tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83233327065627161362024-03-17T07:02:48.627-07:00.PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-59592969413113207902022-01-05T10:21:00.002-08:002022-01-05T10:21:50.218-08:00Our Gifts and How To Use Them<p> <span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Our Gifts and How To Use Them</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">by Pastor Mark Taylor - January 3, 2022</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Therefore I remind you to stir up (keep in full flame) the gift of God which is in you…” <span style="color: black;"> 2 Timothy 1:6</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All Christians have at least one gift. . This is a picture of a fireplace that has some hot coals but no fire. Those coals need to be stirred up and more wood put on those coals. these coals are your gifts God has given you.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. The Gift that is in You</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What gift is in you? Some people have <span style="text-decoration: underline;">the gift of the mind</span> which is accompanied with <span style="text-decoration: underline;">the gift of speech</span>. Not everyone who has the gift of the mind, has the gift of speech. The person who has the mind, and the speech, and the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">gift of a fervent spirit</span> has great power from God, and is obligated to use it for our Lord Jesus Christ. We are bought with a price. <span style="color: #fb0207;"> “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”</span> 1 Corinthians 6:20</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Some people can not speak very eloquently with the tongue, but can speak with the pen. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Notes and letters and written sermons </span>are gifts that have led to the salvation of many. Can you write with simplicity and express the power of God? It is a gift. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Music, art, leadership, and craftsmanship</span> are also additional gifts that can be used for our Lord Jesus</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Another form of a gift that is given to us in that of<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> influence</span>. We all have some influence. Parents mold children’s lives. Those who are in the workforce have influence over employees and employers. You are affecting those around you for good or for evil. </p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Older adults have another gift. It is <span style="text-decoration: underline;">experience</span>. It cannot be purchased or taught. Experienced Christians are put into the Church to guide others without experience. Use your experience in the visitation of the sick, your conversations with the poor, and your meetings with younger Christians. Let your anointing fall on others.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Others have the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">gift of prayer</span>. Praying with power in private, within the church, and for sinners is a special gift. These people know how to knock on Heaven’s door. You will be able to judge a church by its prayer, as you can the temperature by a thermostat. It is not only a gift for you but to help others.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Some of you have the gift of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">meaningful conversation. </span> Always say something worth saying. Turn conversations back to Spiritual things and our Lord Jesus. Always speak to visitors who come to church. They need to know that they are welcomed.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Other gifts include <span style="text-decoration: underline;">nursing sick people, helping the poor, </span>and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">being content </span>with your life. Fan into a flame the gift of God that is in you.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. How are we to Fan into Flame the gifts of God.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> First we should<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> examine </span>what gifts we have. Acknowledge the abilities we have. Let us ask others to help us identify them. Let us ask ourselves: “What gifts do we have? Ask ourselves: “What can we do more? </p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Consider</span> to what use we can put our talents to use. Is there anything we can do more to help our families or neighborhoods spiritually? You are to be a light in a dark places. Let us ask ourselves: “What can I do for my Lord by helping others?” </p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Use our gifts.</span> Not only examining and considering our gifts, but actually <span style="text-decoration: underline;">using them.</span> The person that does one thing, will find himself doing two. and doing two, will do four, and so on.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Improve our gifts</span>. In addition to using our gift, each one of us should strive to<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> improve </span>it. We should all be learning how to be better in our service of Christ. Everyone of us should be students and learners. Grow mentally and spiritually. </p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pray over our gifts</span> to fan them into a flame Talk to God about our weaknesses in our gifts and callings, and ask for His assistant in using them. Pray over yourself.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. Why is it we should Fan into the Flame the gifts God has given us?</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Everything we do for our Lord Jesus will fall far short of what He deserves, and for what He has done for us. So we will never do enough. This is not salvation by works. Yet, we should do it because He first loved us. Remember what obligations we have to our Lord for all He has done for us. Visualize all Jesus has done for us at the cross, and it will not be difficult to use of our gifts. It will be an act of love and devotion.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> We must fan into a flame our gifts because they need fanning. There are times we become indifferent. At those times we need someone to rebuke us and remind us of our gift. If we don’t we may lose our ability to use our gifts in the future.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> We must fan into a flame our gifts because our Lord Jesus is going to return and reward all of His children for using their gifts in service to Him. </p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">(Some notes from a sermon preached by Charles H. Spurgeon) </p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-77640476094955321892021-12-30T06:50:00.004-08:002021-12-30T07:05:09.349-08:00THE SOUL THAT SINS - EZEKIEL 18<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">The Soul that Sins</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">“The Soul Who Sins Shall Die - He that is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.” <span style="color: black;">Ezekiel 18: 4,9</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Chapter 18 of Ezekiel is declaring that every person is responsible for their own sin. In our culture we sometimes excuse our sinful behavior as a result of our past. Some have used a term generational curse as an excuse that they have no personal choice on how they will live. The sins of our fathers and mothers have an influence on us, but it is not an excuse that will hold up when we stand before God at our judgement. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Every person will be judged according to whether they have accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior. The demonstration and truth of that is how we respond to sin. It does not mean that we reach a state of sinless perfection. It does mean we are not to live a life of continuous sin without any repentance or change. While the dying in these verses could mean both physical death and/or eternal death, they should compel us to live a holy life. <span style="color: #fb0207;">“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. <b>2 </b>Do not be conformed to this world,</span><span style="color: #fb0207; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #fb0207;">but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. </span>(Romans 12: 1-2) Be careful not to lose all your rewards God wants to give you when you reach Heaven, and still have to suffer the consequences of your sins on earth while you are here.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ezekiel is writing in this chapter about a wide held belief that the sins of the fathers would be passed down to the children. While this seems to be the history and the choices of the Children of Israel from the time of Moses, Ezekiel is bringing in a New Covenant of how God will deal with his children, including the Gentiles. God tells Ezekiel <span style="color: #fb0207;">“As I live says the Lord God, you shall not have an occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge". The soul that sins, it shall die…He that walks in my statutes, and has kept my judgments, to deal truly, his is just, he shall surely live, says the Lord God.” </span> (Ezekiel 18: 4, 9).</p>
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<p style="color: #fb0207; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">God has a message for those who have lived a wicked live. In this chapter God says: </span>“If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keeps all my statutes, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he has committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him, in his righteousness that he has done he shall live.” <span style="color: black;">(Ezekiel 18:21:22).</span></p>
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<p style="color: #fb0207; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">God also has a message for those who were living a life pleasing to God and then turns to the way of the wicked person. </span>“But when the righteous turns away for his righteousness, All his righteousness that he has done shall not be mentioned, and in his sin that he has sinned, in them shall he die.” <span style="color: black;">(Ezekiel 18:24).</span></p>
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<p style="color: #fb0207; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The main message of this chapter is Repentance. </span>“ Therefore I will judge you O house of Israel, every one according to his ways says the Lord God: Repent and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so sin shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your sins, whereby you have transgressed, and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, says the Lord God, wherefore turn yourselves, and live.” <span style="color: black;">(Ezekiel 18:30:32).</span></p>
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<p style="color: #fb0207; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">This new heart is the one God gives us when we repent of our sins and accept the Lord Jesus as our personal Savior. </span> “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); <b>9 </b>because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” <span style="color: black;">(Romans 10:8-9). </span>“Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again<span style="font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>he cannot see the kingdom of God.” <span style="color: black;">(John 3:3).</span></p>
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<p style="color: #fb0207; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We will all die physically. But we will not all die spiritually. </span>“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.<span style="font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, <b>26 </b>and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” <b>27 </b>She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” <span style="color: black;">(John 11: 25-26)</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If God’s grace leads you to repentance and His Holy Spirit calls you to come to Christ and to give your life to Him, do it today. This has to be done personally and sincerely. This is more than walking down an aisle saying a prayer and being baptized. That is something you should do. But those demonstrations of your faith are only the beginning of living a life that is pleasing to God. The first choice you have to make is to receive this wonderful offer of eternal life, our Lord Jesus is offering you.</p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you <b>life</b> and death, blessing and curse. Therefore <b>choose</b> <b>life</b>, that you and your offspring may live..” <span style="color: black;">(Deuteronomy 30:19)</span></p><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-80944363684655656832021-07-18T16:25:00.001-07:002021-12-30T06:53:09.404-08:00I WILL LOVE THEM FREELY<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: center;">“I will Love them Freely..”</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">by Pastor Mark Taylor</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely,..” </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hosea 14:4</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A message of salvation. This is the way love comes down from Heaven to Earth - Freely. Spontaneous love that came to those who did not deserve it, purchased it, or sought after it.</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We use the word freely to describe something that was given to someone who gives and not expecting anything in return. God’s love comes to us freely.</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">God does not accept our works in exchange for His love. Those that receive this love have no ability to pay for it. The generosity of our God was given to us while we were still His enemies. </span>“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”<span style="color: black;"> Romans 5:8 </span>“And if by <b>grace</b>, then <i>it is</i> no longer of works; otherwise <b>grace</b> is no longer <b>grace</b>. But if <i>it is</i> of works, it is no longer <b>grace</b>; otherwise work is no longer work.”<span style="color: black;"> Romans 11:6</span></span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God calls those who have no way to pay for it or sought for it. The love of God goes after men who have not even thought of Him. When they hear about God’s love or the Holy Spirit reveals it to them, then they start seeking. It is given freely.</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A well gives its water after someone has dug it. A mountain stream gives its water freely. God’s love is freely given by His Grace. <span style="color: #fb0207;">“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; <i>it is</i> the gift of God, <b> </b>not of works, lest anyone should boast.” </span> Ephesians 2:8-9</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” <b> </b>So then <i>it is</i> not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.”<span style="color: black;"><b> “</b> Romans 9:15-16</span></span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, if you have received God’s mercy you should not take His love for granted.. Today, if you have not received it, call out to Him and ask Him for it. <span style="color: #fb0207;">“Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your <b>mercy</b> remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.” </span> Psalms 25:7</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No matter how great a sinner you think you are God’s love is freely given to you. Such is the grace of God. It comes from the goodness of God, like the rain and the sun. <span style="color: #fb0207;">“..for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”</span> Matthew 5:45. </span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">The free love of God comes to the most undeserving who will receive it. Nothing you can do can make God love you any more than He does right now. Nothing you do will take away His love for you. <b> </b></span><b>“</b>For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, <b> </b>nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” <span style="color: black;"> Romans 8: 38-39</span></span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am not just talking about accepting our Lord Jesus to escape hell and go to Heaven. I am not talking about loving God because He has promised blessings to those who serve Him. Those are certainly realities we will experience. But I am talking about receiving God’s love. It is given to you freely. A relationship and a friendship with the God of Heaven. Do you remember feeling loved by someone? This is the free love God is offering you.</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The free love of God existed before there was a man, before you were created you were loved by God. God did not start loving you because there was something good in you. And He does not continue to love you because there is some virtue in you. Your goodness is not a cause for God’s love for you.</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">God’s love for you is because He is love, not because you somehow have earned His favor. </span><b>“</b>Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. <b> </b>He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. <b> </b>In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son <i>to be</i> the propitiation for our sins.” </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 John 4: 7-10</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">When our Lord Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days the reaction of the family and friends was: </span><b>“</b>Jesus wept.<b> </b>Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” <span style="color: black;">John 11: 35-36. Our Lord Jesus loves us so much that we will also rise from the dead and always be with Him. </span>“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive <i>and</i> remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” <span style="color: black;"> 1Thessalonians 4: 16-18</span></span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While our souls never die, our bodies do (2 Corinthians 5:8) , until our Lord Jesus gives us our glorified bodies. (1 Corinthians 15: 42-54).</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You and I are loved freely by our Lord Jesus which should compel us to love Him. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“We love Him because He <b>first</b> <b>loved</b> <b>us</b>.” <span style="color: black;"> 1 John 4:19</span></span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some Notes From A Sermon preached by Charles Spurgeon in 1863 - Grace Abounding</span></p>PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-4199249384704379912021-07-09T17:25:00.004-07:002021-07-09T17:25:51.017-07:00<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">Where Are The Nine?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"> by Pastor Mark Taylor</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"> July 9, 2021</span></p>
