tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40858587259478853102024-02-18T23:30:47.884-06:00The Blakeslee BannerStephanie Blakeslee's Family BlogStephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-3090552769078516082016-11-04T10:18:00.001-05:002016-11-04T10:18:58.013-05:00Don't Forget Your Helmet!I remember every word to "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugar Hill Gang. I also remember most all the words to every Chicago song, Bon Jovi song, and Rick Springfield song from the 1980's and 1990's. Yup. All that amazing music is stuck in my head. I don't listen to this music now, but it's still stuck in my brain. It even pops out of my mouth every now and then when something reminds me of days gone by. I can't erase it. It is permanently branded in my mind.<br />
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God brought this realization to me about what was in my mind as I read in Ephesians 6:17. This verse indicates that we are to wear salvation like a helmet. You see, a helmet is worn by a warrior or soldier for protection of the head, and ultimately protection of your mind. I'm supposed to protect my mind as a Christian soldier, but obviously based on what is in my mind I haven't always done just that. And not only are we to protect our minds, we are to protect them with salvation.<br />
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Salvation comes for us by knowing and believing that Jesus died for our sins. It's not about how good we can be because we are simply not good people. And, once we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are secure. We can not lose our salvation. God wants us to protect our minds with salvation - with the very thought of us being secure in Him. This, my friends, is so important in a broken world.<br />
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If Satan can influence your mind and get you to think about negative things, he will disable your ability to be an effective Christian soldier. If the father of lies can get you to think of how bad your own sins are and not how much grace God has extended you, well, he will then be able to destroy your happiness and feelings of security. And, if your mind is full of worldly things, then Satan will have a leg up on stealing your inheritance of peace and joy. Make no mistake. He wants to take you out of influence in this world for God's glory. He wants to control your mind.<br />
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You know what else I remember from my younger life? I remember Psalm 23 and Psalm 100 because my 4th grade teacher followed God's plan for what we should put in our minds. I remember them by heart. (King James version if you're interested.) She read these scriptures to her class every day. So for almost a year, during a time when I was not saved, she poured these scriptures into my head. I believe these scriptures laid the groundwork for my life today.<br />
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What are you putting in your head? What are you allowing your children to put into their heads? What if we put on salvation as a helmet, and we taught the next generation to do the same?<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Arimo, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><b>"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." ~ Romans 12:2</b></span><br />
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<i>Jesus - THANK YOU for giving us minds to think, and that we can transform the way we think by studying Your Word and knowing You more. You are simply incredible and Your love for us amazes me. Help me to put Your Word in my head more than worldly information. In the precious name of Jesus I pray ~ AMEN.</i><br />
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<u>For a deeper study:</u><br />
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<li>Determine what God is trying to teach you today.</li>
<li>Look up scriptures based on what you are seeking to learn and memorize them. </li>
</ul>
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<br />Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-76543031350810099512016-10-28T11:24:00.000-05:002016-10-28T11:27:58.521-05:00I'm Putting Up My Shield of FaithSome days I feel like this world is just so broken that I want to stand on the top of my roof and just yell "COME LORD JESUS!!" There are friends - precious, sweet, godly friends - that are fighting cancer and that honestly ticks me off most days. There are decisions made and words spoken by politicians that make me think of things like updating my passport in case I need to quickly flee our precious country. I see teenagers being forgotten by their families because of technology becoming more important than conversations around dinner tables. I can so easily get distracted by the hurts and busyness of this world that I forget about my faith.<br />
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I am reminded today that my faith is not in this world. My faith is in Jesus Christ, the Creator of this world. And while this world contains so many harsh realities, this is a temporary world that has already been overcome by Jesus. As Christians, we are victorious over this broken world simply by believing in Jesus Christ. We have won the victory, not we will win the victory. Faith isn't just a part of my religion - it's the whole enchilada.</div>
