sqEV4TA5xNjOLM_u09zIKKCJmuDr_XOU6JiRlkUeaOhI5psopv-0xgavvXvlAy-ENXxGcZ7nuy-ivSwypxVecVxQaPg2GlZ90RsreNeWP4DmgK6c3OlfTxkmlm4zo9b9x6W3bJoYr6Zmaij89fZHq8iPNPEnFgyU7Q7HWY86SzDR2IsEeYtWVLA/w381-h268/PVS2022blog.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">PrayVoteStand
2022 provided ideas on current events. This educational summit covered topics
related to families and personal choices. On the evenings of Wednesday,
September 14 and Friday, September 16, the room was filled with praise and
worship by the FBA choir. On Thursday, September 15 and Friday, September 16,
our morning sessions were started with praise by the FBA Praise Team. Thank you
for setting the tone for the summit.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Pray:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many
sessions started and/or ended with prayer. <a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312360143112" target="_blank">Anne Graham Lotz</a> began with a prayer
for the attendees that as we are given information, we would receive this
information. A prayer for Your truth and for eyes to see what is going on
around us. Anne challenged our focus with one example and one Bible teaching.
The example centered on receiving a package wrapped in brown paper. Listen to
her session for the complete example. Her question, “are we focusing on the
brown package or the treasure inside?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anne,
the founder of <a href="https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/" target="_blank">AnGeL Ministries</a>, continued her challenge with the six “woes” in
Isaiah chapter 5:8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22 and the answer in chapter 6. When crises erupt look up, look up to
the Lord, John 12, Jesus is on the throne. We need a fresh vision of Christ!
When we pray, we are appealing to the highest authority in the university. No
one is higher. No problem that we individually or as a nation encounter is
greater than He. Isaiah 6:5, We all need to LOOK UP!!! Jesus, bring to my mind
the sin that is hindering Your plans for my life. What have I been
missing? View <a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312360143112" target="_blank">Anne Graham Lotz</a> heart
sharing message and read her book <i><a href="https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/products/storming-the-gates-of-heaven/" target="_blank">Stormingthe Gates of Heaven</a></i>. I purchased Anne’s book at The <a href="https://www.fba.org/bookstore" target="_blank">Book Store at FirstBaptist Church Atlanta</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Vote:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the sessions, individuals and panels discussed issues
facing our nation and offered possible solutions. Get involved! My
responsibility is to pray, study the issues, become involved. A few examples: </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312418437112" target="_blank">George Barna</a>, <i>Senior Research Fellow, Family Research Counci</i>l, excellent Power Point</p><p class="MsoNormal">The <i><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312418259112" target="_blank">Values Shaping America</a></i>, presented by a panel</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312358331112" target="_blank">America on the World Stage</a></i> presented by a panel</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312374651112" target="_blank">Dr. Ben Carson</a> interview on the
<a href="http://americancornerstone.org" target="_blank">Four Cornerstones of our Country</a>: Faith, Liberty, Community and Life </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312381415112" target="_blank">David Limbaugh</a>, <i>Nationally
Syndicated Columnist </i>and daughter Christen</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312557571112" target="_blank">Faith, Politics, andthe Hispanic Realignment</a></i> presented by a panel </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312424164112" target="_blank">Blue Schools in RedStates: Ideas for Reform</a></i> presented by a panel </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312446856112" target="_blank">Pastor Corey Brooks</a>, <i>Founder and CEO, Project H.O.O.D</i>.
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312326751112" target="_blank">Dr. Albert Mohler</a> text Ecclesiastes 3:1+ What time is it?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312323552112" target="_blank">Allie Beth Stuckey</a>, <i>Host,
Blaze TV’s “Relatable”</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312390019112" target="_blank">Mike Huckabee</a>, <i>Former
Governor, Arkansas<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312355638112" target="_blank">Todd Starnes</a>, “<i>The
Todd Starnes Show” <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312390167112" target="_blank">Bishop Vincent Mathews</a>, <i>Missions President, Church of God in Christ</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312327803112" target="_blank">Pastor Gary Hamrick</a> text Luke 21:21 The Bible is our
standard </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312434647112" target="_blank">Rep. Jody Hice</a>, Congressman from Georgia</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312432787112" target="_blank">Governor Kevin Stitt</a>, Oklahoma</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="https://prayvotestand.org/archive?videoId=6312357361112" target="_blank">A Parent’s WorstNightmare: Child Victims of the School’s…</a></i> presented by a panel</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The complete speaker’s video archive may be viewed at
<a href="http://PrayVoteStand.org">PrayVoteStand.org</a>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stand:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“As long as I am your Governor, we will continue to stand
shoulder to shoulder with you to speak for those who cannot speak for
themselves and protect the God-given potential of each and every Georgian who
calls the Peach State home.” <a href="https://gov.georgia.gov/" target="_blank">Brian Kemp</a> in the Forward, pg 3, <i><a href="http://www.FrontlinePolicy.com" target="_blank">The Church’s Moment</a></i>, by Cole Muzio. This is a Georgia and national issue. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We stand together, secular and church groups, single people
and families, with one goal in mind; to make America a country for ALL people. We
are in a spiritual battle for our families, our children, Isaiah 37:20.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The exhibitors shared their services and offered suggestions
on how to serve our communities. A few of the exhibitors:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://leahfarish.com" target="_blank">Conversation Balloons</a></b>
podcast Leah Farish</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.babyontheway.org" target="_blank">the Pregnancy center</a></b>
Pat Page, Executive Director</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.publicsq.com">PublicSq.</a></b>
connecting Americans by offering “The Marketplace” and “The Community”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://ivoterguide.com" target="_blank"> iVoterGuide</a></b> grounded in God, rooted in
research</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://Leadershipinstitute.org" target="_blank">Leadership Institute</a> </b>develop
your skills to advance Christian values within the public policy process</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.StudentsforLife.org" target="_blank">Students For Life</a> </b>Belong,
Believe, Behave is the approach to the movement of the Pro-Life Generation, my
bracelet reads “love them both”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://heritage.org" target="_blank">The HeritageFoundation</a></b> <i>Solutions, Pocket Cards</i>,
wraps our purpose up with “Building an America were freedom, opportunity,
prosperity, and civil society flourish.” <i>We STAND together!<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://cedarville.edu" target="_blank">Cedarville University</a>
</b>Psalm 90:12 make every day count</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://renewanation.org" target="_blank">Renew a Nation</a></b>
Helping children develop a biblical worldview</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://frc.org" target="_blank">Family Research Council</a> </b>advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture
from a biblical worldview</p>
<h4 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.FrontlinePolicy.com" target="_blank">Frontline Policy</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;">"…But the people who know their God shall
stand firm and take action. "</span><span style="font-family: Arial, "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">Daniel
11:32<o:p></o:p></span></h4><div><span style="font-family: Arial, "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, "sans-serif";"><a href="http://ShareHealthCare.com" target="_blank">ShareHealthcare</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"> the new way
to show you care about medical costs<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>After listening to the speakers and talking with the
exhibitors, my conclusion is that we are all created wanting the same things:
security, belonging, and worth. Since, in my belief system, I was created in
the image of God, Genesis 1:26-27; only God can meet my needs. Please read the
following for more encouraging words:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Joshua was called to lead into unknown territory, “Be strong
and courageous…” Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18, 10:25, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 23, Isaiah
25, Jeremiah 29:11, 33:3, John 3:16-17, 14:6</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Why politics? Politics or politicians make policies and
policies affect ALL families and/or single people.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://PrayVoteStand.org">PrayVoteStand.org</a></p></div><p></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-37079053618962512102022-08-08T12:39:00.000-04:002022-08-08T12:39:02.421-04:00Do You Believe in God?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBu41FbYg3zHuhUTkDEyOgq_Zoq41Ejz3oSOX7JGlVSGsNcNZ0br7IGutg3rcuMsCaSS12SWsVhI1LeiP3RiPoRHr33F1ihH9bvTof_iW-cN-3PUtDLWKgjB9pIAUwyI1Kd88Ulv13iZnnD3dZROrWmCfh8C6I3QtFe8pW3xEXT4VG2g7qSiwVVonGQ/s1650/forgiveness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBu41FbYg3zHuhUTkDEyOgq_Zoq41Ejz3oSOX7JGlVSGsNcNZ0br7IGutg3rcuMsCaSS12SWsVhI1LeiP3RiPoRHr33F1ihH9bvTof_iW-cN-3PUtDLWKgjB9pIAUwyI1Kd88Ulv13iZnnD3dZROrWmCfh8C6I3QtFe8pW3xEXT4VG2g7qSiwVVonGQ/w178-h231/forgiveness.jpg" width="178" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A33&version=KJV" target="_blank">Matthew 6:33</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">". seek ye first the kingdom of God..."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do you believe in
God? I do! Do you believe the Bible is God’s written word? I do!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The following is part of an email I received last week, 3
August 2022. Since the author is well known and currently speaking at many
conferences, I am not identifying the author.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">“I’ve got a story to tell,” begins with the author’s
credentials and extensive travel experiences. The author continues writing
about visiting the largest Cathedral [gives the name] in the Middle East. Then
the author continues “I proclaimed in that country that Christians, Jews, and
Muslims are all children of Abraham.” The author continues, “What a marvelous
message that God heals the deepest of wounds and brings people together, <i>for we are all His children</i>.” Yes, this
is just part of the Bible. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">As Paul Harvey used to say, “for the rest of the story…”</p>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God has given each of us a different life plan,
yet there is one God. God’s purpose for creating me and you, our main assignment,
is to love God, part of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20&version=KJV" target="_blank">Exodus 20</a>, </span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">I am the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">Thou shalt have no other gods before me." In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022%3A36%2D38&version=KJV" target="_blank">Matthew 22:36-38</a>, Jesus replies, "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">Let us also read: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galations+3%3A26&version=KJV" target="_blank">Galatians 3:26</a>, "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+peter+3%3A9&version=KJV" target="_blank">2Peter 3:9</a>, "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Believe the WHOLE Bible: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+9%3A1-15&version=KJV" target="_blank">Romans 9:1-15</a>, </span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">"...</span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. </span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed..." </span></div></span><span style="font-family: Arial, "sans-serif";"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;">Please pray and ask God, the one true God, to speak to your
mind and heart. Please, if we are called Christians, if we believe the Bible,
speak in love about the whole scripture. We are doing the people of the world a