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<p style="color: #fb0007; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">And Jesus answering said, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, except this stranger. And He said unto him, Arise, go your way: your faith has made you whole”<span style="color: black;"> (Luke 17:17-19).</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Leprosy (today known as Hansen’s disease) is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the nerves and skin of the arms and legs, and can cause blindness, muscle weakness, and kidney failure. It is the oldest known disease from about 600 B.C. Naaman, a Syrian Commander of the army, in 2 Kings 5 was the only person healed of this disease in the Old Testament (Luke 4:27). The Bible says<span style="color: #fb0207;"> “He was a mighty man of valor, but a leper.”</span> The next recorded healing of this disease was done by our Lord Jesus in Luke 17:11-19. Both of these were miraculous and immediate.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The leprosy was a disease which the Jews supposed to be inflicted for the punishment of some particular sin, and to be, more than other diseases, a mark of God’s displeasure; and therefore Christ, who came to take away sin, and turn away wrath, took particular care to cleanse the lepers that asked for mercy.</p>
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<p style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The spiritual lesson in this sermon is that when the blessings come, don’t forget to be thankful to our Lord Jesus. <span style="color: #fb0007;">“It is a good thing to <b>give thanks</b> unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Your name, O most High” </span>(Psalms 92:1).</p>
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<p style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Notice, there were ten lepers who came to Jesus to be healed, but only one returned to thank Him. The others took their healing and went on their way. Our Lord asked: <span style="color: #fb0207;">“Were there not ten cleansed?”</span> People often ask God for help, but fail to be thankful. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of the many who receive mercy from God today, there are very few that return to give Him thanks. Ingratitude is often included in lists of sins. <span style="color: #fb0207;"> “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, <b>unthankful, </b>unholy,…”</span> 2 Timothy 3:1-2. Ingratitude partially caused cost the children of Israel 40 years in the wilderness, and resulted in the rich young ruler rejecting eternal life. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The “One Thankful Person”, took the time to return to Jesus to thank Him. He started out standing “afar off”, but now he was on <span style="color: #fb0207;">“his face at His feet, <b>giving Him thanks”</b></span>. He started out asking for mercy, and now he <span style="color: #fb0207;">“glorified God with a loud voice”.</span> Those who have received mercy from God should publish it it others. Their praise to God will encourage others and lead them to trust Christ. Jesus took notice of the grateful return of the “One”. He also took notice of the ingratitude of those that were sharers of the mercy that did not return to give thanks. In coming back to give thanks, he gave glory to God and recognized our Lord Jesus as God. It is never too late to come back and be thankful.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #fb0007;">“Where are the nine?” </span>Will you be the one thankful person?</p>
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<p style="color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">How can we give thanks for what He has done for us? Actions speak louder than words. Luke 7: 37-50 </span>“Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”<span style="color: black;"> Luke 7:47</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">How can you be thankful?</p>
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<p style="color: #fb0007; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“By Him, then, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, <b>giving thanks</b> to His name” <span style="color: black;">(Hebrews 13:15).</span></p>
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<p style="color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with <b>thanksgiving,</b> let your request be made known to God.” <span style="color: black;">Philippians 4:6</span></p>
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<p style="color: #e6000e; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” <span style="color: black;"> John 14:15</span></p>
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<p style="color: #e6000e; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“In everything <b>give thanks</b>, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”<span style="color: black;"> 1 Thessalonians 5:18</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>“</b>Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases; Who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” <span style="color: black;">Psalms 103: 2-6</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #fb0207; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“He hath made his wonderful works to be <b>remember</b>ed: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” <span style="color: black;">Psalms 111:4</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Will you be the one thankful person to our Lord Jesus today? </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyQRVLZK_v7Bo4ch-Gog5d4LYgSzoYzEjITA53c6_MFO8mV35FtuPS1XsMcCzEtfmJARhFZkndHwjdhiVgTNkBeRwaPQRMNDQbwEipzb5FSTvCWt1RucZNv7tJT_Yf8N6i9_QKM1NgpRR/s1339/IMG_5893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1242" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyQRVLZK_v7Bo4ch-Gog5d4LYgSzoYzEjITA53c6_MFO8mV35FtuPS1XsMcCzEtfmJARhFZkndHwjdhiVgTNkBeRwaPQRMNDQbwEipzb5FSTvCWt1RucZNv7tJT_Yf8N6i9_QKM1NgpRR/w166-h179/IMG_5893.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div><br /></div>PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-75498555244293289942019-06-20T06:22:00.000-07:002019-06-20T06:22:04.412-07:00The Love of God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">“THE LOVE OF GOD” </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">By Pastor Mark Taylor - June 22, 2019 - Sonia’s Home Group</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> (John 3:16)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">The world population as of April 2019 is 7.7 billion and the percent of those who call themselves Christian is only. 33.35%. This means 67% of the world has not heard of, or decided not to receive the love of God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">So if the "Love of God" has been revealed to you and you have accepted "The Love of God", you need to be thankful to our Heavenly Father.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">THE LOVE OF GOD IS UNIVERSAL </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600; font-size: 12pt;">“For God So Loved The World...”. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;"> The Greek word for world (kosmos) is defined as “the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ.” This is the world that God loved. It doesn’t say that God loved all the good guys. Or that God loved all the Jews. Or that God love all the saints. It says, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600; font-size: 12pt;">“For God so loved the world.”</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">So God’s love clearly isn’t based on our spiritual condition or our moral predisposition. It isn’t based on our behavior or our attitude toward him. Rather we see here that God’s love for mankind is universal and unconditional. He loves everyone. And this is one of the things that sets him apart from every other god held up by every other world religion.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">This does not however exempt any of from the consequences of our sins and wrong choices. "Be not deceived (make no mistake in your thinking), God is not mocked, for whatsoever a person sows, that shall they also reap." (Galatians 6:7). We must keep in the context of God's love that He hates sin because of the harm it does to His children. He does not hate the sinner, but the actions that robs them of the blessings He wants to give to those He loves.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">This also means that His love continues to be given to you unconditionally. “There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.” Christianity uniquely claims God’s love comes free of charge, no strings attached. No other religion makes that claim. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">THE LOVE OF GOD IS SACRIFICIAL</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600; font-size: 12pt;">“For God so love the World, that He Gave..” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;"> He loved us by giving, by serving, by sacrificing. We learn something important about the nature of true love. Some people think they love others because of what those people do for them or how they make them feel. God shows us that true love has nothing to do with what you can do for HIm, but everything to do with what He can do for you.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">THE LOVE OF GOD IS VALUABLE</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">“For God so loved the world, that He gave, His Only Son...” </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">Here we see the value of the Father’s love for us. Not only was He willing to give, but we see here that He was willing to give the only Son He had. When you give to someone out of your abundance that is one thing, but when you give your all, that is quite another. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">How many times have you heard or even said yourself: “I can’t give you that because it’s the only one I’ve got.” God didn’t have a back up. God didn’t have a spare. But He loved us so much that He was willing to give us the only Son He had.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">THE LOVE OF GOD IS IS PERSONAL</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">God’s love is not only universal, unconditional, and valuable, it is a personal love. A love given to each of us individually, one at a time. He gave His love to individual people, not to governments, nations, or religious organizations.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">One of the reasons God saved you is because He is fond of you. He likes having you around. He thinks you are the best things He ever created. If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He is ready to listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">GOD’S LOVE IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever would believe in Him...”</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">The really good news about God’s love is that it is not limited to a select few. Nor is it difficult to obtain. The love of God is accessible to “whoever believes” in Jesus – the only Son of God. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">God has come down to our level. Not in the sense that He has lessened His holiness or lowered His standards. But only in the sense that He has made His love accessible to the average, ordinary person like me and like you.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">GOD’S LOVE IS FOREVER</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life”</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">God’s goal in sending his Son from heaven to earth was not condemn you are to show you how bad you are, how unworthy you are or how hopeless you are. God’s only desire in sending His Son was to show you His love and draw you into a love relationship with Himself. Jesus didn’t come into the world in order to rebuke you. He came to rescue you. He didn’t come to criticize you. He came to cleanse you. He didn’t come to punish you. He came to pardon you. He didn’t come to destroy you. He came to deliver you.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">Our response to this wonderful gift of love from God to us should be to accept it and love God back. Romans 10: 9-13</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Our response of love should be to live a life that would be pleasing to The Lord. Jesus said: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">"If you Love Me, Keep My commandments." </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 12pt;">(John 14:15). </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">"If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love."</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> (John 15:10).</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 12pt;">What are those commandments? </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 12pt;">(John 15:12)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">When our Lord was asked: What is the greatest commandment? He said: </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, With all your soul, With all your mind, And with all your strength. This is the first commandment, And the second is like it in that you should love your neighbor as yourself."</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> (Mark 11: 29-30).</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">Love is an action verb. You love God with your life and not with just words.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12pt;">"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: 12pt;">I John 3:18</span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-34115607876656572002019-05-13T05:22:00.002-07:002019-05-13T05:22:25.547-07:00The Importance of Belonging To A Local Church<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Importance of Belonging To A Local Church</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 8:5 “…but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and <i>then</i> to us by the will of God.” The church offers you something you cannot get anywhere else.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why Have strong relationships.</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> We were created for connections.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Connections balance our lives. By yourself you will leave an unbalanced life. The Bible has 58 “one another” in the New Testament.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The relationships that will last forever are those built in the family of God - the Church. The one thing that will last after this world is over is the church. (Romans 12:2). Church is not an event you attend, but a group you are a part of. We are connected to each other.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">What a Church is like in metaphors (pictures)., a brick in a temple, a family member in a family, a vine to a branch.</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> It connects me to God’s eternal temple. I Corinthians 3: 16 “</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Do you not know that you are the temple of God and <i>that</i> the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Ephesians 2:21 -22 “in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” The word together is key. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lessons from building - you cannot build it with one part. all the parts have to fit together, a part is useless until it is connected. By yourself you cannot be used. a part for the house needs to be inside the house not outside the house. We are connected to hold each other up.1 Timothy 3:15 “<i>I write</i> so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground (foundation) of the truth.” The Benefit : I get support and stability. Small groups are a way to get this support.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">2. Second Benefit: I get life and growth. It Connects me to Christ body. Ephesians 1:22-23 “And He put all <i>things</i> under His feet, and gave Him <i>to be</i> head over all <i>things</i> to the church, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore, putting away lying, “<i>Let</i> each one <i>of you</i> speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.” Romans 12: 4-5 Therefore, putting away lying, “<i>Let</i> each one <i>of you</i> speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.” The church has many parts, God loves diversity. every part of the body is needed to make the body complete. we each have a different work to do, we need each other. I cannot fulfill God’s purpose for my life by myself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">People say I need Jesus but not the church. Colossians 2:19 “</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase <i>that is</i> from God.” Just as your body is connected, we must be connected in the church. You only grow by being connected to the church. You can make temporary change but you need people to make long lasting change.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Second Benefit: I get life and growth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. It connects me to the power of Jesus. John 15:5 “I am the vine, you <i>are</i> the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” This is our organic connection. One wire can keep your car from moving. John 15:4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” Connections makes us productive. Your life impact will be determine by the connections you make. The fruit comes from the root. This is the kind of fruit you will produce if you are connected:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Galatians 5:22-23 “</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Third Benefit: I get God’s power to Change. There are some problems you will never get rid of along, only in community being connected. Having others praying for you, holding you accountable and supporting you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Fourth Picture: It connects me to God’s Family. A Christian without a church family is an orphan. Somebody chose you to be apart of their family when you left the hospital. You need a church family. Romans 8:16 “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” “1Timothy 3:15 “<i>I write</i> so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church (family) of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” Your number one priority in the family of God is to love the other members. 1 Peter 2:17 “Honor all <i>people.</i> Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” Colossians 3:14 “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” (Most important love each other). Love is what holds the family together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fourth Benefit: I am loved and accepted. People need to hear your story and they need for you to hear their story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 8:5 “…but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and <i>then</i> to us by the will of God.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">A church family helps you to connect to God, to others, to the truth, with yourself to use your gifts and abilities , fulfill your life mission. The church will outlast every kingdom and business. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">*Sermon Notes From Pastor Rick </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">Warren.</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-65566597704629528052019-05-08T09:35:00.000-07:002019-05-08T09:35:09.478-07:00A Season of Life - Springtime<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">SEASONS OF LIFE – SPRING</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Following the turbulence of winter comes the season of activity and opportunity called springtime. It is the season for entering the fertile fields of life with seed, knowledge, commitment, and a determined effort.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spring does not care if you sow or sleep, nor does it care if you plant abundantly or sparingly. God has given you the wisdom to rise from your comfortable chair and enter the fields at the right season.