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Hebrews 11:1 says, <b><i>"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen."</i></b> Faith is acting like God is telling the truth. We are to be so confident in our Savior that we put our faith into action in this broken world by believing what His Word has spoken to us. We need to know that we can do all things through Christ because that's what His Word says. We need to know that death does not have its grip on us because the Bible says that Christ has kicked death in the behind. And, we need to remember that God is in control, not the politicians of this world. </div>
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Faith isn't based on a feeling. It's based on the truth of God's Word. Today I'm going to choose faith over frustrations. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but, oh, do I know Who holds tomorrow. </div>
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<i>Jesus - thank you for allowing us to be saved by faith through Your amazing grace. I believe inYou. You are trustworthy. I place my future and the future of those I love in Your hands. In Jesus' Name ~ AMEN.</i></div>
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For a deeper study read and journal/discuss your thoughts on the following scriptures:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Ephesians 6: 10 - 15</li>
<li>Colossians 2: 13 - 15</li>
<li>Hebrews 11</li>
<li>Luke 17: 5-6</li>
<li>Psalm 28:7</li>
</ul>
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Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-18667886532876084072016-10-21T10:30:00.000-05:002016-10-21T10:30:26.454-05:00A Real Good Pair of ShoesA good pair of shoes will change your life. I say that with the wisdom I have gained after many years of living. After 45 years of walking and wearing shoes, I consider myself an expert in regards to shoes and foot comfort. Yes, that's right. I said EXPERT. I know what a good pair of shoes will do for your life. I've suffered through plantar fasciitis and felt like I would lose my life through the ordeal. I've purchased the cheap high heels and wanted to chop off my feet at the end of the day after wearing them. Pain from wearing no shoes or the wrong shoes will make you cry. But a good pair of shoes, ones that were made properly to support your foot, will also change your life. Good shoes will protect not only your feet but also your back and knees. I know from experience. Trust me, I know.<br />
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When it comes to dressing in the spiritual world, we should trust God when He says in Ephesians 6,<br />
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"<i>For shoes, put on the <b>peace</b> that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."</i> </div>
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God knows about peace. He is the Prince of Peace according to Isaiah 9. And, look what the Prince of Peace tells us in John 14:27:<br />
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<i>"I am leaving you with gift - <b>peace of mind and heart</b>. And the <b>peace</b> I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."</i></div>
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Peace is a gift from God. It's part of our inheritance from Him as His children. But as with any gift or inheritance, you have to do your part in accepting the gift. Here's how to accept your gift of peace:<br />
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<b>1. Fix your eyes on God every day.</b> <i> Isaiah 26:3 tells us, "You will keep in <b>perfect peace</b> all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You."</i><br />
<b>2. Be obedient to God's Word</b>. <i>Psalm 119:165 says, "Those who love your instructions have great <b>peace</b> and do not stumble."</i><br />
<b>3. Work at living in peace with others.</b> <i>Hebrews 12:11 says, "Work at living in <b>peace</b> with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not living holy will not see the Lord."</i><br />
<b>4. Be responsible for your OWN actions.</b> <i>Romans 12:18 says, "Do all that you can to live at <b>peace</b> with everyone."</i><br />
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What are you doing today to have a peaceful life? Would others see you as a peace-maker or a peace-taker? Let's not walk around with pain because we forgot to put on our shoes of peace. Let's fully prepare ourselves for this world and put on God's peace!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>children of God." Matthew 5</i></b></span></div>
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<i>Lord, I want to be known as Your child. Help me be a peacemaker. Help me to seek peace in all circumstances and in all relationship so that you will be glorified by my actions. I have fallen short in this area so many times, but I want to live with this gift in my life. Thanks that I can do all things through You. In Jesus' Name ~ AMEN.</i><br />
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For deeper study read Matthew 18:15-19 and journal/discuss God's plan for keeping peace within Christian relationships. Also discuss what these verses say about our unity in Christ.</div>
Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-40983220102805666582016-10-14T10:30:00.000-05:002016-10-14T10:30:02.279-05:00What's Protecting Your Heart?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything I do is affected by the condition of my heart. If I'm
sad, it affects how I act. If my heart is full of anger, then that definitely
affects how I behave. And, when the day is just right, and my heart is full of
love, then I respond to others with love. I'm confident that this is why God's
Word says,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>"Guard
your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Proverbs
4:23</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are not just to sometimes protect our hearts, but "above
all else" we are to watch out for what we put into our hearts. I wish I
would have known this when I was younger. I wish I would have known the truth
of God's Word and would have filled my heart up with that information. Instead
I filled my heart up with worldly information, things from the media or from
people that didn't know or understand God's amazing truths. I'm sure the evil
one was happy with the destruction he was doing to my life through what I was
putting in my heart during those days. He was for sure happy until one precious
day I started reading God's Word and pouring truth into my heart. I started
filling up my heart with love and joy and peace. I started walking in The Light
of God and now I can tell you that my heart is beyond happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How have your actions been lately? Is your life evidencing that
your heart is full of joy or full of anger? Are you spreading around love and
peace out of a heart full of God, or do you lead a trail of destruction in your
wake? If you think you might need a little more love and joy in your heart,
meditate on these scriptures today:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white;">“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal
life." John 3:16</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white;">"You keep him in perfect peace</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i> whose
mind is stayed on you,</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>
because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background: white;">"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus." Romans 8:1</span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background: white;">"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31</span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background: white;">"..in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor
life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor
powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be
able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans
8: 37-39</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background: white;">"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans
for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white;">I praise you, for I
am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your
works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">God also tells us in His Word to protect our
hearts with the breastplate of righteousness. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white;">"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness," Ephesians 6:14</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">Righteousness is the state of being morally right
or justified. Now, there's no human way any one of us can state that we are
morally right or morally perfect. We've all sinned. All of us. There is no one
that is perfect. If someone tells you they are perfect they are lying and that
makes them a liar which is morally imperfect. But - and that's a HUGE BUT - God
paid the penalty for our sins on The Cross so that we can be seen as righteous
(morally perfect) in His eyes. Anyone that has called on the Name of Jesus to
be saved is seen as morally perfect in His eyes.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">Now think about that for a minute. Really - stop
and think about that.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white;">I messed up today and said an ugly word, but the
God of the universe looks at me and sees RIGHTEOUSNESS because of the Blood of
Jesus and not me the sinner !!!! Isn't that amazing!?!?! And, more amazing than
that is the fact that He wants us to cover our hearts with His righteousness.
He doesn't want us to be down on ourselves because we've sinned. <i>He
wants us to repent, no doubt about that. </i>But, when He tells us to put
on the breastplate of righteousness it is to protect our hearts from how we may
see ourselves. PUT ON His Righteousness! Wear it as the royalty you are. You
are His Child! That is mind blowing. That is an amazing, undeserved gift. That
is, well, that is grace.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God - thank You. Wow! Thank You for loving me and
for grace. Thank You for telling us to protect our hearts, and giving us the
tools to do just that. I stand in amazement at Your love for me and Your Words.