disservice when we pick and choose!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">scripture is from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/">https://www.biblegateway.com/</a> the KJV</span></p></div><div style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span></div>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-52721811546511809002022-07-12T10:31:00.003-04:002022-07-12T10:31:41.385-04:00Encouragement and Instructions to Judges<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEldEdj9p2Svz9WQtAK1y_fBYMXssvz0sPqsOfSznPEzZFqHAvEH0McRTEsW34wBXMyg8Xpqe7HcySm8Jd8Xjim27mUgo5zpOWNNXgNDfvmB1Jx2A5_iL8sVuvdFh28iDHF-SwwXLYL3Vc9JVy9n2KB1Xv79_mJ2TQYSZbW-YzYSqfkljVyNyXVVUYOA/s1650/read.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEldEdj9p2Svz9WQtAK1y_fBYMXssvz0sPqsOfSznPEzZFqHAvEH0McRTEsW34wBXMyg8Xpqe7HcySm8Jd8Xjim27mUgo5zpOWNNXgNDfvmB1Jx2A5_iL8sVuvdFh28iDHF-SwwXLYL3Vc9JVy9n2KB1Xv79_mJ2TQYSZbW-YzYSqfkljVyNyXVVUYOA/w194-h149/read.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After reading these few paragraphs this morning, hopefully
this note will encourage and instruct our Judges.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">2 Chronicles 19:6, 7,
9, 10</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">He [King Jehoshaphat]
said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man
but for the LORD who is with you when you render judgment.</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">“Now then let the
fear of the LORD be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the LORD our God
will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.”</p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Then he charged them
saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and
wholeheartedly. </p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Whenever any dispute
comes to you from your brethren who live in their cities, between blood and
blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them
so that they may not be guilty before the LORD, and wrath may not come on you,
and your brethren. Thus you shall do and you will not be guilty.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-align: left;">Judge, may this encourage you to look to God for wisdom and
knowledge, PRAY!!!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-align: center;">Psalm 82:</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A psalm of Asaf:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1) </span></sup></b><i><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elohim</span></i><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> [God]
stands in the divine assembly;<br />
there with the <i>elohim</i> [judges], he judges:<br />
<b><sup>2 </sup></b>“How long will you go on judging unfairly,<br />
favoring the wicked? <i>(Selah)</i><br />
<b><sup>3 </sup></b>Give justice to the weak and fatherless!<br />
Uphold the rights of the wretched and poor!<br />
<b><sup>4 </sup></b>Rescue the destitute and needy;<br />
deliver them from the power of the wicked!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They don’t know,
they don’t understand,<br />
they wander about in darkness;<br />
meanwhile, all the foundations of the earth<br />
are being undermined.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“My decree is:
‘You are <i>elohim</i> [gods, judges],<br />
sons of the Most High all of you.<br />
<b><sup>7 </sup></b>Nevertheless, you will die like mortals;<br />
like any prince, you will fall.’”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rise up, <i>Elohim</i>,
and judge the earth;<br />
for all the nations are yours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><a href="Psalm 82 CJB – A psalm of Asaf: Elohim [God] stands in – Bible Gateway" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4a4a4a;">Complete Jewish Bible</span> (CJB)</a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> © 1998 by David H. Stern. BibleGateway.com</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FAF8F7;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May ALL Americans come together and pray for our
country and our leaders!!! May we pray that our judges and leaders will seek
wisdom, knowledge and integrity!! This was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my
heart </i>after reading from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/nasb-charles-stanley-principles-bible-softcover/9781418548858/pd/548858?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=bibles-0-20%7C548858&p=1179710&utm_source=google&dv=c&p=1179710&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7SWBhAnEiwAx8ZLarGFLAqqu-NkZVYNvwhueT-d7M2l8kuadbx0cpWa8HpvxjcTU2XshRoCqEcQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">The CharlesF. Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible</a></i>, July 12. The daily reading also
includes Life Principle 10, “If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to
show us His will, 2 Chronicles 20:12. God always wants the best for us, and He
is committed to showing us how to follow the specific plan He has designed for
each of our lives….” Dr. Stanley continues with nine ways God may help us to
take notice of His will.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FAF8F7;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May this be a blessing and encouragement to us
ALL to pray and seek integrity in our individual life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-10032142904226009122022-06-20T17:19:00.002-04:002022-06-20T17:19:42.722-04:00Who was my Aunt Eleanor Lena Schuler Boldt, 1910-1995?<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 12pt;">But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A33&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 6:33</a> NJK BibleGateway</span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKIlyfCFj2UglUnG0obSEK8ZeAXoTH3cJZ6K3ESNfAdggAtk_I_-kTWR4qXbsmc0dtvjem7aQBFwLZthr_hdapqbkJhHywmowefa_XqWEHHain0LY_upp8HB2OXBLZ3euMiMAVHr1m6keNDj7j173_bjOvOzQtxxo--iovjMSA6JUgD9oMvvURPdQUA/s1646/SCHULER_family_192501(rev%200).tif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1646" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKIlyfCFj2UglUnG0obSEK8ZeAXoTH3cJZ6K3ESNfAdggAtk_I_-kTWR4qXbsmc0dtvjem7aQBFwLZthr_hdapqbkJhHywmowefa_XqWEHHain0LY_upp8HB2OXBLZ3euMiMAVHr1m6keNDj7j173_bjOvOzQtxxo--iovjMSA6JUgD9oMvvURPdQUA/w200-h147/SCHULER_family_192501(rev%200).tif" width="200" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="line-height: 115%;">1925 Schuler family</span> </span><span face="Arial, "sans-serif""><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Front row l-r Dorothy 1921, Mildred 1919 </span></span><span face="Arial, "sans-serif""><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Back row l-r Eleanor 1910, Nettie Couch1884,
William John Schuler 1871, Lloyd 1912</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Who was
Aunt Eleanor to me? Eleanor was my mother’s older sister, the first born of the
family. Aunt Eleanor married Rev. William J. Boldt in 1943. He was pastor of
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Joliet, Illinois. She moved into the parsonage
attached to the church. From about 1946 to mid 1950s, our family lived next
door. Eleanor was my Sunday school teacher, summer Bible school teacher, Sunday
night junior high school leader. Many happy hours of instruction came from my
aunt in the form of flannel-graph stories such as the “stoning of Stephen” and
chalk talks with the music and story of “Peter and the Wolf.” Many pleasant
memories of “childhood family” time flood my mind. That’s a whole different
blog.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfgg1LZNlZ-Zw0Glk2GG1Udk6nAOWWLNK3GrVQFWOrLfv-8iTYXruuGAiNphwApeKIOR6boTA9Y-ettZnDkySRyxzNFM-rdd857w65wey4iKZybW4EFQQtVm7Z2seZzAxsa47TAtE4TYzsOLLtRoWOYFThhjn1TGuskrVbX4oUnfaiJzmwS51u3ejsg/s3426/Prayer%20Table.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfgg1LZNlZ-Zw0Glk2GG1Udk6nAOWWLNK3GrVQFWOrLfv-8iTYXruuGAiNphwApeKIOR6boTA9Y-ettZnDkySRyxzNFM-rdd857w65wey4iKZybW4EFQQtVm7Z2seZzAxsa47TAtE4TYzsOLLtRoWOYFThhjn1TGuskrVbX4oUnfaiJzmwS51u3ejsg/s3426/Prayer%20Table.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMb3FQplqhl5HuZhdwmrEgnlOcTd4i1XlYhSWXJdtiQJc2YQ2yCZJMbdw1wAFub1Y35hLCjaOXshMSkbqllA1K1qbukHBjPuvF2vzdzGfYMv6qvB8FWRAHe0l07uCx6XcxloCGQ2dcG7yw9P-I1cktQc4bSNsU0ETY3wszWN2-9yqUvLeB47FdDsMBg/s2148/PlaneMISSIONS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2148" data-original-width="1704" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMb3FQplqhl5HuZhdwmrEgnlOcTd4i1XlYhSWXJdtiQJc2YQ2yCZJMbdw1wAFub1Y35hLCjaOXshMSkbqllA1K1qbukHBjPuvF2vzdzGfYMv6qvB8FWRAHe0l07uCx6XcxloCGQ2dcG7yw9P-I1cktQc4bSNsU0ETY3wszWN2-9yqUvLeB47FdDsMBg/w159-h200/PlaneMISSIONS.jpg" width="159" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the years before technology, Uncle Bill and Aunt Eleanor traveled
many miles supporting missionaries in EVERY country. The missionaries would
share their plans, needs and how the mission boards could support their
specific work. In 1959, my dad traveled with them to Africa to film their trip
firsthand, so different from zoom meetings today. When they came home, we enjoyed many hours of
stories and photos. Matthew 28:19-20.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="2056" data-original-width="3426" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfgg1LZNlZ-Zw0Glk2GG1Udk6nAOWWLNK3GrVQFWOrLfv-8iTYXruuGAiNphwApeKIOR6boTA9Y-ettZnDkySRyxzNFM-rdd857w65wey4iKZybW4EFQQtVm7Z2seZzAxsa47TAtE4TYzsOLLtRoWOYFThhjn1TGuskrVbX4oUnfaiJzmwS51u3ejsg/w200-h120/Prayer%20Table.jpg" width="200" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By 1980, they moved to Evansville,
Indiana. Uncle Bill died in 1988; Eleanor continued
sharing their interest in missions. This
time, she would use the mail service. She would go to the library and copy
notes of joy and encouragement; as she wrote letters, the envelopes always had
poems and scripture attached, example, Romans 8:32, 2 Timothy 1:7. Also, Eleanor
spent many hours in her living room at her prayer table. This glass top coffee table
displayed photos as reminders to pray for families and friends by name. Eleanor
loved Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She daily shared John 3:16 and John 8:32.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">This is how I remember Aunt Eleanor by love for her Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ, not the young child searching for the meaning for her
life. Truly, Ella S. or Aunt Eleanor found meaning for her life.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">This blog was written in two parts for Eleanor's view of herself read <span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://genealogicalhistoryresearch.blogspot.com/2022/06/who-was-eleanor-lena-schuler-boldt-1910.html" target="_blank">Who was Eleanor Lena Schuler Boldt, 1910-1995?</a></i></span></p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-56232004824838579272022-02-15T20:55:00.000-05:002022-02-15T20:55:04.902-05:00When You Don't Know WHAT TO PRAY <p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOxYcU7yq-CehCZR_wGx0uMyxtNcSCoKHJO6Mx0QGMr-Sciukum06Hs8lMxBVoGmd87Yb6iW03909Y6flHM5v8FyeGuz3g_Z3L2Nirky9BgZH1m4Rz2GWyPKmeMdPX3IFnGuLkO5D7-ccmj737OozZ4cqCrMR4Zw07fKa1xEmPBy1Taf-zqU3qskPSOQ=s499" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOxYcU7yq-CehCZR_wGx0uMyxtNcSCoKHJO6Mx0QGMr-Sciukum06Hs8lMxBVoGmd87Yb6iW03909Y6flHM5v8FyeGuz3g_Z3L2Nirky9BgZH1m4Rz2GWyPKmeMdPX3IFnGuLkO5D7-ccmj737OozZ4cqCrMR4Zw07fKa1xEmPBy1Taf-zqU3qskPSOQ=w181-h270" width="181" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">WHEN YOU HAVE <i>A Battle to Fight</i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>There is no wisdom and no understanding</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>And no counsel against the LORD.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The horse is prepared for the day of battle,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>But victory belongs to the LORD.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Proverbs 21:30-31</p><p style="text-align: left;">Father, haow greateful I am for Your protection, guidance, and strength. Thank you for being my Commander in Chief. Truly, there is no Defender, Warrior, or King like You-in heaven or on earth. Regardless of the enemies or challenges in my path, You easily overcome them. No matter the conflicts and trials I face, You are always triumphant. I am grateful for Your love and guidance.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Lord, I recognize You observe the full battle before me and know exactly what to do. I also realize I perceive the conflict only in part-I see only what is immediately apparent. But You fight in ways that I can't even imagine, with both spiritual and physical armaments and strategies that are so much greater than my understanding or abilities. You are all-powerful and all-knowing, and everything is in Your presence. No one in heaven or on earth can help me more than You can. So I know I stand tallest and strongest when I am in submission to You. And I am safest as I walk in the center of Your will. Therefore, Father, You are my Leader, and I will follow you. I obey You, Lord, knowing there can be only one General deciding the battle plan.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Father, help me not to become angry or defensive at those who attack, but to always be as forgiving and gracious as You are. Guard my lips, Lord. Help me always remember that so much of this battle is spiritual, and often people act as they do for reasons that are unknown even to themselves. My job is to obey You and represent You well. Thus, You call me to turn to You privately in prayer as conflicts arise-and not fight in public with words or actions. So that is what I will do, Father. Likewise, Lord, when I am hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, remind me of how vulnerable I am and that I need to take shelter in You. No matter what happens, I will not run away or give in to fear but will find my strength in You.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Thank You for always being available and leading me to success regardless of the battle. Thank You for working through Your Holy Spirit to guide me strategically around the Enemy's traps, to empower me for the struggle, to overcome every obstacle, to heal my battle wounds, qnd to direct me to victory. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me and to others through this. Help me to wait on Your perfect timing, trust You every step of the way, and be willing to obey all You ask. To You be all glory, honor, power, and praise in every triumph.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stanley, Charles F. <i>When You Don't Know WHAT TO PRAY</i>. "When You Have a Battle to Fight." Zondervan, USA, 2021. pg 71-72, This book includes 100 essential prayers for enduring life's storms. As I am using this as a devotional, God is revealing more areas that I am not even aware need confession and work. Thank you, Dr. Stanley.</span></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-28834214924830305982021-12-31T10:41:00.000-05:002021-12-31T10:41:02.868-05:00FOCUS . . . RELATIONSHIPS<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">Matthew 6:33</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; text-align: left; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; text-align: left;">But</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; text-align: left;"> </span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; text-align: left;">seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. </span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">New King James Version <a href="/www.biblegateway.com" target="_blank"> </a></span><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;"><a href="/www.biblegateway.com" target="_blank">www.biblegateway.com</a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkZ3Nim7_FkfJ62_iCIiGTnr7s9nuGx-aSb_nsOy3w1RlUBaJUZc98aWtLn2KR3g1795E4VGd5b548QpT8XlAg3SYDwk7SCUkhvfL76w1rL42xJrMefbJPQcSSuAebjNDhTDA0q2szP4FqfLr5EJf-L_b3tt7r2qM-5pBmqpu5tVEM1Et6ZWO0HLELiQ=s1650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkZ3Nim7_FkfJ62_iCIiGTnr7s9nuGx-aSb_nsOy3w1RlUBaJUZc98aWtLn2KR3g1795E4VGd5b548QpT8XlAg3SYDwk7SCUkhvfL76w1rL42xJrMefbJPQcSSuAebjNDhTDA0q2szP4FqfLr5EJf-L_b3tt7r2qM-5pBmqpu5tVEM1Et6ZWO0HLELiQ=w176-h136" width="176" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">"JEHOVAH the relational God: You rule over all, yet You also seek a <i>Relationship</i> with your creation. You are worthy of ALL Praise and Worship." 1 John 4:10.*</p><p style="text-align: left;">Where is my focus? Where is your focus? May we encourage each other to <i>focus</i> on what is important to each of us <i>RELATIONSHIPS</i>. For me, I have finished reading <i>Life Principles Daily Bible</i> and look forward to reading in again starting tomorrow. Send me a note to let me know what is important to <i>you</i>, what is your <i>focus</i>?</p><p style="text-align: left;">The following examples of a few of the pages that have helped me through the year:</p><p style="text-align: left;">In Habakkuk, the prophet, we read about violence, iniquity, plagues, pestilence and dissapointments. Yet, in Habakkuk 3, we read his prayer, "LORD, I have heard the report about You and I fear, O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years..." This same day, 23 December we read, Psalm 146. "PRAISE the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!...Do not trust in princes, in mortal men,.." To continue on the depravity of mortal man, in Revelation 13 we read what will happen to people :18 "Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate..."</p><p style="text-align: left;">December 27, Psalm 147:12-18, reminds us to Never Give Up. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Revelation 22:12, "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, To render to every man according to what he has done..."</p><p style="text-align: left;">How will you or I respond to the Lord's challenges upon life? Will we respond with anger, strife, hate or love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galations 5:22)? Let us focus on building relationships!!!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Evans, Tony. <i>Experience the Power of God's Names</i>. Eugene, Oregon, Harvest House Publishers. 2017. page 14.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stanley, Charles F. <i>Life Principles Daily Bible: Bilical Principles for Each Day of the Year</i>. Nashville, Thomas Nelson. 2011. pages 1596-1640.</span></p><h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; width: 426.719px;"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="listbox" aria-labelledby="dropdown-56445" class="translation d-container go2538389840" id="dropdown-56445" role="button" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-icon" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px 4px; min-width: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; white-space: nowrap;" tabindex="0"><svg height="6.5" viewbox="0 0 11.5 6.5" width="11.5" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M11.28.22a.75.75 0 0 0-1.06 0L5.75 4.69 1.28.22A.75.75 0 0 0 .22 1.28l5 5a.73.73 0 0 0 .53.22.74.74 0 0 0 .53-.22l5-5a.75.75 0 0 0 0-1.06z"></path></svg></div></div><span class="d-root"></span></div><div class="clearfix" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"></div></h1><div class="passage-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7em; margin-top: 50px; min-width: 0px;"><div class="passage-content passage-class-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><div class="version-NKJV result-text-style-normal text-html" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"></div></div></div>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-64363058202999963262021-12-25T15:59:00.003-05:002021-12-25T16:01:29.743-05:00Merry Christmas & peaceful New Year<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHxFUhAIsQwwO_aHXkwiMQEvRgrWPaIickPWlRbdruJQWpsmZsfwv8pIh2EXXKXiPU5gzpvYr92JyWrLKiZPL-Rdv3oqt828n_7GBKt_yjwuVI6nf99lPanmT7Ji4XdiJ0SPl01Uw3DF3QlAxPwFw6nVwBxMjgtDShVOCbk1hPJAuXPFzz-SZ84nZBfg=s1650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHxFUhAIsQwwO_aHXkwiMQEvRgrWPaIickPWlRbdruJQWpsmZsfwv8pIh2EXXKXiPU5gzpvYr92JyWrLKiZPL-Rdv3oqt828n_7GBKt_yjwuVI6nf99lPanmT7Ji4XdiJ0SPl01Uw3DF3QlAxPwFw6nVwBxMjgtDShVOCbk1hPJAuXPFzz-SZ84nZBfg=s320" width="320" /></a></div>"When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13, <span style="font-size: x-small;">NRSV</span><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> Many Christmas cards show three kings walking toward Bethlehem. Yet the Bible doesn't tell us that they were kings nor that there were three of them! We're told that they were 'wise men from the East' and that they carried three different gifts, but that's all. The important thing is that they came-not what their status was or how many of them there were.</p><p> In the church calendar, they arrived not on the 25th of December, but on the 6th of January, which is celebrated as 'the feast of the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.' As my birthday is January 6, I've always had particular interest in this part of the Bible story.</p><p> The Wise Men come 'late,'-twelve days after the birth of the Savior-but they still come. They come from 'outside'-as Gentiles, not members of the people of Israel-but they still come. They come a long way-but they still come.</p><p> They come to him because he came to them. He came first and formost in the newborn baby laying in the manager. But he also came to the Wise Men by means of the star that announced his birth and by means of their intelligence and courage which inspired them to undergo the grueling and hazardous journey.</p><p> For Jesus is not only the Truth and the Life, he is also the Way. As we go toward him, we are already meeting him every step of the way. Unless he wanted us, we would not be wanting him.</p><p> I once received a Christmas card that had no picture on it, but just the words: 'Wise men still seek Him.' May we be wise men, wise women, wise children this Christmas.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Continue seeking Him with seriousness.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Unless He wanted you, you would not be wanting Him.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">C. S. Lewis, letter to Genia Goelz, June 13, 1951</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>O God, who by the leading of a star revealed your Son Jesus Christ to the Wise Men: mercifully grant us wisdom to know that we would not be seeking him unless he was first seeking us. Amen.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Michael Ward, the author of <i>Planet Narnia</i>, is a Fellow of Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford, and professor of apologitics at Houston Baptist University. December 25 - SEEK HIM. "The Grand Miracle, daily reflections for the season of Advent." Christian History Institute. Worcester, PA & Marion E. Wade Center. Wheaton, IL. 2019.</span></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-43709079898696694012021-09-22T15:05:00.001-04:002021-09-22T15:05:32.725-04:00The Making of an Encourager<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFD8LVkK68B4_20xEKVPVABddt6FE9D2p93CD5YFm_HZrbvuMNbFfs8kb7QinpND72Lv0YV0onHEYPXkT80UCuSVHip5HLCcU473KrmC8qH6ePFtlIZ555xR5_uOaJ0lD_creJAEoxK7LY/s221/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="167" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFD8LVkK68B4_20xEKVPVABddt6FE9D2p93CD5YFm_HZrbvuMNbFfs8kb7QinpND72Lv0YV0onHEYPXkT80UCuSVHip5HLCcU473KrmC8qH6ePFtlIZ555xR5_uOaJ0lD_creJAEoxK7LY/w105-h139/image.png" width="105" /></a></div><span class="text Isa-35-3" id="en-NASB1995-18324" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.</div></span><span class="text Isa-35-4" id="en-NASB1995-18325" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">4 </span><div style="text-align: center;">Say to those with anxious heart,</div></span><span class="text Isa-35-4" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">“Take courage, fear not.</div></span><span class="text Isa-35-4" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">Behold, your God will come <i>with</i> vengeance;</div></span><span class="text Isa-35-4" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">The recompense of God will come,</div></span><span class="text Isa-35-4" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; position: relative;"><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">But He will save you.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isaiah 35: 3-4 <span style="font-size: xx-small;">NASB 1995 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+35%3A3-4&version=NASB1995" target="_blank">BibleGateway.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Sometimes it takes only one word, a smile, or a grasp of the hand. Sometimes it means standing by someone during a particularly hard time and helping him or her not give up in despair.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> What does encouragement mean to you? Can you recall a time when someone came alongside you for the sole purpose of lifting your spirits or making you smile?</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Have you ever done that for a hurting person? It feels good to know you're loved. It feels especially good in those low moments when you can't see ahead clearly, when you don't grasp God's perspective and vison for your life. Isaiah 35: 3, 4 admonishes, "Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, 'Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you.'"</div><div style="text-align: left;"> The Father has given each of us special tasks within the body of Christ, and those with the gift of exhortation or encouragement (Romans 12:8) can rejoice in their unique and tender ministries. But encouragement isn't strictly the domain of those to whom the Lord has given a special gift; it's not an activity exclusively for those with naturally bubbly or warm personalities. Encouragement is the wonderful, God given function of everyone who belongs to Jesus Christ.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> In the early days of the church, new believers badly needed encouragement. Societal pressures mounted, persecution multiplied, and few had access to the Apostle's teaching (1 Thessalonians 3:1-10).</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Very often, encouragement for the early church came in the form of a person, as it does today. Sometimes just the sight of a certain loved one can reinvigorate your spirits and remove your focus from yourself. Sometimes Paul sent Timothy. More than once, he sent his associate, Tychicus, as a special envoy of joy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> The ministry of encouragement is indispensable, both to you and to the body of Christ. There is no such thing as a person who doesn't need encouragement.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> By seeking ways to daily encourage those with whom you interact, you further the potential for meaningful, Christ-centered relationships. As Paul told the persecuted Thessalonians, "Encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing . . . Admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone" (1 Thessalonians 5: 11, 14).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Stanley, Charles. F. <i>Life Principles Daily Bible: Biblical Principles for Each Day of the Year.</i> Thomas Nelson: Nashville. 2011. pg 1181.