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The springtime in your life offers you the opportunity to enroll in a class, to have the courage to change either an occupation or residence, or perhaps even to change your mind about something or someone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Springtime can enter your life when ever you are ready, but timing is important. Do not allow springtime to pass while you sit idly by and others are planting their seeds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">To take full advantage of the spring in your life, you must begin to rid your soil of the weeds and rocks of worry, doubt, or pessimism. It is the fertilizer of faith and enthusiasm that will overcome the worst forms of weeds. The Lord allows flowers to start over every spring and he will allow the same for you:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Matthew 6:28-30 KJV)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plant more seeds this year. If you gave a small amount of money to the work of the Lord last year, give more this year. If you attended church only a few times last year, attend more this year. If you gave a small amount of your time last year ministering, give more time this year to the Lord. If you spent a small amount of time and effort in helping your church, invest more this year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">“</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (James 2:26)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Faith provides us with a multiple reward. For each cup planted, a bushel is reaped, for every good idea given to another, many shall be given to us in return, for every act of kindness and love, a life of love will be returned, for each seed of encouragement given to another, encouragement will be given.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">A kernel of corn produces its own kind. A seed of doubt, or fear, or distrust place in the mind also produces after its own kind. The price, or effort of thinking thoughts of love, prosperity, or self-confidence takes no more effort than to think thoughts of hate, poverty, or self doubt. Only the rewards are different.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Springtime says “Here I Am!”. I will provide the warm weather and the fertile fields, but you will have to decide if you are going to plant or not, and what you will plant. The act of planting during the spring requires that we exert effort and discipline.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each day is given to us as a new season of spring. The thoughts, deeds, dreams, and efforts of today will provide tomorrow’s harvest. To neglect the opportunity given to us this day is to delay our better harvest tomorrow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">There will be no better day, no better opportunity, no better springtime, no better time to begin than the current moment. Life is truly a constant beginning, a constant opportunity, a constant springtime. We need to have the faith of a child.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Galatians 6:9-10)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(1 Corinthians 15:58)</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-13941830028440665142019-03-23T12:15:00.004-07:002019-03-23T12:15:37.330-07:00Loving One Another With Acts Of Service<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (John 15:12)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are many ways to “love one another”. You can love one another with words of encouragement. You can “love one another” with spending time with each other. You can “love one another” by giving gifts. You can “love one another” with physical touch. I would like to share with you another important way to show your love for others. this is called “Acts of Service”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Matthew 22: 36-40, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Acts of service, is doing things for others that you would want them to do for you. Our Lord and Savior said this:</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> "Therefore, whatever you want people to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Matthew 7:12). You can show your love to </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">others by doing things for them. Love is not just a feeling, it is action. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue only, but in deed and in truth”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (1 John 3:18).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Acts of service” is something the Lord Jesus Christ both demonstrated and taught us to do.</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;"> “So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (John 13:12-14). Today, in our society, we do not demonstrate or love for each other with this custom, but there are many ways we can “wash each other’s feet” through loving each other with tangible acts of love and service.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Many people are locked into “gender” gaps and “generational” gaps which identify and limit them in the types of service that they are willing to give to those they love. For instance, some men will not wash the dishes, because their dads never washed the dishes. They view that service as something the wife should always do. Some women feel that it is the husband’s job to take out the trash and wash the car. When we allow ourselves to think and live the way our parents did, we limit our capacity to show our love to others with acts of service. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;">“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Philippians 2:3). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Remember there are no rewards for maintaining stereotypes, but there are tremendous benefits to meeting the emotional needs of those you love.” You may do a lot of things right, but if you don’t do it with love, you will not meet the needs of those who need your love. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;">“And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Loving each other with acts of service is not limited to the husband and wife relationships. This command of “loving one another” applies to our friends, fellow Christian brothers and sisters, children, and grandchildren. It is a love language that should be spoken by each of us to each other. Love is a choice and cannot be demanded or manipulated. “Each of us must decide daily to love or not to love each other. This is true in all our relationships.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">One of the best ways to express our love to the Lord is in “acts of service”. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;">“Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Psalms 100:2). This includes attending worship services, giving, praying, and giving testimonies of His goodness. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;">“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Psalms 107:8).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Below are some simple “acts of service” we can do for each other and the Lord:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Be at church to show your love and support for each other and the Lord.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Visit the sick and home bound, and those in nursing homes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Prepare some food for someone who has lost a loved one or who has just had surgery and is at home sick. Use your gifts and abilities to serve the Lord and others within the church. (teaching a class, watching the nursery, sing in the choir, repairing, cleaning etc.).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Find a mission work outside of the church you can devote time to or donate money to help in their work for the Lord.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Ask others and the Lord the question: “Is there something I can do for you?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Write a note or make a phone call to let them know you are “there for them”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Invite someone to your home for a meal or take them out and pay for it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">You may feel that no one else has expressed the love language of “acts of service” toward you, and you may question why you should. Remember, love is something you do because the Lord has already done it for you. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;">“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Romans 5:8). Demonstrating your love for others is not a matter of them deserving it or not, it is a matter of God’s grace in you. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;">“We love Him because He first loved us.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (1 John 4:19). Express to your loved ones that it is a way you feel loved when they do things for you. One practical way to do this is for two people or a family to write down two to three things they can do for each other to make each one feel more loved. You can show your love for God by showing your love one another in “acts of services”. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;">"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (John 13:35). It is a testimony to your family, your friends, your church family, and most of all to your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;">“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(1 John 4:7).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am following our Lord Jesus” command by feeding hungry families in Africa, India, and Honduras. Please look at my website for videos and information on my mission work. <a href="http://taylorglobalmissions.com/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">taylorglobalmissions.com</span></a> . I will be going to Honduras in July with the goal of feeding 5,000 people. I would appreciate your prayers. </span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-65120086671401498452019-03-13T15:19:00.001-07:002019-03-13T15:19:21.796-07:00Setting Personal Goals <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“According to your faith let it be to you”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> Matthew 9:29</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your goals are about your future potential. If you don’t have goals for your life, you will just coast through life and others will make you apart of their goals </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Goal setting is both spiritual and practical. All successful people set goals. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Jesus had goals: “</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">My goal is to do what the One Who sent Me wants Me to do. My goal is to finish the work that He gave Me to do.</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> Paul had goals: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind me and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Philippians 3:13)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">There is only one you and you were created for a purpose. You have unique fingerprints, DNA, and gifts and abilities. Jeremiah 29:11 </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 2, 7); color: #fb0207;">“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Find your purpose and set goals to reach it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">2. Goals are statements of Faith. Hebrews 11:6 </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 2, 7); color: #fb0207;">“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Setting goals does not cost anything. The main difference between a dream and a goal is that a goal has a dead line in which you set to accomplish it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">3. Goals focus your energy. I Corinthians 9:26 </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 2, 7); color: #fb0207;">“I do not fight as one who beats the air”. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Goals keep you from wasting your time. The world is full of distractions and time wasters.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">4. Goals keep you going when you don’t feel like it. Psalms 146:5 </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 2, 7); color: #fb0207;">“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Long term goals keep you from staying discouraged with short term setbacks. Everyone fails. Learn to fail fast.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Goals build character. God is more interested in who you become than what you accomplish. You will never become the person you want to be until you intend to be that person.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">6. Good goals will be rewarded. When you reach your goal you are going to be rewarded on Earth and in Heaven by God if they are accomplished with the right methods and motives. Revelation 22:12 </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 2, 7); color: #fb0207;">“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you get ready to set a goal - ask these questions:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">2. <b>Is this goal motivated by love?</b> God is not going to bless a goal motivated by greed, guilt, competition, ego, or pride. John 14:10, 12 “</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love… This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">3. <b>Will this goal require depending on God to accomplish</b>? Proverbs 16:9 </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 2, 7); color: #fb0207;">“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you want God’s help to reach your goal you will need these three things:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><b>You will need God’s Holy Spirit. </b> Zechariah 4:6 </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><b>You will need God’s Word to guide you:</b> Joshua 1:8 </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">[a]</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><b>You will need God’s People to support you.</b> Ecclesiastes 4:12 </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-54455764264561038432019-03-05T09:50:00.000-08:002019-03-05T09:50:01.180-08:00Making Excuses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Making Excuses - If it were not for this and that, and the other.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">by Pastor Mark Taylor</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“And They all with one consent began to make excuses” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">( Luke 14:18)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The purpose of this message is not to condemn you or make you feel guilty of things you have not done in your life. It is to motivate you to see the daily opportunities our Heavenly Father has given you and to act on them. Many have made excuses for why they did not do something. The doctor has told us we need to start exercising, lose weight, stop unhealthy habits, and start eating better. Maybe you have had an excuse for why you have not begin to work on these important needs in your life. Possibly it is a result of having put off getting additional education or just improving the gifts and abilities the God has given you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">But praise the Lord for those of you who have ask for God’s help and have set goals and accomplished the. At one point you quit making excuses and stepped out on faith and allowed God to bless you. Today’s message is about a man who represents God offering an opportunity to his friends, and the excuses they gave to Him. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Luke 14:16-24 our Lord tells us of a story that He is using to compare to the Kingdom of God. We see an invitation from a very good, kind and generous man to all of his closest friends. Instead of being grateful for this invitation to come to a great supper”, they all rejected His offer by giving excuses.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">While this is a message to all those who have not received the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, it is also an invitation to those who call Him their Friend. This rich and generous man sent His servants to deliver the invitation to specific people who He knew well. You an I are the people of this message.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The message for you and I is to </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 2, 7); color: #fb0207;">“come, for all things are now ready” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Luke 14:17). The Lord Jesus has done everything necessary to provide you the opportunity to come and fellowship with Him and use your gifts and abilities to serve Him. The Lord wants you to come and have some great fellowship with Him. But, Many are saying “If it were not for this, and that, and the other, I would come”. I would read my Bible more, pray more, or help others more, but not now. God is ready to bless you now, but you are making excuses.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As you listen to the excuses in this story, you see that they are very weak. The Lord is also giving you an invitation to receive His blessings by living a life that would be pleasing to Him and a blessing to others. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 2, 7); color: #fb0207;">“Depart from evil, and do good, seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are upon their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil…”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Psalm 34:14-16).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have a choice. We can accept His invitation and live a life of purpose and blessing to others, or we can keep making excuses.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, <b>16 </b>in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. <b>17 </b>But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, <b>18 </b>I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. <b>19 </b>I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; <b>20 </b>that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Deuteronomy 30:15-20).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">You are invited to produce good works through the power that the eLord has put into your life. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every brach in me that does not produce fruit, He takes it away. Every branch that produces fruit, He purges it (Makes it better) so that it may bring forth more fruit…I am the vine you are the branches. He that abides in Me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit, for without Me, you can do nothing.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (John 15:1-5).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The sad news of this story is that those who were invited and made excuses would no longer have an opportunity to enter the house of this loving and generous man. The excuses they gave kept them from receiving many blessings. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 2, 7); color: #fb0207;">“For I say unto you, that none of those who were asked to come shall taste of My supper.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Luke 14:24)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">The good news is the invitation became open to others. If you reject the offer of eternal life and blessings in this life from God, you will lose the opportunity and others will receive it. The invitation has been extended to “whosoever will”. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Then the Master of the house said to His servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor, and the crippled, and the disabled, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as you have commanded, and yet there is still room. And the Lord said unto the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in that My house may be filled.