I will forever praise you! - Amen.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-57322598401783617112016-10-07T10:30:00.000-05:002016-10-07T10:30:00.186-05:00I'm Sending YOU!<div class="first-line-none top-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 1em; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="text Rom-10-13" id="en-NLT-28163" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For “Everyone who calls on the name of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span> will be saved." Romans 10:13</span></b></i></div>
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ALL that call on the name of Jesus will be saved. Everyone!! Women. Men. Kids. White people. Brown people. Rich people. Poor people. Americans. Canadians. Educated. Uneducated. ALL that call on the name of Jesus!! Jesus has no favorites. He loves all the children He has created and He clearly wants a personal relationship with each one. Isn't that beautiful!?!?! What a promise!</div>
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The problem with the above is that not everyone knows about Jesus. People are not calling on Him to save them because they simply do not know about His amazing love. In a world that is full of technology that allows us to communicate at an amazing rate, there are still those that do not understand one thing about Jesus. This is so very frustrating for me! We have the cure for death and we are not shouting it from the rooftops. </div>
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Now, don't get me wrong. We put scriptures on our Facebook pages. We also sponsor kids in third world countries for Christmas. And, of course we put crosses on the back of our vehicles. We do some sweet things for Jesus. But what about actually loving others unconditionally? And, what about sharing Jesus with others? </div>
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Jesus was so concerned about the people on the outside walls of the church that He spent much time walking in the street with them. He spoke truth to them and He loved on them. If we are to call ourselves Christians, shouldn't we want to live as Christ did? Shouldn't we be on the outside walls of the church speaking truth to others and loving on them for God's glory? I don't want one of my neighbors or friends or relatives to not know Jesus because I was silent! I'm making a commitment to live as Jesus did with regards to those that don't know His unconditional love. I'm not going to be silent.</div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent;"><b><span class="text Rom-10-13" id="en-NLT-28163" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For “Everyone who calls on the name of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span> will be saved." </span></b></i><i style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="text Rom-10-14" id="en-NLT-28164" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?</span> <span class="text Rom-10-15" id="en-NLT-28165" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” - Romans 10:13-15</span></b></i></div>
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What about you? Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear about God's unconditional love this week? Is there a neighbor that you need to just sit down and have coffee with? Is there a coworker that needs a hug? What's stopping you from telling others?</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Rom-10-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Rom-10-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><i>Jesus - help us! Help us that call ourselves Christians to truly follow You in how we live. Help us to be as bold as lions with our testimonies for You. We want to make You famous in our cities and our country. Help us to live in such a way that everyone around us knows of Your amazing love and grace. In Your Son's Name - Amen</i></span></span></div>
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<u>For a deeper study:</u> Ask God to direct you to people in your sphere of influence that need to hear about His love.</div>
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Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-62634275481367540992016-09-30T10:30:00.000-05:002016-09-30T10:30:06.949-05:00The Truth WILL Set You Free!I used to think I could not be attractive to others because I am a short and stocky girl. That is a lie. The truth of the matter is that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.<br />
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I used to think that I was a second class Christian because in my life I had messed up. I had been divorced and I had done many things that aren't pleasing to God. The truth of the matter is that everyone is a sinner and that God sent His Son to die for me even though He knew my sins.<br />
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I used to be scared of the future because of the uncertainty in my health or my finances or my relationships. The truth of the matter is that God has great plans for me in my future. His plans are not to harm me but to give me hope!<br />
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As a Christian I've learned that there is a very real enemy that wants to destroy my life. That is truth. But God, the amazing Creator of our world, reigns supreme over the enemy and have given us the Truth to navigate the lies of the enemy. The Bible says the following about truth:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32</b></div>
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That is one of the most beautiful statements in the Bible in my opinion. Truth matters. Knowing truth matters. When we know truth, it helps us live in victory here in our broken world. Jesus knew the truth. In Matthew 4 Jesus was tempted by Satan. I double dog dare you to read the story! Satan lied to Jesus by distorting the truth, but Jesus fought back with the real truth. And as the Bible says, if you resist the devil he will flee from you. He certainly ran from Jesus when Jesus spoke truth to him.<br />
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2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that all Scripture is inspired by God and it teaches us what is true. I've heard a preacher say before that the Bible is God's Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. That may sound funny, but I do believe it to be the case. A loving Father doesn't let His children live in a broken world without truthful instructions to navigate the broken world.<br />