</span></div></span><p></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-59042086962639155582021-08-10T20:04:00.001-04:002021-08-10T20:04:59.296-04:00Molded by the Master<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFD8LVkK68B4_20xEKVPVABddt6FE9D2p93CD5YFm_HZrbvuMNbFfs8kb7QinpND72Lv0YV0onHEYPXkT80UCuSVHip5HLCcU473KrmC8qH6ePFtlIZ555xR5_uOaJ0lD_creJAEoxK7LY/s221/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="167" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFD8LVkK68B4_20xEKVPVABddt6FE9D2p93CD5YFm_HZrbvuMNbFfs8kb7QinpND72Lv0YV0onHEYPXkT80UCuSVHip5HLCcU473KrmC8qH6ePFtlIZ555xR5_uOaJ0lD_creJAEoxK7LY/w102-h135/image.png" width="102" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Romans 9</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Rom-9-20" id="en-NIV-28176" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">20 </span>But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-9-21" id="en-NIV-28177" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">21 </span>Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? </span><span class="text Rom-9-21" style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NIV <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%209%3A20-21&version=NIV" target="_blank">BibleGateway</a></span></span></p><p>When the potter takes the lump of clay, he knows what he wants to do with it-whether he wants to create a beautiful vase, bowl, or pitcher. He already knows what it is going to become. He takes the lump of clay, places it on the pottery wheel, and begins to shape it. However, the only way the potter can form this piece of clay into something beautiful is by getting it to the center of the wheel...</p><p> One of the reasons God is not able to make us into the people He wants us to be is because we rebel against Him-we insist on doing things our way and get out of the center of His will. If we insist on questioning and contradicting Him, we'll never experience God's best.</p><p> Romans 9:20, 21 warns, "Who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, 'Why did you make me like this,' will it? or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?"</p><p> God is daily molding us through our circumstances, and we need to trust Him-our faith in Him is absolutely crucial. To follow are six words to describe our Master Potter that will help us when our faith falters:</p><p>1 <i>Power.</i></p><p><i> </i> God has power in our lives because He is omnipotent... He allows our free will up to a certain point; however, the Master Potter has the ultimate power over the day.</p><p>2. <i>Purpose.</i></p><p> God has a specific purpose in mind for each of us...</p><p>3. <i>Plan.</i></p><p><i> </i> ...to conform us into the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ...</p><p>4. <i>Patience</i>.</p><p> God never hurries... because becoming like Jesus Christ involves a lifetime process of learning the ways of God.</p><p>5. <i>Perseverance</i>.</p><p> ...God never discards us... our Father has the power to overcome any obstacle in our lives...</p><p>6. <i>Personal</i>.</p><p> God forms each one of us individually...</p><p> Therefore, trust the Master Potter! Trust the One who is powerful, who has a purpose and a plan for you, who is patient with you, who perseveres with you, and who loves you deeply and personally. As He molds you, learn from Him... You're a masterpiece waiting to happen, so submit to His touch.</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">read the rest of Dr. Stanley's notes on page 1013. Stanley, Charles F. <i>Life Principles Daily Bible: Biblical Principles for Each Day of the Yea. </i>Thomas Nelson publishers, Nashville. 2011.</span></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-65751166565015701372021-07-14T12:37:00.000-04:002021-07-14T12:37:43.492-04:00God’s Will<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgkzGY1K-93Izc3g4CUx_sR8qHIAYcV1p3DVGWRweOvMzF1QN7x_Xb0NZUxfhDa6LrcQDSropFWGm5scYKIxgkxSz9tGSOECORxTx1AlD-i1FERZZ4lybQm7oCxiqyW8zuVIqhf-SL7Sx/s1650/forgiveness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgkzGY1K-93Izc3g4CUx_sR8qHIAYcV1p3DVGWRweOvMzF1QN7x_Xb0NZUxfhDa6LrcQDSropFWGm5scYKIxgkxSz9tGSOECORxTx1AlD-i1FERZZ4lybQm7oCxiqyW8zuVIqhf-SL7Sx/w124-h161/forgiveness.jpg" width="124" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
necessary, God will shake up heaven and earth to get our attention and show us
His will.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2020%3A12&version=NIV" target="_blank">2Chronicles 20:12</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">12 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Our God,
will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that
is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">NIV
www.biblegaeway.com</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
following is part of <a href="https://www.intouch.org/read/30-life-principles" target="_blank">Life Principle 10</a> by <a href="https://www.intouch.org/" target="_blank">Dr. Charles Stanley</a>. For the complete
page with scripture references, please open your copy of the <a href="https://www.intouch.org/read/30-life-principles" target="_blank">30 Life Principles</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> God always wants the best for us, and He is
committed to showing us how to follow the specific plan He has designed for
each of our lives. He wants us to listen for His voice, to hear what He wants
us to do, and how He wants us to do it (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2030%3A19-21&version=NIV" target="_blank">Isaiah 30:19-21</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> When we begin to wander from the course God
has set for us, He will take all kinds of measures to capture our attention and
protect us from harm. He has a wide variety of ways to help us to take notice,
among them:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
restless spirit</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
spoken word</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">An
unusual blessing</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Unanswered prayer</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Disappointment</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Extraordinary
circumstances</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Defeat</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Financial
troubles</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tragedy,
sickness, and affliction</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The Father always knows exactly where you
are in your journey of faith and precisely what it will take to get your
attention. Stay alert; notice if any of these divine methods are occurring—or
recurring—in your life. If they are, ask Him what He wants to tell you. Be
willing to hear and obey what He says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When
faced with a decision, ask, “What does the Bible say?” and “Will my actions
reflect God’s love to someone else?” These questions are for me and my
“snapping turtle” personality. With all the turmoil, life moving faster and
faster, as tragedy upon tragedy piles up, <a href="https://tonyevans.org/" target="_blank">Dr. Tony Evans</a> presented an
encouraging message to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxqfukvddh8" target="_blank">Christian National Broadcasters Convention</a> in June
2021. Please pray and then listen to Dr. Evans. This video encourages my
heart!!!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnxx8i9pMJxxqOLCdlOnpAHAHaWARATqSyQYbYe7c-Mw2Cm7Y9z1a24RGCW8H4soeSQqV0q1At9vu6MtDL49SPp244htqwYl_jeOGCGqV9IubED12piK1Mg98R2eUsyTCtl2BH2hO37gx/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="114" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnxx8i9pMJxxqOLCdlOnpAHAHaWARATqSyQYbYe7c-Mw2Cm7Y9z1a24RGCW8H4soeSQqV0q1At9vu6MtDL49SPp244htqwYl_jeOGCGqV9IubED12piK1Mg98R2eUsyTCtl2BH2hO37gx/w121-h110/image.png" width="121" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">God presented the reading on <a href="https://www.intouch.org/read/30-life-principles" target="_blank">Life Principle 10</a>
and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxqfukvddh8" target="_blank">Dr. Evans</a>’ powerful message at the National Religious Broadcaster’s
Convention within days of each other. So, as <a href="https://gaither.com/" target="_blank">Bill Gaither</a> says, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dNKwTSgGFk" target="_blank">Something Good is About to Happen!</a>” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxqfukvddh8" target="_blank">Dr. Evans</a> concluded his message with the example of
looking at coming attractions. As a believer in Jesus Christ, we are to allow
the Holy Spirit to demonstrate God to all people. Will someone look at me and
want to see the main event? Will they ask, “How do I purchase a ticket?” The
ticket has already been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. All someone
has to do is accept the ticket.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">John 3:16</span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For God so loved the world [including <u>add your name</u>] that he
gave his one and only Son, that whoever [including <u>add your name</u>]
believes in him, [<u>add your name</u>], shall not perish but have eternal
life.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">NIV
John 3:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/John%203:16<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRKTx-sgtr1iSasEmgLl25s1GkydLf13FRUWyVW99uzWAJ3maFEtkesvlnGFqX1i8kXtXgEm_PyGWAaNRkUtpAoyAjYbGWi3D7U-AwsIvdHvMrSKra6Vb-azsJx4j2hwc0Rg3zDTP35Qo/s1650/rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRKTx-sgtr1iSasEmgLl25s1GkydLf13FRUWyVW99uzWAJ3maFEtkesvlnGFqX1i8kXtXgEm_PyGWAaNRkUtpAoyAjYbGWi3D7U-AwsIvdHvMrSKra6Vb-azsJx4j2hwc0Rg3zDTP35Qo/w118-h153/rainbow.jpg" width="118" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-25161784910610986352021-05-28T11:01:00.000-04:002021-05-28T11:01:08.153-04:00The gift of God is eternal life...<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZZdRb281dnIkIiNJz0V1lKVE-wjy2Z5DxKzLp7GVIwLTVMU8xxVPaFqPlrFy4Ol7szXM3UzRAhX2IdMPYZu82vkVYGDIHlP1fLOS8gWz2DPIySsB_24pv5bw2mmZQpM9oPNV7FtNVWS7/s530/kneel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="530" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZZdRb281dnIkIiNJz0V1lKVE-wjy2Z5DxKzLp7GVIwLTVMU8xxVPaFqPlrFy4Ol7szXM3UzRAhX2IdMPYZu82vkVYGDIHlP1fLOS8gWz2DPIySsB_24pv5bw2mmZQpM9oPNV7FtNVWS7/w242-h219/kneel.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">"The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23</p><p style="text-align: left;"> If you have ever memorized a verse of Scripture, most likely it is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." It is the verse most often heard in the simplicity and beauty of a little child's voice proudly reciting it from memory. And it is the verse most often whispered by aged saints as they breathe their last breaths. It is the entire gospel in a nutshell.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> John 3:16 speaks of the <i>cause</i> of this great salvation. "For God so loved..." The single motivating factor behind God's redemptive plan is His love for you and me. This beloved verse also speaks of the <i>cost</i> of this salvation: "He gave His only Son." Jesus paid a high price to redeem us to Himself-death on a Roman cross outside the city gates of Jerusalem. And salvation's <i>condition</i>? "Whosoever believes in Him..." That speaks of me. It speaks of you. And any and all may come, placing their faith in Him alone. Finally,, this verse speaks of salvation's <i>consequence</i>: we "should not perish but have everlasting life." Those without Christ are perishing...a little more each day.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> Let God love you today as you meditate on this old and oft-repeated promise.</p><p style="text-align: center;">CODE WORD: GIFT</p><p style="text-align: left;">What do you do to get a gift: You don't earn it or deserve it. Someone who loves you very much gives it freely to you, and all you have to do is receive it. God's gift of eternal life, although purchased at great expense, is a free gift. Your part? Receive it by faith.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Lord, thank You for loving me even when I am so unloving. Your love has no boundaries. I receive Your unconditional love right now by faith. In Jesus' name, amen.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hawkins, O.S. <i>The Passion Code: 100 Days with Jesus</i>. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 2019. pgs 104-105.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-71036748045573324622021-04-17T11:32:00.000-04:002021-04-17T11:32:48.733-04:00The Narrow Way<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"> because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13%3A24&version=NIV" target="_blank">Luke 13:24 <span style="font-size: x-small;">NIV, BibleGateway.com</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> suggestion, read rest of chapter</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ao1uvDOgCVxkZRCL9uzhVbLq9naoyPngbR19_g6mI2qudFNJe-f-eo7x6P350KlZd9zMyrOAT_J5YVQ4YHipRw0z6-bfQOkNbEA8GJ5-xvcg6WS6bAOCufClNvn6y2YPttp5hIkvqEZh/s1650/3S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ao1uvDOgCVxkZRCL9uzhVbLq9naoyPngbR19_g6mI2qudFNJe-f-eo7x6P350KlZd9zMyrOAT_J5YVQ4YHipRw0z6-bfQOkNbEA8GJ5-xvcg6WS6bAOCufClNvn6y2YPttp5hIkvqEZh/w202-h156/3S.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> Martial artist Morihei Ueshiba once philosophized., "There are many paths leading to the top of Mount Fuji." His statement reflected the idea that many people believe, which is that there are many ways to find God. Life is a journey, and people are free to choose their own path to the deity of their choice.<p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"> However, Jesus completely refuted that idea. In Luke 13:24, He said, "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." In other words, there are people who will spend their entire lives pursuing a deity that cannot save them, and they will not realize it until it's too late. It's a horrifying thought.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"> So why do so many people think there is more than one way to find God?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"> Generally, the belief that there is more than one path to God stems from the fact that in every society in the world (it doesn't make any difference how civilized or uncivilized), there are always people who believe in some kind of deity. Therefore, many anthropologists and sociologists reason there is no one true religion-everyone simply worships the deity which best reflects their environmental influences.