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Luke 14:21-23)</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today your Heavenly Father is giving you an invitation to accept Him and follow Him, and to Love Him. Will you say YES? or will you say, “I would, if it were not for this, an that, and the other?”.</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-13603006484232972482019-02-27T07:56:00.000-08:002019-02-27T07:56:13.530-08:00How I Can Be Free From Self-Destructive Behaviors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">How I Can Be Free From Self-Destructive Behaviors</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pastor Mark Taylor</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Notes From A Sermon By Pastor Rick Warren)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seven Self-Destructive Behaviors</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shame - You cannot be happy and ashamed and guilty at the same time.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Uncontrolled Thoughts - You have a choice about what you think about</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Compulsions - inner drives - I just had to do it - no you did not.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fear - Fear of not having enough or being enough.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hopelessness - Long term thinking about the future.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bitterness - life is unfair and you get envious and hurt yourself. </span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Insecurity - God will never stop loving you.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">How can I be Free From Me? </span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I must remind myself daily what Jesus did for me. Romans 8:1-4. Jesus paid for your sins if you belong to Him. No condemnation. You have new power instead of just will-power.. Laws do work on outside behavior no inside change. Self help programs do not change your nature. You can’t act like a believer until you are one. Your desire will change when the Holy Spirit come into your life. You start with your mind. You cannot change your actions or your feelings until you change your thinking. </span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ask the Holy Spirit to give me better thoughts. Romans 5-6. You have to choose your mind set from a life of self-destruction or of a mind of life and peace. Principle of Replacement. When you want to change something in your mind you don’t just resist it, but you replace it. Whatever you focus your attention on will get your attention. If you want to break any bad habit in your life it is more than just resisting it, it is refocusing. When you replace it, it does not have power over you. You choose what you focus on. If you are a believer you have the help of the Holy Spirit.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I realize I have a new ability to say “no”. Will power is not enough. Romans 8:9, 12. Galatians 5:16. You will have the same desires and temptations, but you won’t fulfill them. Not everything that is natural is good for you. Anger is natural. Having an affair is a natural desire. Moments of compulsion. What you feel like doing is not always best for you or others.</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Turn my thoughts to God whenever I’m afraid. Romans 8:14-16. Antidotes to fear: remember you are a child of God, and you have family protection. Ask God to take care of your fear. Second you call out to your Father. The number one fear people have is being out of control. Crazy people are not afraid of being crazy. “I may be broken, but I am not crazy.” 2 Timothy 1:7 - God has not given us a spirit of Fear but of power, love, and self-control. The more you are controlled by the Holy Spirit the more control you will have over our self.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Focus on the long-term, not the short term! Romans 8: 17-18. The longer term your thinking is the more successful you will be, the shorter term will keep you from being successful. Eternity is long-term thinking. You are able to handle short term problems when you have long-term thinking. You will be rewarded when you get to Heaven for thinking and doing right. You will be sharing with Christ His glory forever. Our short-term suffering will only last for awhile or rewards will last for ever. </span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Remind myself that God is good and in control. Romans 8:19-25. Everything in the world is broken and frustrated because of sin. The result is pain. The result of pain is bitterness. Four things to get over bitterness: 1. The Holy Spirit is praying for me (v. 26-27). 2. God is using everything for good in my life (v. 28). God is greater than my problems. 3. God wants you to succeed (v. 31). If God is for us, who can be against you. 4. God will give you what you need. (v. 32).</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Trust that God will never stop loving me . Romans 8:38-39 Insecurity - feeling rejected - nothing can separate us from the love of God. </span></span></li>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-28455267373292453312019-01-02T12:50:00.003-08:002019-01-02T12:50:24.173-08:00This World Is Not My Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">By Pastor Mark Taylor </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">There are many things we do not know about what heaven will be like, because it is beyond our ability to comprehend. But one thing we can be sure of is that it will fulfill our greatest longings, it will dazzle us with its beauty, it will obliterate our greatest problems with its power and splendor, it will be greater than anything we could imagine or dream, it will be a place where love and joy will reign unspoiled. God is busy preparing all of this for us. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Hm” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(1 Corinthians 2:9).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">It will be where God will reward His Children for everything they have done for Him: every tear they shed in prayers for others, every person they helped, and every act of kindness done in His Name. Think about what is really important. “Only one life, it will soon be past, Only what is done for Christ will last”. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If we make preparations for our grandchildren’s visit or guests coming to our home for a meal, how much more does a God of love prepare for the time His children will come to His eternal home. The Bible says, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Matthew 7:11). Jesus said, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (John 14:2-3). If this fallen world in all of its brokenness can be so wonderful, what must heaven be like? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Heaven is the residence of God. The greatest reward of heaven will be God Himself. Nothing we see or experience will be greater than the fact that we are with God and see him face to face. We sing “O how I love Jesus”, “Amazing Grace”, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. When we get to Heaven, we will see that Friend and enjoy His company forever. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (1 Corinthians 13:12). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">How wonderful it will be to be in the presence of God where we will perfectly know him and know that we are perfectly known and loved. John writes in the book of Revelation: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God’”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Revelation 21:3). We will have no greater reward or relationship than being with our wonderful God and seeing Him face to face. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">No matter what you are going through today - it is only temporary. No one escapes difficulty and disappointment in this world. Don’t let it drive you away from the God who loves you and wants to help you. We are headed to a great place where God lives and where we will find true love and acceptance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Christians can be certain of their future in Heaven because Jesus prays for us. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. <b> </b>And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. <b> </b>Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (John 17: 9-11).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Christians can be certain of their future in heaven because God is for us and not against us. <b> </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;"><b>“</b>What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Romans 8: 31-32). In other words, how can we lose if God is on our side? How can we be kept from future glory if God is for us? Obviously we can’t. We can be certain that He will bring His work to a fulfillment. God is not investing in a losing cause! He proved His love for us on Calvary so we can be certain that nothing, absolutely nothing will keep him from completing His loving plans. Even when you struggle and fail, God still loves you and is still for you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Christians can be certain of their future in Heaven because there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“</b>For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,<b> </b>nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> (Romans 8: 38-39). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">There is nothing in this world worth missing Heaven for. There are temptations from Satan to be selfish, to mistreat others, to be actively involved in worldly pleasures that we know go against God’s principles. But I would ask everyone to consider if this wonderful place God has prepared for them that love Him, is worth missing. Our time on Earth is brief and we can do many valuable and good things for the Lord Jesus while we are here. He wants to bless us while we are here and then for Eternity. At the end of your life you cannot take your wealth, your popularity, or your accomplishments with you. Heaven is all about new things for those who love God and will serve Him in this life time. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“Behold, I make all things new”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Revelations 21:5).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">There are many things we do not know about Heaven because it is so much better than Earth, that there are no human words to explain how great it is. We will be reunited with our loved ones who loved God and accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior. We will be rewarded for all of our service and sacrifices in our service for God to meet the needs of others. Jesus said, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Revelation 22:12).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I would encourage all of those who have not decided to accept the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior to make that decision, and give their lives to Him so that they might receive the gift of eternal life. “Jesus said to him: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (John 14:6). Heaven is a real place that has been prepared for those that Love God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 14: 1-3).</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-77958284102175661272018-12-23T13:48:00.004-08:002018-12-23T13:48:54.083-08:00Leaving the City of Regret<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we enter 2019 this is a good reminder of 2018</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Leaving the City of Regret - Larry Harp</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had not really planned on taking a trip this time of year, and yet I found myself packing rather hurriedly. This trip was going to be unpleasant and I knew in advance that no real good would come of it. I'm talking about my annual "Guilt Trip." </span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I got tickets to fly there on "Wish I Had airlines". It was an extremely short flight. I got my baggage, which I could not check. I chose to carry it myself all the way. It was weighted down with a thousand memories of what might have been. No one greeted me as I entered the terminal to the Regret City International Airport. I say international because people from all over the world come to this dismal town. </span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I checked into the "Last Resort Hotel", I noticed that they would be hosting the year's most important event, the Annual Pity Party. I wasn't going to miss that great social occasion. Many of the towns leading citizens would be there. </span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">First, there would be the Done family, you know, Should Have, Would Have and Could Have. Then came the wish I Had family. You probably know ol' Wish and his clan. Of course, the Opportunities would be present, Missed and Lost. The biggest family would be the Yesterday's. There are far too many of them to count, but each one would have a very sad story to share. </span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then Shattered Dreams would surely make and appearance. And It's Their Fault would regale us with stories (excuses) about how things had failed in his life, and each story would be loudly applauded by Don't Blame Me and I Couldn't Help It. </span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, to make a long story short, I went to this depressing party knowing that there would be no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, I became very depressed. But as I thought about all of the stories of failures brought back from the past, it occurred to me that all of this trip and subsequent "pity party" could be cancelled by ME! I started to truly realize that I did not have to be there. I didn't have to be depressed. </span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN'T CHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can be happy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well as encouraging. Knowing this, I left the City of Regret immediately and left no forwarding address. Am I sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES! But there is no physical way to undo them. </span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, if you're planning a trip back to the City of Regret, please cancel all your reservations now. Instead, take a trip to a place called, Starting Again. I liked it so much that I have now taken up permanent residence there. My neighbors, the I Forgive Myselfs and the New Starts are so very helpful. By the way, you don't have to carry around heavy baggage, because the load is lifted from your shoulders upon arrival. God bless you in finding this great town. If you can find it -- it's in your own heart -- please look me up. I live on "I Can Do It street."</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-29642403956129233572018-12-23T13:43:00.001-08:002018-12-23T13:43:20.910-08:00Your Christmas Gift of Peace - The Absence of Fear<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your Christmas Gift of Peace. The Absence Of Fear</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">By Pastor Mark Taylor</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward everyone.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Luke 2: 13-14</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">How wonderful our homes could be, how wonderful our lives could be, how wonderful our world could be, if we really did put into practice the blessing of "peace on earth, good will toward men." We cannot control what happens outside of our lives, but we can have peace in this world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today, I am going to tell you how that can be possible - at least in your world. Peace is a gift that cannot be bought or made. It is something God wants to give to His children. It comes from Heaven and from our love for Our Lord Jesus Christ. He said: "My peace I give unto you." (John 14:27).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">(illustration). When I counsel young couples who are thinking about divorce, I often ask them "What is it you want to happen in your marriage?" They will usually respond that they want to have a home where there is peace and love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Biblical definition of peace is not only the absence of war or conflict with others, but peace within our hearts. Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Paul speaks of Peace: “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). This is the kind of Peace we need on earth and in our lives during this Christmas season.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Give Peace to. others.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paul wrote in Romans 12:18? There he says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> In Jesus Christ, God gave us the opportunity for the forgiveness of our sins.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">You see, we’ll never have peace with our fellow man until first we’re at peace with ourselves. And we can never really be at peace with ourselves until we’re at peace with God. And we can never be at peace with God until our sins have been forgiven.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Another thing that can rob you of this wonderful gift of peace is </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">letting things that others have done to you cause you anger and hurt. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Ask God to give you enough trust in Him that He will take care of the wrong that others have done to you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">At Christmas time we seem to be more sensitive to one another, don’t we? We give presents to people we don't know and maybe even to some we don't like, or reaching into our pockets for money to help some one in need, or delivering food to someone who is hungry, because Christmas reminds us that God has reached down to help us. And now we want to help one another.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO MAKE ROOM FOR OTHERS. Look at those around you…that part of the world God has given you to minister.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are people that are hurting all around us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">They are suffering from depression. The bottom line is that people around us need us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">They need a touch that can serve as a conduit of the healing grace of God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you bring peace to others, God will bring peace to you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Luke 6:38</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> You want Peace, Give Peace. How do you define peace? Is it the absence of conflict and fear, then make that happen for someone else. When people are around you Be a sanctuary, a place of safety, a place of joy, a place of joy and laughter, a place of love. Be that person whose conversation is uplifting and others enjoy being around and you will be giving peace.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Peace with ourselves</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">But our life doesn’t always go as expected. Chances are your perfect Christmas plans will have some unexpected interruptions. Realize that your plans may not be God’s plans, and God is working His plan when He interrupts your plan.