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Have you picked up God's instruction manual today? Maybe you are in the middle of a struggle and you need to pick up the Bible and be reminded of the TRUTH of the matter. The truth will change you. The truth will indeed SET YOU FREE!<br />
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<i>Lord, that we would know your Word and live in victory in this world because of it. You are so precious to have given us instructions on how to navigate this broken world. Thank you for telling us truth. Help us to read your Word and do what it says. In the precious name of Jesus - AMEN.</i><br />
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For additional study read and journal/discuss what God tells you in the following scriptures:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Matthew 4: 1 - 11</li>
<li>John 8: 31-59</li>
</ul>
Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-55260631590160926642016-09-23T10:30:00.000-05:002016-09-23T10:30:02.372-05:00He's Simply A Liar<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You don’t see it, but it’s there. There is an entire world
around us that we can’t see, and it’s full of evil. Truly, I’m not making this
up. Just read Colossians 1: 15-17 and Ephesians 6:12.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-1-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Col-1-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,</span></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">
<i><span class="text Col-1-16" id="en-NLT-29442" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="text Col-1-16" id="en-NLT-29442" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for through him God created everything</span></i></div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Col-1-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">in the heavenly realms and on earth.</span></span></i></div>
</span><b><span class="text Col-1-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="text Col-1-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He made the things we can see</span></i></div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Col-1-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and the things we can’t see—</span></span></i></div>
</span></b><span class="text Col-1-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="text Col-1-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the <b>unseen world</b>.</span></i></div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Col-1-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Everything was created through him and for him.</span></span></i></div>
</span><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NLT-29443" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="text Col-1-17" id="en-NLT-29443" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He existed before anything else,</span></i></div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Col-1-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and he holds all creation together.</span></span></i></div>
</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Col-1-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Colossians 1: 15-17</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Eph-6-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-11" id="en-NLT-29309" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NLT-29310" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><b>For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.</b> Ephesians 6: 10-12</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God created the heavenly realms and everything we can’t see.
Everything was created through Jesus Christ according to God’s Word. And, based
on Ephesians 6:12 there’s a battle begin waged against evil rulers in this
unseen world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Doesn’t this sound like something out of a scary movie?!?!
The thought of these scriptures makes me want to sleep with my night light on
and check under my bed for monsters and evil creatures every night. I believe
God’s Word with all my heart, so these verses can FREAK ME OUT if I focused on
them. Evil is real. Evil is around us. Evil fights against us. This is true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But do you know what else is true? Jesus is Supreme and Lord
over all. That too is listed in Colossians 1. He is The Creator and everything
is held in place by Him. And, while Satan would love for me to dwell on the fact
that he is around me waiting to attack, Jesus would rather me dwell on the
truth of the matter. The<b><i><u> truth </u></i></b>of the matter in Colossians 2 has set me free
from worrying about the evil that is around me in the unseen world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="text Col-2-13" id="en-NLT-29468" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Col-2-14" id="en-NLT-29469" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Col-2-15" id="en-NLT-29470" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">In this way, <b>he disarmed</b></span><span class="text Col-2-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b> </b></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>the spiritual rulers and authorities</b>. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. </span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Col-2-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Colossians 2: 13-15</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus not only forgave our sins on The Cross, but he also
conquered Satan AND disarmed him. Did you hear that? Satan and his demons have
been defeated and they have no weapons. Well, now – that makes a big difference
is our battle with the evils ones. Now I know that they have no weapons I don’t
have to be afraid. It actually makes me laugh about it. That dumb Satan is trying to beat me with a pretend sword. Bless his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What does Satan have? Lies. He is the father of lies. He throws
lies at us to try to get us to live in fear and rejection and defeat. He
whispers stuff in our ears like “your husband doesn’t really love you”, or, “you’ll
never get out of debt”, or, “you should give up because you’re a loser”.