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"> Such scientists conclude everyone is entitled to his or her own idea of God-including believing there is no such thing as a supreme being. Unfortunately, that's human reasoning. It sounds logical, but the problem is it's a complete contradiction to the way the one true God has provided for us to know Him (John 3:16-18).</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;"> Why are there so many cultures with so many deities? Romans 1:20 explains, "Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." People are without excuse in knowing God exists. Every culture has a concept of God-He's clearly seen throughout nature. However, it's not up to us to imagine who He is or to create Him out of our own reasoning or culture. Rather, we must look to the way He's revealing Himself to us, which is through the person of Jesus Christ (Matt. 11:27; John 14:7).</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;"> Unfortunately, people are sometimes offended when Christians say Jesus Christ is the only way to God because they say God wouldn't exclude from heaven all the people who don't believe in Christ. However, their reasoning is completely wrong. It's not that the one true God is exclusive. In face, He is completely </span><i style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">inclusive</i><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;">, Jesus said in John 12:32, "I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." Jesus offers salvation to </span><i style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">everyone</i><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;">. Jesus would never turn away someone who put his or her faith in Him (Rom. 10:9-13).</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial;"> Though life may be a journey, and though there may be a multitude of roads to the earthly Mount Fuji, there's only one way to God-by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Christ offers the only road that leads to salvation. Though the world may offer an abundance of choices, they'll never lead to what you're really looking for (Prov. 14:12). The only right choice is the road God offers through Jesus Christ. Though that path is the narrow one, it's always wide open to you. Trust Him.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Stanley, Charles F. <i>Life Principles Daily Bible, Biblical Principles for Each Day of the Year</i>. Nashville. Thomas Nelson Publishing, page 485.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-29049195720552663072021-03-25T12:35:00.000-04:002021-03-25T12:35:49.424-04:00Free gift-------eternal life in Jesus Christ our LORD!!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABGofa3GHR7hr0XXiaV7i_7LWVYMcwme1BT7ptAC38MlC6mPFYtk4w4de0Z-i3D-viQYBYVpxH3jHX4Y5LZ0d7_m5tr7kDWqPfwr2tRcuSJymiKnW2MxdMZ28blNrd85g8xJYs2y47Vsn/s1650/butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABGofa3GHR7hr0XXiaV7i_7LWVYMcwme1BT7ptAC38MlC6mPFYtk4w4de0Z-i3D-viQYBYVpxH3jHX4Y5LZ0d7_m5tr7kDWqPfwr2tRcuSJymiKnW2MxdMZ28blNrd85g8xJYs2y47Vsn/s320/butterfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div> If you have ever memorized a verse of Scripture, most likely it is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." It is the verse most often heard in the simplicity and beauty of a little child's voice proudly reciting it from memory. And it is the verse most often whispered by aged saints as they breath their last breaths. It is the entire gospel in a nutshell.</div><div> John 3:16 speaks of the <i>cause </i>of this great salvation: "For God so loved. . ." The single motivating factor behind God's entire redemptive plan is His love for you and me. This beloved verse also speaks of the <i>cost </i>of this salvation: "He gave His only Son." Jesus paid a high price to redeem us to Himself-death on a Roman cross outside the city gates of Jerusalem. And salvation's <i>condition</i>? "Whosoever believes in Him. . ." That speaks of me. It speaks of you. And any and all may come, placing their faith in Him alone. Finally, this verse speaks of salvation's <i>consequence</i>: We "shall not perish but have everlasting life." Those without Christ are perishing. . . a little more each day.</div><div> Let God love you today as you meditate on this old and oft-repeated promise.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.</span> Romans 6:23</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hawkins, O.S. <i>THE Easter CODE, A 40-DAY JOURNEY TO THE CROSS,</i> Nelson Publishing, 2019, page 60.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="text Ps-23-1">Psalm 23 A psalm of David.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="text Ps-23-1"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="text Ps-23-1"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="text Ps-23-1"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="text Ps-23-1"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="text Ps-23-1"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="text Ps-23-1"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Surely goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.</span></span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2023&version=NLT" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Psalm 23 NLT - Psalm 23 - A psalm of David. The LORD - Bible Gateway</span></a></div>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-48777441209713145472021-02-21T05:45:00.000-05:002021-02-21T05:45:00.470-05:00OUR INTIMACY WITH GOD<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFaa1A-oNJb4gqWYbbdxDZzvWbR_wYBWLv_krOJO8JbsvWLRylqTgbRK7w5K85XIjZ19Euccf-uSTK93DtgRas6X1F69OCMVZiRYsfdf8BpB0wMjmmaIdFNROnEClTZ-xPlrBtRB9UwGF/s1650/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFaa1A-oNJb4gqWYbbdxDZzvWbR_wYBWLv_krOJO8JbsvWLRylqTgbRK7w5K85XIjZ19Euccf-uSTK93DtgRas6X1F69OCMVZiRYsfdf8BpB0wMjmmaIdFNROnEClTZ-xPlrBtRB9UwGF/w200-h154/butterfly.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;...'" <span style="font-size: x-small;">Genesis 1:26 NASB</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">LIFE PRINCIPLE 1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OUR INTIMACY WITH GOD - HIS HIGHEST PRIORITY FOR OUR LIVES - DETERMINES THE IMPACT OF OUR LIVES.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> One of our greatest needs is to know we are loved. Each of us has to feel certain, deep down in our hearts, that someone loves us, cares for us, and has our best interests at heart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> That is how God designed us. He wants us to know He loves us with a passionate intensity too deep for words.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> God created human beings with fellowship in mind - first with Himself, then with others. But we cannot fully love one another until we have ourselves experienced the love of God. We experience His love when we willingly surrender to His call to be our Savior, Lord, and Friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> There are at least three reasons God seeks our surrender:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>He loves us and desires our fellowship and worship.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> As long as we hold something back from God, we cannot know Him completely or fully experience His love. When we surrender to Him, we get all of Him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>He wants our service for Him to be effective and fruitful.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The more we know and love Jesus, the more effective our service will be. The closer we draw to God, the more impact our lives will have. The more energetically we nurture our relationship with the Lord, the greater the positive mark we will leave behind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>He waits for the freedom to bless us.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> God is omnipotent, but He will not violate His own principles. He draws us to Himself so we can experience His love and forgiveness. He asks for our willing surrender so He can give us the best blessings He has to offer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>So why do we resist? </i>With all this in mind, why does anyone resist surrendering to God?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Pride is the key reason most people resist surrender. They think they know better than God and that they can handle their lives better than He can, so they keep Him at a distance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Others do not surrender because they fear what God will do (or not do) for them, They think that if they give Him control, He'll make them do exactly what will make them most miserable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Still others refuse to surrender to Christ because they believe Satan's lie, which tells them God is judgmental and will punish them for their mistakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> All of this is completely false! God <i>always</i> has our best in mind. He will refuse us no good thing when we gladly submit to His will (Romans 8:32). He tells us, "'I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope'" (Jerimiah 29:11).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It only makes sense to surrender to God, because when we do, we grow close to Him - His highest priority for us - and we begin to have an impact on our world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dr. Charles F. Stanley continues with a personal example from the life of Anne Graham Lotz. . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you want to know the Savior and live in the fulness of His blessing each day? You can. David wrote, "They who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing" (Psalm 34:10).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, He not only forgave you but also made you into a new creature. You were no longer standing at a distance from God but then were able to draw near to Him. . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> He knows your weaknesses, and if you will tell Him you want Him to take control of your life, He will come to you in a mighty way and bring hope and light to your situation, no matter how dark and hopeless it may feel (Isaiah 55:6.7).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stanley, Charles F. <i>Life Principles Daily Bible: Biblical Principles for Each Day of the Year</i>. Nashville, Thomas Nelson. 2011. page 2.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-55831136908810678722021-02-13T09:57:00.000-05:002021-02-13T09:57:26.110-05:00We don’t know when; are YOU ready?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXh5rkW9sgDX6gUpS_19Vrv_OcwNnZjqPzfFqN4erIImal5AXbduW-7oHSsyaRVjV3bpAftSBF8lgoWaJ8nANEKVAloX5-8ove2-5wZ2A1zOTel3uZCACEE1rJe6EucRyeFfqpIi2UEri/s1650/Call.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXh5rkW9sgDX6gUpS_19Vrv_OcwNnZjqPzfFqN4erIImal5AXbduW-7oHSsyaRVjV3bpAftSBF8lgoWaJ8nANEKVAloX5-8ove2-5wZ2A1zOTel3uZCACEE1rJe6EucRyeFfqpIi2UEri/w219-h169/Call.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;">Matthew 24:36<br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">36 But of that day and hour, knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2024:36&version=KJV" target="_blank">KJV BibleGateway</a></span></span></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Matthew 25:1</span><span style="font-size: small;">, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.</span> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A13&version=KJV" target="_blank">KJV BibleGateway</a></span></h4><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">How do we prepare fo</span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">r something that we know WILL happen,
yet do not know when? Always be alert,
focus, focus, focus! Just as in the time of Noah, God gave Noah specific
instructions. Noah had never seen rain nor floods, so how could he prepare
without God’s leading? Moses led the people of Israel from Egypt to the
Promised Land. How could he? How could Moses accomplish this overwhelming task
without the guidance of God? Both of these great leaders talked with God. Today,
we talk with God by prayer, meditation and obedience.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I read the <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/nasb-charles-stanley-principles-bible-softcover/9781418548858/pd/548858?en=bing-pla&event=SHOP&kw=bibles-0-20%7C548858&p=1179517&dv=c&msclkid=4904fe9bd41c13c3c57b9ebc3256536d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20Main&utm_term=1100502077460&utm_content=s-bibles" target="_blank">LifePrinciples Daily Bible</a></i> reading for February 7 pages 164-169, my God
demonstrate how much He wants to be involved in my life. In Exodus 25:1-26:37,
God specifically calls and equips us for His service. In Exodus God provided plans to build a physical
tabernacle for Him to dwell amount His people. Now, this tabernacle is our
body. God in the form of the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer in Jesus
Christ. Am I following His plan for His tabernacle? Psalm 19:7-14 starts with “The
law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul…” and ends with “Let the words
of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD,
my rock and my Redeemer.” In Proverbs
6:32-35, I read about lacking sense, Jealousy enrages, and destroying self. Matthew 24:1-28 compares the temple buildings
with the kingdom of Christ. Read 24:12-13 “Because lawlessness is increased,
most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will
be saved.” Again in Matthew 25:13, we read “Be on the alert then, for you do
not know the day nor the hour."</span></span></h4><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">God wants an intimate relationship with YOU and ME! We were
created for this purpose. Is your or my rebellion halting this intimacy? God
wants to be intimate and LORD, involved in every aspect of your and my life.