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The messages of the angels to the shepherds, to Joseph, and to Mary was to “Fear Not”. Their first Christmas was full of unexpected interruptions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joseph probably would have liked the angel to explain his situation to the rest of the family. Imagine the hassle Mary endured as an unwed mother, the hassle of a wedding, the whispers and guessing: why Joseph would do such a thing, or who would of thought such a thing of a nice girl like Mary? But the angels only said “Fear Not”. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joseph was planning on marrying his sweetheart. Mary was probably planning on an elaborate wedding and a normal family. Things did not work out like they wanted them to. God changed their plans. Because Joseph listened to God and resisted the urge to give into his fear, he did marry his sweetheart and was honored to have been chosen to raise God’s only Begotten Son.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary as your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Matthew 1:20).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The absence of fear is an important part of having “Peace on Earth” and having peace in your life this Christmas and every day of the year. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">"Do not say to yourselves: Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that."</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (James 4:13-14).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the angel told Mary about her opportunity to let God work in her life by carry the Lord Jesus: The angel told her to “fear not”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy Child which shall be born from you shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, your cousin Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Your word. And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:34-38. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">We don’t need an angel to appear unto us and speak with us today. We have God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to give us peace in difficult times.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whether rich or poor, powerful or weak, whoever we are, we need peace that God is with us. And God has promised that when the Christ child enters our hearts and lives, then we will receive His help. And when we are helped by the Holy Spirit of God, then we are to develop a more sympathetic feeling towards one another.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">God wants to give to you this Christmas the gift of Peace. Peace is an assurance that He is in control of your life if you have given your life to Him. This is called “Providence” - nothing can happen to you without God knowing about it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">A. Finally, Paul mentions peace with God. Vs’s 8-9 are verses we need to read often. They’re so special. Here is what Paul says.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice</span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">. And the God of peace will be with you."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paul is saying, "Here are 8 filters. Everything you hear & everything you see needs to pass through them. And if it doesn’t make it through these 8 filters then it shouldn’t be in your mind & in your heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is so much garbage in this world. And the old saying "garbage in, garbage out" is true. So think about it. Can the movies you see, & the TV programs you watch, & the music you listen to pass through these 8 filters? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paul says, "Put everything through these 8 filters. If it’s not true, then don’t welcome it. If it’s not noble, if it’s not right, or pure or lovely or admirable or excellent or praiseworthy, don’t let it find a home in your heart. And if you’ll use these filters you’ll have peace with God." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Put the interruptions in your life in perspective. Sometimes they look a lot worse than they really are and many times they are only temporary. We spend $100 worth of worry on a $5 problem. This will rob you of the wonderful gift of peace the Lord wants to give to you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another thing that can rob you of this wonderful gift of peace is letting things that others have done to you cause you anger and hurt. Ask God to give you enough trust in Him that He will take care of the wrong that others have done to you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Peace on (Your hearts and minds on) Earth” and may you show good will toward all people. You can do it if you have God’s Peace in control of your life. It is a gift, all you have to do is ask for it and accept it as a part of your free Christmas gift of salvation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">And 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">But Peace does not come alone or without some pre-conditions. Righteousness and Peace are married and they come as a pair. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Righteousness and Peace Have Kissed Each Other” Psalm 85:10</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">You cannot have one without the other. You cannot live a unrighteous life and expect to have Peace. On the other hand if you live a Righteous life, Peace will automatically come. When you live a life pleasing to God, which is a righteous life, you will have peace.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">(James 3:18). “But God has called us to peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">You have to receive the gift of Peace as an act of your Will.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Colossians 3:15-16)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Prayer of Peace For You.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">"The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26).</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-32804230608714736302018-11-14T14:27:00.001-08:002018-11-14T16:30:00.674-08:00God Will Show You The Way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“GOD WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY”</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">By Pastor Mark Taylor</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Isaiah 30:21).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The God we serve is not someone who has left us to guess about important decisions in our lives. All through the Bible He has given us examples of how he led the children of Israel in specific directions. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "tahoma";"><span style="font-size: large;">At times others will ask you to help them and you do not have the resources. When you cannot help them ask God to supply their needs. </span></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: large;"> "When God's work is done in God's way, God will provide what is needed." Dr. Bob Tyson</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Truly I see that God is no respecter of persons” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Acts 10:34). When obstacles seem to prevent their movement, He moved the obstacles. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Joshua 2:10).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; color: #cd0005;">“For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you until you had passed over, even as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea which He dried up from before us until we had gone over”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Joshua 4:23). </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(31, 122, 206);">He will remove obstacles that keep you from serving Him and being happy and successful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">In the New Testament Jesus reminded His disciples that He could make a way for them also: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You go, and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(John 14:5-6).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">You and I face many important decisions in our lives. Sometimes we are not sure which way to turn. Sometimes we face roadblocks to our dreams and goals. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I would like to encourage you today to trust the Lord in helping you make a way to accomplish God’s will in your life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I usually pray this prayer when I am trying to “find the way”: “Lord if this (thing, goal, desire) is your will for me, open the door and allowed me to go through it. Give me the wisdom and confidence from the Holy Spirit to know that my desires are in line with your will for my life. Lord, if this desire is not your will, please lock the door so that I cannot go through it. Keep me from making a wrong decision that will cause me problems.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes we find ourselves in difficulty and we don't like It. God allows us to go through these situations to make us a stronger person and increase our faith. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don't believe God causes bad things to happen to His children. They happen for many reasons. Sometimes because of wrong decisions we make, sometimes because of the free will and sin nature of others, and sometimes it is an spiritual attack from Satan. Regardless, God uses those things to build us into better people and draw us closer to Him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Then I pray as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“If you would be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Luke 22:42). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Sometimes the Lord removes it from me, and sometimes He reminds me of what He told Paul when he prayed for healing: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me. And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">(2 Corinthians 12:8-9).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">As one song put it: “Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He calms me.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">One thing we can count on is that God is with us and wants to lead us and make a way for us to become victorious even in difficult times. Even if you are suffering from bad relationships, poor financial decisions, or health problems remember His words of encouragement to us: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“No temptation has taken you but what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation also will make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear it” </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(1 Corinthians 10:13). Go to God in prayer. Ask Him to give you the faith to endure your hardship until He makes the way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Jesus said this about our life on earth: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(John 16:33). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">And we are reminded by God’s Word that even when things are going bad for us God will make a way for it to become good: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 0, 22); color: #fb0016;"><b>“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”</b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Romans 8:28).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">God has not only made a way for us to make it through this lifetime, but has made a way for us to go to Heaven. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(John 3:16). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you will give your life to Christ, He will make a way for you to go to a real place, with real people, and experience the real presence of God: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(251, 0, 22); color: #fb0016;"><b>“But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(1 Corinthians 2:9).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">God also wants to use you to make a way for others. You have been given gifts and abilities you can use in service for God. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over, they shall give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured to you again”</b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Luke 6:38). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every time you do something for someone else they receive a blessing and so do you. There are people today that need you today. It may be something as simple as a kind word or an act of kindness. It may be something that requires your time, money, and talents. If God lays something on your heart, He is expecting you to do it. And in many cases, if you don’t do it, it want get done. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">God is going to make a way for you today. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“He gives power to the weary; and to him with no vigor; He increases strength. Even the young shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Isaiah 40:29-31).</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-84918088686919769862018-10-23T15:00:00.001-07:002018-10-23T15:00:22.890-07:00SUFFERING AND GOD'S CHILDREN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Suffering And God's Children</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>by </b>Pastor Mark Taylor</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and not receive bad?”</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you want to believe in God’s goodness and fairness, but find it hard because of the things that have happened to you and to people you care about, I want to write some thoughts as I ponder that same question and thoughts of others who have experienced great loss. And remember that God can handle your disappointments and anger. He is still a loving God that wants to help you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I do not personally believe that bad things that happen to us always comes from God. Many people do. And I am sure you can find verses that would indicate that they might. I am not a Bible scholar but based on my thoughts and experiences over 50 years of serving and walking with The Lord Jesus, I have some educated explanations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> One of those explanations that is central to my understanding of God in my personal relationship with Him is that </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;"><b>"God is love."</b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (1 John 4:8). Therefore I believe that most of the bad things that cause us suffering comes from another source. I believe some of our suffering is due to poor choices we make. Another source of our suffering comes from Satan. My personal belief is based on one verse that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave us: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;"><b>"The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">John 10::10. And finally, there is some suffering for which there is no explainable answer this side of Heaven.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The great theme of the book of Job-- and the one for which it is world famous -- is its treatment of the reason for suffering in the Christian life. None of us have a problem when we are told that suffering is sent by God to punish wrongdoers. We have a long list of names that we could present to God of people who deserve this kind of thing. It is eminently just for God to punish wrongdoers with suffering, we think. People who hurt others and are vicious, cruel, and wicked ought to be made to suffer for what they do. Our whole system of justice is built upon that principle. That is why we put people in jail and fine them, because we are trying to carry out justice through punishing wrongdoing. That satisfies our sense of justice -- except when we happen to be the wrongdoers getting punished. Then,</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">of course, it is all very unfair</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">But what about the times we are living right and are close to God. The book of Job teaches us something that should have been obvious to us from our reading of the Gospels, and that is the fact that Jesus suffered. Now, obviously, Jesus did not suffer because he was a wrongdoer, nor did he suffer because he needed to have his attention captured by God. He was always sensitively responsive to the Father's will, and always did that which was pleasing in his sight. Yet his life was filled with suffering from beginning to end -- rejection, misunderstanding, disappointment, cruelty, harsh words, and unjust treatment -- all the way through, so that he merited the description of the Old Testament, even before the cross, that he was </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;"><b>"a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,"</b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Isaiah 53:3).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If we are going to suffer, then the question may arise about “why live a righteous life and follow Jesus?” The reason is that Scripture speaks in numerous passages about </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;"><b>"this slight momentary affliction preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison"</b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (2 Corinthians 4:17), and of how </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;"><b>"the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us," </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Romans 8:18). When that day breaks, the one thing for which we will be infinitely thankful, the one thing above all others that will thrill us and cheer us and cause us to glory, is the fact that out of all the created universe we were chosen to be the ones who bore the name of God in the hour of danger and affliction, problem and trial. There is no higher honor than that. That is what Jesus means when he says,</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(252, 16, 27); color: #fc101b;"><b> "Blessed are you when men persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name's sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your honor before the Father. For so persecuted they the prophets who were before you," </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Matthew 5:11-12). You may feel as I do, and that is that I don't want to suffer. And I hope you and I are not called to suffer. But, if and when we do, we need to have some understanding of why it is happening.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, I want to say that there are some questions that we will never know the answer to until we get to Heaven. Who can explain a natural disaster like a hurricane or tornado that sweeps across an area and good Christian people lose there lives or possessions? Who can explain the evil events such as September 11, 2001 or shootings in elementary schools? Who can explain why children get terrible diseases such as leukemia or aids? I certainly cannot and even though I have read countless books and heard many explanations, I have not found an answer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are some obvious explanations for some suffering. When a person has poor health habits for many years such as excessive smoking of tobacco, use of drugs, or excessive drinking, medical science has told us what the consequences will be. Law enforcement has told us the consequences for drinking and driving, distracted driving, and not wearing seat belts. Our parents and grandparents have told us of possible consequences for being with the "wrong crowd" and going to the "wrong places". A reasonable person cannot blame God for the suffering brought on by these poor decisions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">There</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> are explanations I have heard that I don't agree with even though I have heard good people use them to explain suffering. Below are what I view as some wrong assumptions that many people have developed as they go through suffering.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">1. One wrong assumption is that bad things are not suppose to happen to good people. Let us look at a couple of many verses in the Bible that contradict that theory. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous But the Lord delivers him out of them all." </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Psalms 34:18-19. Even our Lord and Savior let us know that life is full of suffering. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."</b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> John 16:33</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">2. Some people have address suffering in every generation by assuming that we somehow get what we deserve and our misfortunes come as punishment for our sins. This is a wrong assumption. It creates guilt even where there is no basis for guilt. Blaming the victim is a way or reassuring ourselves that the world is not as bad a place as it may seem, and that there are good reasons for people’s suffering. It makes people hate God, and even makes them hate themselves. And most disturbing of all it does not even fit the facts. God has provided a payment and forgiveness for all of our sins, and there is no one that is without sin. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(237, 0, 6); color: #ed0006;">“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Romans 3:10). If we all got what we deserve, none of us would be alive. It is true that there are natural consequences for sin, but that is not why bad things happen to good people. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">This does not take into account that God does chastise His children when we need it. But I personally believe that he does not hurt other people for our sins. I do not believe that a person who loves God and is trying to serve Him will receive chastisement at the expense of others. For instance, I do not believe God would take a child or spouse of someone because they did not live up to all the standards they felt were set for them. Neither do I believe we get diseases like cancer and other things for our shortcomings. We serve a merciful and loving God and Father and He is a better Father than any of us and we would not punish our children with that severity. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>"For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness."</b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> Hebrews 12:6-10</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">3. Another wrong assumption is that one of God’s reason’s to make us suffer is educational. I have heard people say “Maybe God is trying to teach us a lesson.” God does not do painful things to us as His way of helping us. This statement is used to defend God or give Him an excuse for the bad things that happens to His children. God does not operate this way. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(237, 0, 6); color: #ed0006;">“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Jeremiah 29:11). It is wrong to think that the God who loves us and sent His son to die for us would try to teach us lessons by allowing innocent children to die in accidents or through incurable diseases.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">3. Let me give you one final assumption that I think is wrong, even though it may take you awhile to believe it or process it. “God is all-powerful and causes everything that happens in the world. Nothing happens without His willing it.” God is all powerful, but Just because God is all-knowing does not mean He causes bad things to happen to good people. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(237, 0, 6); color: #ed0006;">“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(2 Peter 3:9). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is almost impossible to believe that God does not always get His way. Bad things do happen to good people in this world, but it is not God who wills it. God would like people to get the good things they deserve in this life, but He will not always arrange it. God wants the righteous to live peaceful, happy lives, but sometimes it does not happen the way He wants it to.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Why? Because He loves you and me and He has given us a license that is called “free will”. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Deuteronomy 30:19). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> He has temporally abdicated His all-powerful ability to give you the ability to choose to love Him and receive good things from Him. If we can bring ourselves to acknowledge that there are some things God does not control, many good things become possible. We will be able to turn to God for things He can do to help us, instead of holding on to unrealistic expectations of Him which will never come about. Our question should be “God, see what is happening to me. Can You help me?” not “God, why are You doing this to me?” Where was God when Hitler killed over 6 million men, women, and Children? He was with the victims and not with the murderers. Even though He does not control man’s choosing between good and evil, he is sees and feels the tears and prayers and is suffering alongside the people He has created. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(237, 0, 6); color: #ed0006;"> “For we have not a high priest who is not able to be touched by the feelings of our feeble flesh; but we have one who has been tested in all points as we ourselves are tested, but without sin. Then let us come near to the seat of grace without fear, so that mercy may be given to us, and we may get grace for our help in time of need.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Hebrews 4:15-16).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">God gets back His power when we pray and get strength and comfort from Him. He puts that power in us to feed the hungry, fight the injustice in our world, heal the brokenhearted, and all the things that He allowed His Son, the Lord Jesus to do, now He can use us. You become His legs, His arms, His feet, and His mouth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">When bad things happen to good people, God wants to help them. He wants those who are hurting to stop hurting themselves. He wants you to pray and connect with others who have the power to get things from Him. He wants to comfort you and love you when bad things are happening to you. He wants you to comfort others when bad things are happening to them. Prayer will deliver you from many bad things, but not all bad things. But when bad things happen to God’s people, they can be assured of one thing and that is that He will give you the ability to get through it. This is called grace. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(237, 0, 6); color: #ed0006;">“And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(2 Corinthians 12:9).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Finally, when bad things happen to good people, they have a choice. They can allow God to use them to help others or they can become bitter and angry. You can become better or you can become bitter. I hope you will understand this one thing and that is that the bad things that happen to you are not from God. They are either from poor choices or Satan Himself. Our Lord said about Himself and Satan: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(237, 0, 6); color: #ed0006;">“The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">(John 10:10).</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-79091339871696410012018-10-17T18:07:00.003-07:002018-10-17T18:07:49.008-07:00Loving Yourself As God Loves You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">LOVING YOURSELF AS GOD LOVES YOU</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By Pastor Mark Taylor </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Matthew 22:37-39).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since Jesus said that we are to <span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“love your neighbor as yourself”</span>, then we can imply that He wants us to love ourselves. I am not speaking about a selfish love to satisfy your desires or pleasures. And I am not speaking of a false pride we sometimes call “self-esteem”. The type of love I am speaking about is the love that the psalmist expressed:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;” <span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Psalm 139:14)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is a truth that those who do not love themselves cannot love others. Children are not born hating themselves or others, they learn this from others. The root of hate is fear. Fear is the opposite of love, for the Bible says: <span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. He who fears has not been perfected in love. We love Him because He first loved us</span>” (1 John 4:18-19). Some people are frightened because their own parents scared them into obedience and submission through harsh treatment and shame. Their parents worshiped a frightening God and believed that it was their duty to punish children harshly to keep them from going to Hell. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You are to love yourselves just like you are because God made you just like you are. Your size, your hair, your personality, and your abilities are all gifts from God. When you do not love yourself as you are, you are saying that God made a mistake in your creation. You should wake up every morning and thank God that you are the special creation He designed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">There has never been another you, and there will never be another you, so you need to be thankful that you are so special. Jesus is proud of you and one day He will present you to His Father as His Friend: </span>“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore do not fear, you are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say to you, Whoever shall confess Me before men, the Son of man also shall confess him before the angels of God.”<span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Luke 12:7-8).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You are to love yourselves because God has accepted you just as you are, with all of your hang-ups and problems: <span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”</span> (Romans 5:8). Yes, He wants you to become better, but He died for those who had problems: <span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."</span> (Mark 2:17). You are loved by God and that is something you need to remind yourself of every day. You should love yourselves, because God loves you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">You will be able to stand before God one day and understand His love for you: </span>“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world”<span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (1 John 4:16-17).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” <span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(1 John 3:2-3).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you have problems with loving and accepting yourself, ask God to forgive you for not accepting yourself, and then ask Him to give you a new love and appreciation for the wonderful creation you are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You will never be able to love others until you are able to love yourself. This is a deep emotional issue for many, and may require that you get counseling and prayer to be able to accept this truth. Start by reading the book of I John in the Bible. Then ask the Holy Spirit to give you guidance and courage to “love your neighbor as yourself”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Scriptures teach that God intends for you to enjoy life. You don’t have to let life’s challenges overwhelm you. God wants to help you face life with confidence and enthusiasm. He wants you to be encouraged and He wants you to experience a happy life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love the One who loves you. You will find this is the most important principle in all of your life. Spending time with God is your first priority if you are to stay encouraged in the demands of life. “Jesus said: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37). When you love God, it will become easier to love yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember the second part of this is to love others. Love others as you want them to love you. <span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“Therefore, all things, whatsoever you would that people should do to you, do so even to them.”</span> (Matthew 7:12). If you do not love yourself, it will be very hard, if not impossible, to love others. <span class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not, knows not God, for God is love”.</span> (I John 4:7-8). Loving others is an expression of who God is and who He wants you to become.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love and appreciate what you have and give praise to God for it. Thank God for all the good things you have right now. Thank God for your health, for your church, for your family, for a place to live, and for the many other blessings He has given you. Understand that you are chosen by God to be one of His children, and He feels you are worthy and valuable. Learn to love yourself with your words, your smile, your actions. The more you love and accept yourself as God has made you, the more others will accept you.</span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-39610736735830673292018-10-03T17:02:00.001-07:002018-10-03T17:02:31.373-07:00Little Is Much When God Is In It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Little Is Much When God Is In It</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“There is a lad here, which has five barley loaves, and two small fish: but what are they among so many?”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (John 6:9)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">God deserves your best. You were made for a purpose and He expects you to make the most of what you have been given. </span><span style="background-color: #fffb01; font-kerning: none;">Don’t worry about the abilities you don’t have, instead, focus on the gifts and abilities He has given you</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">. Most people think that abilities that can be used by God in the church are limited to preaching, singing, and teaching. But these are only three of many things that God uses. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Here is a partial list of gifts and abilities that the Bible lists as spiritual gifts: giving, helps, mercy, hospitality, faith, administration, intercessory prayer, craftsmanship, humor, and leadership.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; "for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had."</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Luke 21:1-4)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The little lad had the gifts of giving and helps. The bread and fish didn’t seem like much, but when Jesus blessed it, five thousand men were fed, not counting the women and children. The poor widow had the gift of giving. You may not have much to give, but when there is a special offering for hungry or needy people, you can give something. You may not have the gift of preaching or teaching, but God may have given you the gift of inviting and bringing people to church who may become preachers, teachers, and givers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffb01; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">God doesn’t want you to be just a spectator, but He wants you to be actively participating in His work on earth.</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 37, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff2500; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Let every person prove (find) his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Galatians 6:4). </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">God loves to use people who feel they have little to offer. We think that God only wants to use our strengths, but he also wants to use our weaknesses for His glory. God has never been impressed with strength or self-sufficiency. In fact, He is drawn to people who are weak and admit it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">When you think of the limitation in your life, you may be tempted to conclude, “God could never use me.” But </span><span style="background-color: #fffb01; font-kerning: none;">God is never limited by our limitations.</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> In fact, he enjoys putting his great power into ordinary people.</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 37, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff2500; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(I Corinthians 1:27).</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 37, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff2500; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 102); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;"><sup>“</sup></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(2 Corinthians 12:9)</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Admit your weaknesses, instead of living in denial or making excuses. Live with the weaknesses in your life you cannot change. Take opportunities to learn new skills and receive instruction in the areas God has given you gifts and abilities. We are far more likely to be compassionate and considerate of the weaknesses of others if we know we have weaknesses. That means other people are going to find healing in your wounds. </span><span style="background-color: #fffb01; font-kerning: none;">Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fffb01; font-kerning: none;">You will never know what you are good at until you try.</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> When it doesn’t work it is ok, it is your faith that God rewards. If you try working with teenagers and you don’t “understand” them, try working with children or senior citizens. If you don’t like working with groups of people, maybe your gifts are working on God’s house and property to make it a beautiful and comfortable place to worship. If you don’t have much time, give so others can be blessed.</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 37, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff2500; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (1 Peter 4:11).</span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #fffb01; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your little can become something great if you allow the Lord Jesus to use it.</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-18520996995311065102018-09-11T10:32:00.000-07:002018-09-11T10:32:14.150-07:00Handling Conflicts In Our Relationships<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Handling Conflicts In Our Relationships</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">By Pastor Mark Taylor </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“</b>So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;<b> </b>for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> James 1:19-20</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The real question is not whether or not we’re going to have conflicts; the real question is how do we settle them? Here are some practical ways to handle conflicts in our relationships.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be Quick to Listen</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">When we listen, we encourage the other person to talk.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Listening also helps us to understand the other person.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Reasons many of us do not listen:</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">We’re defensive.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">We assume we already know what they’re going to say.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">We’re thinking about what we’re going to say next.</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">How do we listen?</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">With observation listen not merely with our ears, but listen with our eyes.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">With concentration focus on what the other person is saying.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">With consideration think about the meaning behind the words without jumping to conclusions.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">With clarification think it through until we get it straight.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be Slow To Speak</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff2600; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> Proverbs 10:19 </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,<br />