The world system is attempting to direct us to think globally; God directs us
think individually. Is this my goal? EVERY person is important! EVERY person
was created in the image of God to fulfill His individual purpose. What is this
individual purpose? First accept Jesus Christ as personal LORD and SAVIOR.
Allow Him to guide and direct your life moment by moment.<br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Are YOU ready, prepare now, read John 3:16. Read, study,
meditate, and focus on Jesus Christ as YOUR personal LORD and Savior.</span></span></h4><h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; width: 445.781px;"><div class="bcv d-container go1526788856" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; min-width: auto; position: relative; text-align: left;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="bcv d-container go1526788856" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div></div></div></h1><div class="passage-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; line-height: 1.7em; margin-top: 50px; min-width: 0px;"><div class="passage-content passage-class-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><div class="version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><br /></p></div></div></div>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-55213827150361029872021-01-26T17:35:00.002-05:002021-01-26T17:35:27.412-05:00God’s Pattern for Success<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-tW6sEm3p1gZhuydA-ePZhSm-Vth1sjQOg4cY4nDELX4Ln8I0rt3nZoajqJ57Cji3TmLACYFaNTqGNZTzvn8wAWq0W5oNLTTmGnZAuIQN3NEn5vXtLFutUytareP-RnuYSHHknRvbItJ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="167" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-tW6sEm3p1gZhuydA-ePZhSm-Vth1sjQOg4cY4nDELX4Ln8I0rt3nZoajqJ57Cji3TmLACYFaNTqGNZTzvn8wAWq0W5oNLTTmGnZAuIQN3NEn5vXtLFutUytareP-RnuYSHHknRvbItJ/" width="181" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have
you ever read through the Bible in a year? Would you like to read through the
Bible in a year? Many options are available to read through the Bible in a year
such as front to back, some chapters from the Old Testament and some chapters
from the New Testament, read some in the morning and some in the evening or
check out <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/nasb-charles-stanley-principles-bible-softcover/9781418548858/pd/548858" target="_blank">Life Principles Daily Bible:Biblical Principles For Each Day of the Year</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Each
day includes readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs and the New
Testament. This process starts from the beginning of each area and does not
skip around. The amount of reading in each area will vary; the length of time
to cover the reading stays about the same. After talking with several people
who read this daily for study or devotion, we came to the same conclusion; all
of the readings are coordinated. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
order to explain this, I will use January 26 as an example. The Old Testament
scripture is Exodus 1:1- 2:25 Pharaoh’s attempt to eliminate the Hebrew baby
boys, God’s plan to save the Hebrews through Moses. Moses went through
difficult times; many of us go through difficult and devastating experiences.
Read 2:23 “…and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage
rose up to God.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Psalms scripture is 15:1-5, A Psalm of David asking who may abide in God’s tent,
or may dwell on God’s holy hill. David contrasts walking with integrity, doing
works of righteousness and speaking the truth in his heart with evil that
speaks slander, does evil to neighbors, and is a reprobate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Proverbs scripture is 4:25-27</span></p><p style="background: white; line-height: 15.95pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><sup><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">25</span></sup><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Let your eyes look
straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. <sup>26</sup>Give careful
thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. <sup>27</sup>Do
not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">. </span><span style="color: #767676; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">New International Version,
Copyright </span><a href="http://www.biblica.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1a0dab; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; text-decoration-line: none;">2011-2019 Biblica</span></a><span style="color: #767676; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
New Testament scripture is Matthew 17:1-27, God speaks to Peter, James and John
in :5 …a voice out of a cloud said “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased; listen to Him.” In this same section of reading after a failure we
read :20, “Because of the littleness of your faith….”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Life
Example, page 112, “MOSES: God’s Pattern for Success” Exodus 1:22-2:25 “One of
the greatest differences between the world’s message about success and God’s
message is this: The world seeks a single formula to produce one set of results
for all people, while God’s plan is far more creative, far more individualized,
and far more personal….”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">God
has an individual plan for each one of his creations. The first part of the
plan for humans is to acknowledge that He is God! Acknowledge that He is
creator and controller of the universe. Acknowledge the depravity of humans,
this includes me and you! God offers me and you the free gift of redemption
through His Son, Jesus Christ. Just as God’s plan for success is individual, I
must, as an individual, accept this free gift of spiritual life, not spiritual
death. After accepting spiritual life, I can call God, “Abba” father.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now
on to the rest of the plan for success as explained in the example above:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Examples
of attempting to make life work my way<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s
mercy and grace of repeating the same message again and again<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Focus,
focus, focus on Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I feel like I have failed, it is because of my lack of or littleness of faith.
Am I wanting God’s will “Thy will be done” or my will? Am I willing to wait for
God’s time? Where is my focus? Am I looking straight ahead? God has an
individual plan for my success, your success!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-77511185782626934212021-01-01T17:07:00.003-05:002021-01-05T19:49:10.060-05:00Blessings for the New Year 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuKvYFZvzs1M__g9-IbV2MWXyB51Xjf5KczpQZvIt9sBTBRCm1bj3G-nbH7Hi_RTb294UnEDX4ECM4ieak0z5uB5CBxzZ23BqgWHccHbud8Yi9Bh_MnjPPkrfql8eVewtJts5PSrtKkIP/s1650/open+Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuKvYFZvzs1M__g9-IbV2MWXyB51Xjf5KczpQZvIt9sBTBRCm1bj3G-nbH7Hi_RTb294UnEDX4ECM4ieak0z5uB5CBxzZ23BqgWHccHbud8Yi9Bh_MnjPPkrfql8eVewtJts5PSrtKkIP/s320/open+Bible.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“…Thus
says the Lord of hosts, ‘Return to Me,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘That I may
return to you,’ says the LORD of hosts.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zechariah 1:3 NASB<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If
we want peace with God, we must draw near to God, be obedient to His Word, and
repent of our sin. The New Testament agrees: “Draw near to God and He will draw
near to you” (James 4:8). God judged Israel, not to vent His anger, but to bring
the hearts of His people back to Him. Brokenness is God’s requirement for
maximum usefulness</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">. Stanley, Charles F. <i>Life Principles Daily Bible</i>. page 1611.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">6Continue the daily reading on page 1614,
Never Give Up, Psalm 147:12-18. Winston Churchill, the United Kingdom’s Prime
Minister during World War II, included a now-famous quote in a speech to
students of his former school. ‘Never give in ̶ never, never, never, never, in
nothing great or small, large or petty… Never yield to force; never yield to
the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Christians, we are called to wait on God
until He acts on our behalf. In order to resist the urge to give up, we must no
focus on our circumstances; rather we must focus on the power of the very One
who protects us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking about Moses, Hebrews 11:27 says, ‘He
endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.’ Moses consistently looked for God and
His will. Standing on the shore of the Red Sea while the Egyptians prepared to
attack, Moses clung to God’s promise of protection and called out, ‘Do not
fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord’ Ex. 14:13). God parted the
sea and the Israelites escaped what seemed to be an impossible situation. Moses
triumphed over many dangerous and difficult situations because he was committed
to doing God’s work and was focused on the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 147:12-15 tells us, ‘Praise the LORD,
O Jerusalem. . . He has strengthened the bars of your gates: He has blessed
your sons within you. He makes peace in your borders; He satisfies you with the
best of the wheat. His sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs very
swiftly,..’ God strengthens us, protects us, and provides whatever we need to
serve Him ̶ no matter how dire the situation may appear or how vulnerable we
feel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often, believers are distracted by their
circumstances. When the Lord’s will calls us to step out in faith, we sometimes
falter. But a genuine commitment to God with no exceptions means nothing can
induce us to give up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our unchanging Lord never deserts His
children; He encourages us to cast our cares on Him (Heb. 13:5, 8; 1 Pet. 5:7)
and to remember that although we may not see Him, He is continually working out
His will (2 Cor. 4:16-18)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even now He is answering you, Even now He is
sending out His command, and His word is running very swiftly on your behalf.
Therefore, remember His power and faithfulness whenever you are tempted to
quit. Put your faith in Him, cling to His promises, and commit to Hs way. Never
give up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Zachariah 13:1, Life Lesson (page 1629), God
often uses a fountain to picture Himself as our source of salvation. As a
fountain, He overflows with mercy and grace. As a fountain, He refreshes. And
as a fountain, His love must be individually taken in. Water brings life, and
living water brings eternal life. God calls Himself our spring of living water
(Jer. 2:13); the Spirit is a stream of living water in us (John 7:38, 39), and
His living water is ours forever (Rev. 7:17)</span></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-78793118176085968182020-12-16T16:18:00.002-05:002020-12-16T16:18:41.641-05:00Peace at Christmas Time<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJjDQQlXlpD5dYS1E6GkygdwNoPcv6SAh2m-2ad8IP3RYem8_j5V1a1GTXCrtOHPyuVYziplwTCvCcKy4dFKo-16PbSSu3CHWyBL0mbUSBE72O7tZ6pP53Vbo0LQRtVavZhvZkbLrlUOP/s640/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJjDQQlXlpD5dYS1E6GkygdwNoPcv6SAh2m-2ad8IP3RYem8_j5V1a1GTXCrtOHPyuVYziplwTCvCcKy4dFKo-16PbSSu3CHWyBL0mbUSBE72O7tZ6pP53Vbo0LQRtVavZhvZkbLrlUOP/s320/peace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And the angel said unto them, FEAR NOT FOR BEHOLD. I bring you good tidings of great joy. WHICH SHALL BE TO <b>ALL</b> PEOPLE FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A <span style="font-size: large;">SAVIOUR</span>, which is Christ the <span style="font-size: large;">LORD</span>.<p></p><p> Luke 2:10-11, <span style="font-size: x-small;">King James Version.</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD0Uj1cyp1NXu4i9Wf7YTPOPkEadeRh0NXQ2D52eojmkCLLl7i_jDqsRo1PApZok-3pMOBmTleO8Lcfr0SyiAt-mk0OgY8Zo2mq4-2UIonZeN9RSiZAo2ptiioweMfF-vpvl0I9-2uWZ-/s428/manger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD0Uj1cyp1NXu4i9Wf7YTPOPkEadeRh0NXQ2D52eojmkCLLl7i_jDqsRo1PApZok-3pMOBmTleO8Lcfr0SyiAt-mk0OgY8Zo2mq4-2UIonZeN9RSiZAo2ptiioweMfF-vpvl0I9-2uWZ-/s320/manger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Virgin Mary gave birth to His son. A miracle, we know that anything is possible if we believe in God's love. And we do believe.<p></p><p>Christmas is a time for joy, for hope, for peace. May these blessings be yours today, tomorrow, and in the year that awaits us.</p><p>This is a time for gratitude. I am so very thankful for ALL my sisters and brothers in Christ.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRKDLW8pUVNOn6zdN_2xf2U2OJhjNGobhHy7Pz4ua0CpTbOJVc12qDqQ-1LnlsRcIPPF4WmWcc6qIN3Fs3DRylaaMSDbwoX95g_T0g9qZHYbDDxfhoj9aay77i_YWXp4qDpiEwrz0QIKu/s1650/ChristBirth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRKDLW8pUVNOn6zdN_2xf2U2OJhjNGobhHy7Pz4ua0CpTbOJVc12qDqQ-1LnlsRcIPPF4WmWcc6qIN3Fs3DRylaaMSDbwoX95g_T0g9qZHYbDDxfhoj9aay77i_YWXp4qDpiEwrz0QIKu/s320/ChristBirth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">For God so loved the world
[including <u>add your name</u>] that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever [including <u>add your name</u>] believes in him, [<u>add your name</u>],
shall not perish but have eternal life. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">NIV John
3:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/John%203:1 </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-61266143284482734912020-09-05T09:46:00.003-04:002020-09-05T09:46:40.065-04:00The importance of history, ALL history!!!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdycFi1cJkBE8RSwNk9Qk1mVkBvSGS-vdTKVmJcoAQhz5wNHRz-wi79PVFRj_seCrWIEvizFZ-pPk1jrlpk9OXkQZLMC7cLV09UB-P4urldYs0BHSBpr2E4s4lP9KnKd-R-WBzr7i7a1T/s1650/treasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdycFi1cJkBE8RSwNk9Qk1mVkBvSGS-vdTKVmJcoAQhz5wNHRz-wi79PVFRj_seCrWIEvizFZ-pPk1jrlpk9OXkQZLMC7cLV09UB-P4urldYs0BHSBpr2E4s4lP9KnKd-R-WBzr7i7a1T/s320/treasure.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">YOUR history, MY
history, ALL history is important. I can better understand you when I can
understand your background. An old Native American saying, “Never judge people until
you have walked a mile in their moccasins.” Let us walk together that mile and
if necessary an extra mile!!!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
read in Genesis where Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery. Joseph
could have become very angry and bitter. Read more about the life of Joseph in
Genesis 37:1-50:26. His life is summed up in 50:19* “But Joseph said to them,
‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God
planned it for good to bring about the present result </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">—</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">the survival of many
people…’” What was Joseph’s focus? Where would the people of Israel be without
Joseph’s focus on God?</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Biblical
history repeats many, many wars for what purpose? At age 81, I still have many,
many lessons to learn. We are created in God’s image for a relationship with Him.