But he who restrains his lips <i>is</i> wise.”</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff2600; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> Proverbs 17:27 </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“He who has knowledge spares his words,<br />
<i>And</i> a person of understanding is of a calm spirit.”</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff2600; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> Proverbs 21:23 </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue<br />
Keeps his soul from troubles.”</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff2600; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> Ecclesiastes 5:3 </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“For a dream comes through much activity,<br />
And a fool’s voice <i>is known</i> by <i>his</i> many words.”</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">E. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 <b> </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“</b>Love suffers long <i>and</i> is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; <b> </b>does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; <b> </b>does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;<b> </b>bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Destructive games we play:</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The judge we blame our mate.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The professor we act superior.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The psychologist we assume we understand everything about the other person.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The historian we keep a record; we want every detail correct.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The dictator we want to rule, sometimes by a show of force.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The critic we compare our mate with other people.</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The preacher we act “holier than thou”.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Ephesians 4:26 - </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> How can we be angry and sin not?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be angry for the right reason be angry only at sin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be angry at the right things not at the sinner, but at the sin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be angry in the right way our anger should move us to do something about a situation that is wrong.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> When you have an argument:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have it at the right time not before a meal or a social event.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have it in the right tone keep words soft and sweet; you may have to eat them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have it on the right turf just the two of you - not in the front of other people, especially your children and grandchildren.</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-89026766119603280682018-09-05T11:44:00.001-07:002018-09-05T11:44:27.152-07:00THE NECESSITY OF A REAL VISION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">The Necessity of a Real Vision<br />
</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Proverbs 29:18)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> I. VISION IS: THE ABILITY TO SEE: AWARENESS.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> Webster's definition: 1. The faculty of sight, 2. Unusual foresight, 3. A mental image produced by the imagination, The experience of the supernatural as if with the eyes.<br />
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Joshua and Caleb had a real vision: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. "If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey.' "Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them." </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Numbers 14:6-9). Having a vision is more than just looking on the bright side. It is looking on God’s side. </span></span></div>
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II. VISION IS: THE FAITH TO BELIEVE: ATTITUDE<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Satan’s greatest attack on the vision that God gives each of us is our attitude. </span></span></div>
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A wrong attitude says "Nobody else cares so why should I." or "Nobody appreciates anything I do so let’s see what they do when I don’t."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">The right attitude is demonstrated by Joshua when it came time to make a decision about following God’s vision for him. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Joshua 24:15). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ask God to give you a positive and believing attitude.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">III. VISION IS: THE COURAGE TO DO: ACTION</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Faith is the food that visions live on. Without faith, our vision will wither on the vine. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Hebrews 11:6)<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The courage of vision is to say "Lord if that is you, let me come to you walking on the water." Our vision may require us to come out of our comfort zone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Matthew 14:25-29).</span></span></div>
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The courage of vision is to say "If God be for us, who can be against us."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39 NKJV)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The courage of Vision is to say "The trials of this life are not worthy to be compared with the glory of the next life."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Romans 8:16-18)</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-3352660435281873182018-08-03T04:36:00.004-07:002018-08-03T04:36:53.546-07:00IF YOU LOVE ME - FEED MY SHEEP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">If You Love Me - Feed My Sheep</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">by Pastor Mark Taylor - August 3, 2018</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;">“</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (John 21:17)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am thinking about the many times “feeding” was a part of our Lord Jesus’s ministry. </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: large;">He began His ministry at a wedding providing an important part of a meal - the wine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">He fed the 5,000 men plus the women and children on a mountain and then another 4,000 plus in a field. He ate and drank with sinners and in the homes of the religious leaders. He ate with the disciples daily and prepared them a meal at least twice. One of the first things we will do as “the Bride of Christ” is to attend a great wedding feast in Heaven.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As you can see, being part of a meal is not just a geographical location or being at the same place every time at the same time. It is an action that happens when the sheep are gathered. Our Lord said </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“where there are two or more gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Matthew 18:20). This can be done in small groups in homes as well as in beautiful buildings. The believers attending are the “church” and the non believers who are guests can easily become part of the family of God. People were spiritually and physically fed in homes in the early church and there are many “home churches” throughout the world where the sheep are being fed. Many of the best meals I have had are in the homes of friends and family instead of large restaurants. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is more than just the “food” involved in these events. We often think of preaching or teaching as “feeding” the sheep. But let’s look at the whole event surrounding the meal. The meal is the gathering of a group of people who want to feel loved and feel they belong. We will seldom remember the menu we ate from, but we will never forget the love and fellowship we experience at a special meal. The words we hear from the Bible are “spiritual food”, but the love coming from the people sharing those words are what will be remembered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">First there is the invitation. Before we can “feed” our Lord’s sheep, we have to invite them to the Lord’s table. There are people hungry for being a part of a meal with friends and family. But most of all we need to invited our Lord Jesus to attend and share during the meal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Second there is the preparation. The food has been prepared by God Himself in the 66 books of the Bible. But the meal is not just a “one man’s show” where we gather to be entertained by the delivery. This is a time for a group of people to gather and work together. We need a place, we need cooks, we need greeters, we need servers, and we people to clean up. But most of all we need to prepare our hearts for the meal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Third there is the reason for the meal. It is not just to eat the meal. It is a time of fellowship with each other and our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time to share and a time to listen. In the days of the Bible a meal was a time when family gathered and invited guests to join them. It was a time of joy and a time of remembering the good things surrounding the lives of the people attending the meal. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today we go through the fast food windows, get our food and eat in our cars or in our living rooms watching TV. No one is being “fed” what they really need, and that is a time of belonging and interaction.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">If we love our Lord Jesus, then we need to provide them with the whole experience of having a meal centered around love. “Feed My Sheep”.</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-14276232103770014662018-06-23T08:49:00.000-07:002018-06-23T08:49:09.281-07:00PRAYER REALLY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Prayer Really Can Make a Difference </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>By Pastor Mark Taylor</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">One of the greatest things you can do is to pray. Prayer is more than repeating something you have learned, but it is having a real conversation with our Heavenly Father. It can happen at any time and in any place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some people have limited their prayer time to the blessing before they eat or repeating the Lord’s Prayer on Sunday at church. Prayer is more than a formal exercise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">God has answered all of my prayers whether or not I was aware of the answer or the exact time they were answered. Many times the answer was yes to my requests. I probably did not even take the time to say “Thank You” when many of these prayers were answered. Other times the answer was “no.” I can look back now and see if He had said yes over my objection, the answer would have had a negative consequence in my life. And finally, He has often said “Not now, but later.” I have found out that this was what faith is all about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Jesus counted on prayer as a source of strength that equipped Him to carry out a partnership with God the Father on earth. He said:“The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Fa- ther doing, for what things soever He does, these the Son also does in like manner” (John 5:19). </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Prayer makes a difference in receiving forgiveness for your sins. It is a second chance that is given to you every time you go to your Heavenly Father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Prayer is more than a social skill.The main purpose of prayer is not to make life easier, nor to gain magical powers, but to know God. It is more than a useful exercise. God invites a steady and honest flow of communication from you.“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD,“Though your sins are like scarlet,They shall be as white as snow;Though they are red like crimson,They shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Prayer is not just for those who think they are “good people.” It is for those who have problems.“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).There are many examples of this recorded in God’s Word to remind us that He will answer our prayers when we make mistakes. David asked God’s forgiveness after he committed adultery and murder. He prayed: “ Have mercy upon me O God.According to the multitude ofYour tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin...” (Psalm 51:1-2). Certainly there were consequences for his sins, but his relationship with God was restored and many of his prayers were answered after his prayer of repentance was prayed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Prayer makes a difference in what we can receive from God. “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2). But that asking should be as a loving child who is asking for things to make him a better person and better serve his Father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some speak to God as he would to a bank manager.We visit Him intermittently, occasionally asking him for a small favor for a overdraft.We come to Him to get ourselves out of difficulty, thank- ing Him for His assistance.We let him know that we will be one of His reliable customers, and will maintain contact if we need Him again.We come to Him as we would an ATM.This is not what prayer is all about. It is about having a relationship with a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We do not pray to tell God what He does not know, nor to re- mind Him of things He has forgotten. Prayer is a cooperation with God, an agreement with Him that opens the way for grace to work. It is a time to listen as well as to talk. God knows the beginning and</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">the end of things that can happen in our lives.We need to ask Him for His wisdom, protection, and presence every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Prayer makes a difference in our relationship with the Creator of the world. I spend time with my closest friends not because of what they can do for me, but for the pleasure of their company. I am sure that our Heavenly Father would like to enjoy our company when we don’t need anything from Him. Just a friendly visit. Prayer that is based on relationship and not transaction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Prayer makes a difference in feeling the presence of God in your life. Prayer is not my way of establishing God’s presence, rather it is my way of responding to God’s presence. His presence is a fact whether or not I can detect it.“The eyes of the Lord are on the right- eous and His ears are attentive to their prayer” (I Peter 3:12). </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My feelings of God’s presence, or God’s absence, are not what is important. Prayer means keeping company with God who is al- ready present. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was attending a Georgia Bulldog football game with thou- sands of other people. I asked the Lord how in the world could He see or hear me in such a big crowd.Then I looked at a huge screen at the end of the field and saw the camera zoom in on a child who was laughing and enjoying his time with his parents.The Lord spoke to my heart and said as the camera, that man made, can pick out one child in a crowd of thousands, I can zoom in on you and hear your prayer and be in your presence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">God has time for you.A God unbound by our rules of time has the ability to invest in every person on earth. God has, quite literally, all the time in the world for each one of us.“For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night” (Psalms 90:4). Contact with Him is not our achievement. It is a gift coming down to us from on high like a meteor, rather than rising up like a rocket. God finds ways to communicate to those who truly seek God. I need to think more about God than about myself when I am praying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Prayer will make a difference in our lives in increasing our faith. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”(Hebrews 11:6). The more we pray, the more faith we will have. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Prayer makes a difference in our relationship as children of God with our Heavenly Father.Apparently God is the kind of friend and Father who rewards friendship and relationship with Him. No one in the Old Testament directly addressed God as “Father,” but Jesus did so at least 170 times. He taught us how to pray. “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Prayer will make a difference in how much and how effective we will be in our service for the Lord. Prayer is more than a reflec- tive time to consider God’s point of view. It is also a time to find a way to accomplish God’s will in the work He calls us to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After entrusting the human species with the gift of free choice, God asks them to act as partners.And as God’s coworkers, we are encouraged to submit our requests, our desires, our petitions in prayer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The answer to the title of this message is: “YES, PRAYER DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!” </span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-54239046817095718872018-06-12T09:19:00.001-07:002018-06-12T09:19:57.415-07:00Our Lord's "N" Commandments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">by Pastor Mark Taylor </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The "N" Commandments are not the "Ten Commandments". Most people have broken many of the "ten". But many more have broken the "N" Commandments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">John 14:21 - </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Those that have my commandments and keeps them, it is them that love me, and they that love Me, shall be loved of my Father, and I will love Him, and will make myself know to them.