Adam and Eve had that perfect relationship; so, there was no need for laws. Adam
and Eve took their eyes off God and exchanged their perfect relationship for a
lie. They exchanged God’s truth for the devil’s lie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gave Moses the first recorded set of moral
laws followed by many more. Bishop Clarence E. McClendon explained the need for
laws, spiritual, moral and physical, in one of his services during the early
months of 2020. For more teaching by Bishop Clarence E. McClendon, view his
website, <a href="https://www.bishopmcclendon.com/" target="_blank">Clarence E. McClendon Ministries</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Are
you familiar with the song “Amazing Grace”? Many people, including myself have
received great comfort from hearing “Amazing Grace.” This song was written
during a period in our history of much pain and suffering. Probably without this suffering, we would have
been deprived of this comforting song. View for yourself the rest of the story;
watch the free movie “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwSpWwGHyvA" target="_blank">Freedom</a>” with Cuba Gooding, Jr.</span> </p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
history of survival, one day the family was fighting on one side, the next week
necessity meant fighting on the other side. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: none;">Civil
War</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> soldier,
Solomon Whitaker, from North Carolina enlisted in the Confederate and Union
Army. The records to substantiate this claim are found in his Union Civil War
Pension application. The originating agency may have changed the document
order. Reading the two pension applications, it appears that some of the papers
from Mr. Whitaker’s first application appear mixed with the widow application.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
two pension applications have been combined into one packet. Solomon J.
Whitaker, Company I, Reg’t N.C. Mounted Infantry, filed 9 July 1890 with
application number 799.435 and certificate number 567.502. Elmina F. Whitaker,
widow, filed 2 March 1896 with application number 630249. Solomon J. Whitaker
pension application number 799.435 includes:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Medical affidavit with physical
information as to reason requesting invalid status<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Neighbor’s affidavit with
information as to personal knowledge of character and habits<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Claimant’s affidavit with
reason for applying for pension<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Declaration for invalid pension
with full name, age, location, service, and reason for soliciting for
assistance<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
board of pension examiners may request additional information such as further
medical notes or in Mr. Whitaker’s case, information on his service in the
C.S.A. and the U.S. Army.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">U.S.
Army:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enlisted in Knoxville, TN on 1
March 1865 in Company I 3rd Regiment of N.C. Mounted Infantry and
Volunteer as a private<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Honorably discharged in
Knoxville, TN on 3 August 1865<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unable to earn support by
reason of nervous prostration and disease of the liver<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">C.S.A.
Militia General Affidavit:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“…always heard him talk
favorably about the union and against the confederacy…he did not go into
service until he had to under the conscript law…” M.L. Underwood<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“…Yes he was in the Confederate
Army. He was first in the militia which was afterwards organized into
Henry’s Battalion…”John Moore<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“…he served in what was known
as Henry’s Battalion of home guards…” Mark Moore<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The board requested information
on the Confederate Capt. Harris’ Co. 14 Battalion N.C. Inf. James Henry
Colonel or Co. A. Henry’s Battalion C.S.A. Commissioner of pension
findings that “there are no rolls of said organization on file.”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-themecolor: text1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Several other long letters were
written about Mr. Whitaker joining the home guard to avoid being sent to
the front lines. One letter states that in February or March of 1865 many
men from the home guard unit went to Knoxville, Tennessee, to join the</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Union
Army.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
would you do to preserve your family?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Not
long after William Lange, 1846-1928, arrived in Frankfort, Will County,
Illinois, he signed up to fight. Family research reveals his name as Long,
Lang, or Lange. What is correct? I have DNA family members spelling their
surname name Long; we are one and the same family. When and where did the
spelling change? Was it a language misunderstanding?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While searching for the family roots, I found
in his Civil War Pension Files the spelling in his country of origin is Lange. With
this information, I was able to trace the family further back. Read the <a href="https://genealogicalhistoryresearch.blogspot.com/2018/09/william-langelanglong-1846-1928-what-is.html" target="_blank">blog article</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">*CSB
Tony Evans Study Bible, Holman Bible Publishers, 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><p></p>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-66262168262832076472020-06-10T21:22:00.000-04:002020-06-10T21:22:48.447-04:00United by the Gospel<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Every
one of us was created with a free will to think and choose; my belief is that
we are ALL created in the image of Holy God. Sometimes I can and sometimes I
cannot change my circumstances, but I can ALWAYS change my way of thinking or
my focus in the circumstance. In this blog, I would like to share a few of my
survival strategies learned in my 80+ years. Where do I try to focus? What am I
learning?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXA5qXboaKHD1ia2mpMkvcyFipMWW6ldk7ThJyCOsEgnl_J2LBZu2y-5o7cplQf5r1EeTOJvjiEZvzJsh8rMe5CzLQq-Hk9yuiq_eMMDqNRrTJyyTgusEJCwE0egbWraAtGZealwKLtnh/s1600/img-20161227-170938-432_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXA5qXboaKHD1ia2mpMkvcyFipMWW6ldk7ThJyCOsEgnl_J2LBZu2y-5o7cplQf5r1EeTOJvjiEZvzJsh8rMe5CzLQq-Hk9yuiq_eMMDqNRrTJyyTgusEJCwE0egbWraAtGZealwKLtnh/s200/img-20161227-170938-432_orig.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
January 1, 2020, I have been reading the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/nasb-charles-stanley-principles-bible-softcover/9781418548858/pd/548858" target="_blank">LifePrinciples Daily Bible</a></i> by Charles F. Stanley. This devotional combines a
growing knowledge and understanding of God through His Word. Every reading
combines something from the Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs and the New Testament.
Only by example can I hopefully explain how the four separate readings connect
with knowledge and understanding. The first reading is Genesis 1-2, creation,
Life Principle “Our Intimacy with God—His highest priority for our lives—determines
the impact of our lives.” In Psalm 1, I learn “…in His law he meditates day and
night…” In Proverbs 1, I learn “to receive instruction is wise behavior…” In Matthew
1, I read the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few examples of recent scriptures that have encouraged me:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Proverbs
21:2 “People think they are doing what is right, but the Lord knows the heart.”
:10 “Evil people love to harm others; their neighbors get no mercy from them.”
:30 “Human plans, no matter how wise or well advised, cannot stand against the
LORD.” :31 “The horses are prepared for battle, but the victory belongs to the
LORD.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">John
13: 24-25 “A new commandment I give you that you love one another, even as I
have loved you that you also love one another. By this all men will know that
you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">John
17:20-26, especially “…that they all be one…” The following excerpt is from </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/the-tony-evans-bible-commentary/9780805499421/pd/499421?event=Christian-Authors|1013690" target="_blank">The Tony Evans Bible Commentary</a></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> p</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">age
1057.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He [Jesus] prayed that all believers would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all be one</b> —that is, experience unity.
Legitimate unity is not uniformity or sameness. Rather, Jesus was talking about
being unified in God and his purposes. That’s why he prayed, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">May</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A football team consists of different
players filling different positions with different roles. But the entire team
has one purpose: reaching the goal line. Their unity consists of pursuing that
one goal according to the rules of the game. The church of Jesus Christ is
composed of people from every race, ethnicity, gender, and walk of life. But we
have the common purpose of proclaiming the gospel and pursuing God’s kingdom
agenda. Our effectiveness is determined by our unity. That’s why Satan works so
hard at causing division among Christians and within churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Please read the rest of this commentary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for
he careth for you.</span>”<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">KJ biblegateway.com</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Please
listen to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVh9PeDaENc" target="_blank">“Does Jesus Care?”</a> by Frank E. Graeff recorded by Gaither Music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">United
by the Gospel; how has the good news of Jesus Christ comforted you? I have
written about how I am comforted during difficult circumstances. How do you
find comfort in a time of turmoil? Please share your thoughts, where do you go
for encouragement? The Gospel will unite us in prayer and action. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-14214772050396684942020-04-29T12:27:00.000-04:002020-04-29T12:27:43.850-04:00Covid-19 encouragement 2 Chronicles 20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRKTx-sgtr1iSasEmgLl25s1GkydLf13FRUWyVW99uzWAJ3maFEtkesvlnGFqX1i8kXtXgEm_PyGWAaNRkUtpAoyAjYbGWi3D7U-AwsIvdHvMrSKra6Vb-azsJx4j2hwc0Rg3zDTP35Qo/s1600/rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRKTx-sgtr1iSasEmgLl25s1GkydLf13FRUWyVW99uzWAJ3maFEtkesvlnGFqX1i8kXtXgEm_PyGWAaNRkUtpAoyAjYbGWi3D7U-AwsIvdHvMrSKra6Vb-azsJx4j2hwc0Rg3zDTP35Qo/s200/rainbow.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"...Act with courage,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-11588A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-11588A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> and may the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> be with those who do well."</span></div>
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 6px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 Chronicles 19:11</span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">New International Version (NIV)www.biblegateway.com</span></span></h1>
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In 2 Chronicles 20:3, read "Jehoshaphat was afraid..." If Jehoshaphat, fourth king of Judah, can be afraid, I can be afraid in 2020 with our uncertain world pandemic. What did he do and what am I to do?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am to acknowledge my feeling; Jehoshaphat was afraid, Selma is afraid. The rest of 2 Chronicles 20:3, "...and he resolved to seek the LORD..." So, take a hint, Selma is to seek the LORD too!!! The scripture continues to read how Jehoshaphat called for fasting, praying and praising, 2 Chronicles 20:5-9. "...We will cry out to you because of our distress, and you will hear and deliver."</div>
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My response is the same as v 18-19, "...fell down before the LORD and worship Him...stood up to praise the LORD." </div>
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Prayerfully read 2 Chronicles 20, underline what encourages your heart. Daily in prayer read this scripture; write and be an encouragement to others!!! This is my desire.</div>
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Thank you, Dr. Tony Evans for encouraging me!!! The message was on TBN on 26 April 2020. TonyEvans.org. Please share YOUR thoughts and experiences, thank you!!!</div>
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Many years ago, during another time of distress, I remember driving down the road singing Bill and Gloria Gaiter's song "Let's Just Praise the LORD." Their music offered me inner strength to go another day. No, ha, ha, this was not the 1918 influenza pandemic; this song was published in 1972. </div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/-hqvVyhAkPg" target="_blank">Let's Just Praise the Lord</a></h2>
<div id="song-body" style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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Chorus:</div>
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Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!</div>
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Let's just lift our hearts to heaven and praise the Lord;</div>
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Let's just praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!</div>
<div class="ll-0-5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
Let's just lift our hearts to heaven an praise the Lord!</div>
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<div class="ll-0-5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
During my personal time of distress, I changed the chorus words. Instead of "lift our hearts..." I would sing "lift my head..." Then for the next chorus, I would change the body part [ eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, all down to toes]; I lifted every part of me, one at a time, very long song. The other change I needed was "Praise the Lord!" to "Praise MY LORD!" Try singing praises to your LORD, share your experiences! Thank you. May God bless you, Selma.</div>
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Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-60496983425089982222020-03-21T13:16:00.000-04:002020-03-21T13:16:43.439-04:00The Gift of Prayer<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwRrgxvuYAcdYiufgIwe4F2PZg6kMHHIhia_z-QsFO8QAa5cm2jD-ckh7JVa7Q6oZ9lJgsLJU4MnSnMmpFfFzSdPkZpA5Gt8Sbzlf7qgTYMQP1i9DhfzqfswsXCB1rF66Z1K_YH-00kat/s1600/Gift+of+Prayer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwRrgxvuYAcdYiufgIwe4F2PZg6kMHHIhia_z-QsFO8QAa5cm2jD-ckh7JVa7Q6oZ9lJgsLJU4MnSnMmpFfFzSdPkZpA5Gt8Sbzlf7qgTYMQP1i9DhfzqfswsXCB1rF66Z1K_YH-00kat/s200/Gift+of+Prayer.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Psalm 16:11</div>
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<span class="text Ps-16-11" id="en-NKJV-14104" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; position: relative; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">You will show me the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-14104H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-14104H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.62em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup>path of life;</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span class="text Ps-16-11" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; position: relative; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">In Your presence <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> fullness of joy;</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span class="text Ps-16-11" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; position: relative; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">At Your right hand <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</i> pleasures forevermore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">New King James Version</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #001000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: xx-small;"> www.biblegateway.com</span> </span></div>
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Gift: <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #111111; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.<span style="font-size: xx-small;">www.bing.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Something offered to me, but I must accept it!</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: small;">Have you sensed you want God’s guidance, but have no idea
how to pray? In “The Gift of Prayer,” Dr. Stanley combines scripture and
photography to acquaint the reader with down-to-earth direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In this brief review, I will only touch on one topic:
praying for others. Has a friend or family member asked you to pray for them, however
you have no idea what to say? Has God placed someone on your heart, you desire
to pray for them, nevertheless you have no idea what is their issue?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Using the life-changing prayer found in Colossians 1:9-12, Dr.
Stanley devotes the next seven pages to explain six parts of this prayer
answering what is your responsibility and what is God’s responsibility. Each theme
ends with a prayer. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Father, how grateful I am that I can talk to You about absolutely anything--including the needs of my family members, friends, coworkers, fellow believers, and acquaintances. I may not be able to help them, but I am thankful that through the awesome gift of prayer I can lift them up to You--and You can transform their lives in miraculous ways.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> You know who is on my heart right now, Father. I pray that this individual would be filled with the knowledge of Your will, would walk in a manner worthy of You, would bear fruit in every good work, would increase in the knowledge of You, and would be strengthened with all Your power and wisdom to stand against sin and embrace who You created him or her to be. I give thanks to You, Father, for this person's life. I know You formed this precious individual with great purposes in mind--even if this person is far from those plans right now. But with You, Father, there is always hope! Transform this situation in the way only You can.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> In Jesus' loving and life-changing name I pray. Amen." </i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Page 128</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">After reading this 150 page book, I sensed encouragement, peacefulness,
and calmness. Please read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Gift of
Prayer </i>and share your thoughts!!!
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<span style="font-size: small;">Stanley, Charles F. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Gift of Prayer.</i> Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 2019.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #111111; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-32877895272661391192019-12-19T11:35:00.000-05:002019-12-19T11:35:40.585-05:00Uniqueness of Christ & Names of Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 6px;">Matthew 16:13-20</span> Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah</span></h1>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”<br />14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”<br />15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”<br />16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”<br />17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.</span><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">www.biblegateway.com NIV</span></div>
Many people today have their own ideas about who Jesus is. Some people think He was merely a prophet or good teacher who taught people how to live. Even those who claim to be Christians have some inaccurate views of Him because they haven't based their perceptions on the comprehensive truth of Scripture.<br />
When Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:15-16). Jesus was unlike any other person who ever lived. He was set apart by …<br />
<b> HIS BIRTH</b>. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, the eternal Son of God entered the human race through the womb of a virgin.<br />
<b>HIS WISDOM</b>. At age 12, Jesus spent three days with the Jewish teachers, amazing them with His divine wisdom and understanding.<br />
<b> HIS BAPTISM</b>. Though He was innocent of sin, Jesus asked John to baptize Him in order to identify with the sinners He came to save.<br />
<b>HIS TEMPTATION.</b> Though Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus did not yield. Throughout His life, He fully obeyed every law of God and never sinned.<br />
<b> HIS MINISTRY.</b> He challenged man-made traditions and demonstrated the power of God by healing people, raising the dead, and forgiving sins.<br />
<b>HIS DEATH.</b> Jesus' death was a sacrifice for the sins of mankind so they could be forgiven and reconciled to God.<br />
<b>HIS RESURRECTION</b>. Christ was the only person to ever permanently overcome death through resurrection.<br />
Is this the Jesus you know? He is the only one who can save you.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Stanley, Charles F. "The Uniqueness of Christ." <i>In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living</i>. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. Dec 2019, pg 22.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">“‘the stone you builders rejected,<br /> which has become the cornerstone.’</span><br /><div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">www.biblegateway.com NIV</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike> In Biblical times, a baby's name was based on the child's characteristics or a hope or prayer of the parent. The same is true of Jesus, whose name means "Jehovah is salvation." He is uniquely sent from heaven by the Father to be our Savior, and all His names and titles are powerful descriptions of who He is and what He does. What's more, the way Jesus describes Himself in John's gospel provides additional, rich insight into His character and work:</div>
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<b>THE BREAD OF LIFE</b> (5:32-40). Jesus Christ is the only one who can truly satisfy our heart and feed our soul with sustenance that leads to eternal life.</div>
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<b>THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD</b> (8:12). He shines through this dark, sinful world, showing us the way to forgiveness and salvation.</div>
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<b>THE DOOR</b> (10:7-10). Whoever enters through the door of Christ will be saved.</div>
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<b>THE GOOD SHEPHERD</b> (10:11-18). As our Shepherd, Jesus knows and cares for us-with a love so great that He laid down His life to save us.</div>
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<b>THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE</b> (14:6). Jesus alone is the origin of truth and life, so He is the only avenue by which we can be saved and live eternally.</div>
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<b>THE VINE</b> (15:1-10). Christ is the source of our spiritual life. Without His abiding presence, we could do nothing of eternal value.</div>
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These are just some of the titles that Jesus Christ used to identify Himself, and the Bible refers to Him in many additional ways. Each time you read God's Word, pay attention to the descriptive names of Jesus. Each one will help you come to a better understanding of the One who loves you and came to save you.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10.06px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Stanley, Charles F. "The Uniqueness of Christ." </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10.06px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living</i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10.06px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. Dec 2019, pg 23.</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889223477466423681.post-4205564245955326172019-09-13T11:04:00.000-04:002019-09-13T11:04:36.891-04:00A Loving God and Eternity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 6px;">Matthew 25:31-46</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>“When the Son of Man comes<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24040A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24040A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24040B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24040B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-32" id="en-NIV-24041" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">32 </span>All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24041C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24041C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24041D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24041D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-33" id="en-NIV-24042" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">33 </span>He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-34" id="en-NIV-24043" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">34 </span>“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24043E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24043E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> prepared for you since the creation of the world.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24043F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24043F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-35" id="en-NIV-24044" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">35 </span>For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24044G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24044G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NIV-24045" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">36 </span>I needed clothes and you clothed me,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24045H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24045H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> I was sick and you looked after me,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24045I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24045I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> I was in prison and you came to visit me.’<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24045J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24045J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-37" id="en-NIV-24046" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">37 </span>“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?</span> <span class="text Matt-25-38" id="en-NIV-24047" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">38 </span>When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?</span> <span class="text Matt-25-39" id="en-NIV-24048" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">39 </span>When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-NIV-24049" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">40 </span>“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24049K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24049K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-41" id="en-NIV-24050" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">41 </span>“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24050L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24050L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> you who are cursed, into the eternal fire<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24050M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24050M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> prepared for the devil and his angels.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24050N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24050N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-42" id="en-NIV-24051" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">42 </span>For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,</span> <span class="text Matt-25-43" id="en-NIV-24052" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">43 </span>I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-25-44" id="en-NIV-24053" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">44 </span>“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-25-45" id="en-NIV-24054" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">45 </span>“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24054O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24054O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NIV-24055" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">46 </span>“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24055P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24055P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>”</span></span></div>
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New International Version (NIV) </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">https://www.biblegateway.com</a></span></h1>
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The scriptures speak clearly of existence after death-people will spend eternity in either heaven or hell. Yet many individuals consider this truth inconsistent with other facts about the Lord. While their objections are understandable, the Bible provides the answers:</div>
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<b>HOW CAN THE LORD BE GOOD IF HE LETS SOME PEOPLE SPEND ETERNITY IN HELL?</b> God is love (1 John 4:8), and He doesn't want anyone to live without Him (1 Timothy 2:4). According to HIs plan, every person can turn from sin and receive the Savior, enjoying His presence both now and throughout eternity. Some, however, reject Jesus Christ and live apart from Him all their days. Unless they change that tragic decision, their separation from divine love will continue eternally.</div>
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<b>WHY WOULD GOD CREATE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS, KNOWING THEY'D NEVER TURN TO HIM? </b>To some, this seems unloving. Yet God so values our free will that He won't force anyone to go to heaven against his or her will. Doing so would amount to creating robots who are unable to truly respond, love and worship.</div>
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<b>AN ENDLESS PENALTY SEEMS UNFAIR, ESPECIALLY IF A NON-CHRISTIAN NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL. </b>As long as unbelievers are alive, the heavenly Father goes to great lengths to keep them from eternal punishment-except He won't violate their free will. He gives enough time and evidence so that nobody has a valid excuse for rejecting the one path to salvation (Romans 1:20).</div>
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Jesus wants you to spend eternity with Him. So do you know Him as your Lord and Savior?</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Stanley, Charles F. "A Loving God and Eternity." <i>In Touch: Daily reading for devoted living.</i> Atlanta: InTouch.org. September 2019, page18.</span></div>
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Selma Kampe Blackmonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01839977241416192163noreply@blogger.com0