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">We all know that our Lord Jesus said: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Arial; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Matthew 22: 37-40)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">He also said: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (John 15:12).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">But there are also some other things that He told us “Not” to do. I am calling these the “N” commandments. I am taking these thoughts from Pastor Andy Stanley who delivered a series on this subject.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most of us would say “Yes” to the question: “Do You Love Jesus?”. We know about the 10 commandments given to us in the Old Testament. But there are some specific things that our Lord Jesus told us not to do.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope this message will help you to look at some of our habits and attitudes as unpleasing to the Lord. We need to ask for forgiveness and begin working on improving the things that the Holy Spirit shows us that do not have to be a part of the Christian life. We may not even be aware that these are things we can and should change. It will require that you read and re-read our Lord’s Words to us in the Gospels. It will require that you read more books and listen to more sermons on Faith and Trust. It will require prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Lord gave us five things “not” to do to live the victorious Christian life regardless of external circumstances. In a sense they are commandments because He said we are not to do these five things.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">“Fear Not” - </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered, Fear not you are more valuable than many sparrows who are not forgotten by God.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Luke 12:6-8).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Fear is the opposite of Faith. It can cause mental and physical diseases. It can lead to anger and even hate. Fear has it’s root in be afraid of not having enough or in not being enough. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“Set your affections on things above, and not on things on the Earth.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Colossians 3:2). There are many good Christian books that can help you in overcoming fear.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">“Worry Not” - </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Therefore I say unto you. Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, or for your body, what you shall wear…..” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Matthew 6:25-34.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The main issue about worry is Do you believe God can take care of you? Worry is about seeking things of tomorrow. God wants you to seek Him today. When you start to worry about tomorrow, begin to participate in God’s kingdom today. There are things God needs for you to do for others today.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">“Sin Not” - </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over 99 just persons which need no repentance.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Luke 15:7).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“…Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (John 8:11).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. If God has shown you things that are wrong in your life, you need to stop. God will forgive you of your past sins and He has died for your future sins. But this does not give you a license to sin or exempt you from the consequences of sin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">“Judge Not” - </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Judge not, that you will not be judged.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Matthew 7:1)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two reasons that we judge other people are that we are either jealous or self righteous. </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-size: large;">When we take the plank out of our eyes, we can see clearly to help others to be better to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">“Doubt Not” - </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Have faith in God…and doubt not…”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Mark 11:22-23) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">You will never know what God would have done for and through you if you let doubt take you out. Doubt asks: “Is it true?” and “Is it worth it?” Those that know our Lord Jesus as their personal Savior should ask as Peter did: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“Lord to whom can we go, You have the Words of Life?”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">. (John 6:68).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope this message will encourage you to focus your thoughts on your eternal future instead of the circumstances in our country or society. We have little or no control over national or global events. We do have however, control over our relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is our hope.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">These “commands” are meant to help us in our relationship with the Lord, not to condemn us. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Arial; line-height: normal;"><b>“</b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Psalm 31:24). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“If you love me, keep my commandments.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(John 14:15)</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-53947401606251194082018-05-31T07:22:00.003-07:002018-05-31T07:29:28.024-07:00ONE WAS THANKFUL - NINE WERE NOT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">by Pastor Mark Taylor </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And He said unto him, Arise, go your way: your faith has made you whole”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Luke 17:17-19).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Giving thanks and the word thanksgiving are mentioned over 140 times in the Bible. All the people used by God in the Bible had the “attitude of gratitude”. David said: “</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Psalms 103:1-2). Daniel gave thanks: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Daniel went to his house. And his windows were open in his roof room toward Jerusalem; and he kneeled on his knees three times a day and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (Daniel 6:10). Paul tells us: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> (1 Thessalonians 5:18).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">In a list of sins in the last days, observe that being unthankful is one of those sins. This tells us the things that displeases God. Hopefully, we will see that being ungrateful is one of those things that we need to remove from our lives as one of His children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">For people shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,</span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><b> unthankful,</b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> unholy, Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent (lack of self-control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(2 Timothy 3: 1-5)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Being thankful is not a natural trait. Ask God to help you to be thankful. It has to be taught and it has to be practiced. Watch others who are thankful and see how God blesses them. Teach others to be thankful with your words and your life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">You have so much to be thankful for. You have the freedom to worship. You have access to the Word of God at your fingertips. You have a church family that loves you, and to whom you can go for comfort and fellowship. You have the financial resources to buy food and live in a comfortable home. You have access to medical care and medicine. You have family and friends to bring joy into your lives. Remember the song we sing: “Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings and see what God has done.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Think about how much you appreciate your children, grandchildren, friends, and family when they say “Thank You”. And think about how you feel when you do something for them and they do not say “Thank You” or acknowledge your act of love. Your attitude about doing something more for them often will be affected by their response or lack of response. We are created in God’s image, which means He has feelings much like we do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.”</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Luke 17:14) When you ask the Lord to help you, He will usually ask you to do something to demonstrate your faith. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">The “One Thankful Man”, took the time to return to Jesus to thank Him. He started out standing “afar off”, but now he was on “his face, at His feet, giving Him thanks”. He started out asking for mercy, and now he glorified God with a “loud voice”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Those who have received mercy from God should openly demonstrate it to others. Their praise to God may encourage others, and lead them to trust Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Jesus took notice of the grateful return the “One Thankful Man” made. He also took notice of the ingratitude of those that were sharers of the mercy that did not return to give thanks. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 37, 0); color: #ff2500;">“Where are the nine?”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Of the many that receive mercy from God, there are very few (one in ten) that return to give thanks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Today, you should thank our Lord and Savior for the many times He has had mercy on you. If you are a child of God you have much to be thankful for. You have Heaven to look forward to. Jesus told the “One Thankful Man” that his faith had made him whole. He not only received a physical healing, but a spiritual healing. He not only received a higher quality of life on earth, but he received “Eternal Life”. This man not only appreciated the gift he received, but also the Giver. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ff2600;">Who forgives all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases…” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Psalm 103: 2-3).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Be one of the 10% that Loves God enough to give thanks to Him today!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“To the end that my glory may sing praise to You, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto You for ever” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Psalms 30:12).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Your name, O most High” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Psalms 92:1).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Praise you the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures for ever” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Psalms 106:1).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“By Him, then, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">(Hebrews 13:15).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">What happens when you become thankful? God listens to you, and will pour out many more blessings upon you. Other people will be blessed by your words of praise instead of listening to your complaints. You will begin to see answers to your prayers and feel the presence of God in your lives. You will please your Heavenly Father.</span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8323332706562716136.post-69769856479179008132018-05-27T06:11:00.001-07:002018-05-27T06:11:20.485-07:00TOO MANY EXCUSES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“TOO MANY EXCUSES"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">By Pastor Mark Taylor</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">There are at least five areas that we all to focus on as we carry out His commission: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel”. Each of you are the Church. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600; line-height: normal;">“</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 38, 0); color: #ff2600;">Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(1 Corinthians 12:27). You are not just a member of an organization. We need to focus on these five ministry areas in our lives. If we are following the will of God, and if our eyes are on Him, we can be excited about what God is doing and what He is going to do for us as individuals and for the Church. Understand that God loves you as you are, but in serving Him, He will make you better, and He has many blessings to give you. As you bless others with your finances, your abilities, and your time, you will be blessed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">We need to focus on investing and inviting. We need to focus on the Word of God and prayer. We need to focus on meaningful relationships. We need to focus on serving others. We need to focus on praise and worship.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">There is one thing stopping us from accomplishing these areas of ministry and that is “Too Many Excuses”. Because it is going to take commitment, dedication, sacrifice, and tenacity to get it done. It means that we are going to have to stop making excuses. It seems all of us have strong excuses why we don’t do the things we ought to be doing. Instead of saying “I can’t, we need to be saying: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(227, 36, 0); color: #e32400;">“I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Philippians 4:13).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was one person in the Bible who came up with excuses on why he could not do what God had called him to do. As many of us do, Moses had many excuses that he gave to God as to why he could not fulfill his calling to rescue the Israelites from slavery. God has called many of us to do something for Him. Are you using the same excuses Moses did?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Moses said, “But I am not qualified.” Moses said to God, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(227, 36, 0); color: #e32400;">“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Exodus 3:11). All Moses could see was his own unworthiness. God is calling us to make an impact and God is going to provide the means to fulfill that calling. We are His, we are His sons and daughters and He has qualified us to make an impact. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Moses said, “But I don’t have the knowledge to do what you are asking me to do.” </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(227, 36, 0); color: #e32400;">“Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Exodus 3:13). God always gives us the knowledge and the power to do what He asks us to do. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Moses said, “But others will not believe me.” Moses, once again doubts himself and his ability to fulfill his mission. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(227, 36, 0); color: #e32400;">“What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Exodus 4:1). We should not worry about what others think of us in relationship to our mission and calling from the Lord. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Basically Moses is saying they are not going to believe me so I don’t believe in me. The fear of failure often keeps people from trying to follow the Lord. God gave Moses convincing proofs and He gives us the Word of God to produce faith in us. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 37, 0); color: #ff2500;">“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Romans 10:17).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Moses said, “But I don’t have the right gifts for this mission.” If God calls you to do something, He will give you the ability to get it done. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(227, 36, 0); color: #e32400;">“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Exodus 4:10). God answered Moses and said:</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(227, 36, 0); color: #e32400;"> “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Exodus 4:12). God already knows the inability and shortcomings of those He calls. But our God is a God of miracles and He can give you what you need to get His job done. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 37, 0); color: #ff2500;">“But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Mark 10:27).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Moses said, “But I don’t want to!” But Moses said,</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(227, 36, 0); color: #e32400;"> “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (Exodus 4:13). Moses was done with excuses and showed the real state of his heart. He would rather have God send someone else. His problem wasn’t really a lack of ability; it was a lack of willingness. He simply did not want to go. It may be true with us that we would really rather that God would use someone else. Send someone else to visit the sick. Send someone else to invite people to church. Someone else can pray. Someone else can give their money and time. In that case someone else will receive God’s blessings and some other church will grow and take the message throughout the world for the Lord. God has given us everything we need to do everything He has called us to do. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(227, 36, 0); color: #e32400;">“I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Philippians 4:13). We need to be more confident in the fact that God is always going to give us what we need to get the job done. All we have to do is step out in faith and do it. We have to step out on faith even when we “don’t want to”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">With Moses, we know that He did answer the call and was successful in delivering the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. What about us? Will we heed the call to use our gifts and abilities for the service of the Lord? Moses is with the Lord right now enjoying his salvation and rewards for making the right decision. It is an honor to be called by God and to serve Him. If you put aside your excuses you will hear Him say to you: </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 37, 0); color: #ff2500;">“Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Matthew 25:21).</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is God calling you to do this year, this week, today? I am sure He is speaking to each of us about something. He has told us we are “the light of the world” and that we are “the salt of the earth”. This means we are called to do something to make our world better, our church better, and our friends and families better. Why don’t we all quit making excuses and start doing what God is asking us to do? When you do something for the “Church” you are doing it for our Lord Jesus. You are doing it for the body that you are a vital part of. Let’s find something we can do and complete it for God. Let us all use our money, time, and talents for God. No More Excuses, please.</span></span></div>
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PASTOR MARK TAYLORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17111208700056902655noreply@blogger.com0