Whatever your weak spot is that makes you crumble, well Satan will lie to you
and make you feel like you are a loser. John 10:10 says that Satan has come to
steal, kill and destroy so make no doubt about it. He is attacking you. But,
also make no doubt about this: <i><u>he has already been defeated and disarmed. He is
simply a lying loser.</u></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Satan says, “you’ll never conquer this problem”, our
response should be, “I can do all things through Christ and I’m more than a
conqueror”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Satan says, “you’re not as pretty as those other girls”, our response should be, “I’m fearfully and wonderfully made”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Satan says, “this illness is going to end in death”, our
response should be, “God’s got GREAT plans for me, plans not to harm me but to
give me a hope and a future”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We need to tell Satan to go to hell. The war has been won,
and he has nothing but lies to fight battles with us here. There is NO NEED for
us to live in defeat here. We’re on the winning team. I’m reminded of a song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Victory is mine. Victory is mine. Vic-to-ry, is mine!!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I told Satan, get thee
behind me. Vic-to-ry, is mine!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Life is sweet when you know you’re on the wining team. We
just need to wear our Team Jesus uniform and live our lives in victory as His
daughters and sons. If you’re wondering what His team uniform looks like, well
check out Ephesians 6:10-19 and find out how you are to dress each day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Jesus, thank you for winning the war over Satan on The
Cross. I am forever grateful to you for your love and sacrifice for me. I’m so
thankful that I can live in victory here on earth as I walk with You. In Your
precious name I pray ~ AMEN.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>For a deeper study read and journal/discuss:</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ephesians 6:10-19</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Colossians 2:13-15</span></span></li>
</ul>
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Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-86007935181348519522016-06-27T22:30:00.000-05:002016-06-27T22:30:00.296-05:00Rick Springfield said it the best!I've been waiting for God to give me a reason to interject Rick Springfield into one of my blog posts and today is the day! I admit it. I'm a Rick Springfield fan from the 1980's. I know most of his songs. I've been to two of his concerts, AND, I'm pretty sure I cried at both of them when he came out to sing. I know. That's probably not what you wanted to hear a Christian woman talk about today. But it's the truth.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
Rick Springfield makes me think about love. BUT WAIT! Before we go any further let me make one thing straight. God knows my heart and He knows I'm a committed follower of Jesus Christ and not Rick Springfield. And, God knows that my husband, Dean, is the love of my life and there is no other man for me. But, God also knows that the teenager in me just loves Rick's music. It takes me back to my younger years and some fun memories. It takes me back to a time when life was simpler and I drove a Camero. Rick's music does make me think about a lot of people and things I love.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love is important to us Christians. The Bible tells us that God is love. The God of the Bible is actually called <i>The God of Love.</i> We also know that we love others because God first loved us. The Bible also tells us that God so loved us that He sent His Son to pay for our sins. That's an amazing love! Love is important to God. So important that He even told us how to love. Check out these verses:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NLT-28630" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NLT-28631" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NLT-28632" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NLT-28633" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7.</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This kind of love seems hard, but it's so beautiful when we love this way. When we are patient and kind, it shows the most beautiful kind of love for someone. When we are not proud or rude, we are showing love to others. When we are not irritable and when we forgive rather than keeping up with someone's wrongful actions, then we have loved well. Love rejoices in truth and it never gives up. I like the thought of this kind of love. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So, what am I saying to you here today? What would God have us do in this world? Well, in the infamous words of Rick Springfield from his 1980's hit song.....</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"You better love somebody!!"</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Jesus - help us to love others like you love us. And thank you for Rick Springfield. May he find you and know your kind of love if he doesn't already. - In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">For a deeper study read and journal about what God tells you in the following scriptures:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li>1 Corinthians 13</li>
<li>Matthew 5:43-48</li>
<li>John 3:16</li>
<li>1 John 4:8</li>
<li>Galatians 5:22-23</li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>PS - I confess that my ringtone on my phone is "You Better Love Somebody". I believe it's a perfectly acceptable ringtone for a Pastor. Just sayin'.</i></span></div>
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Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-28707539699502355672016-06-20T22:00:00.000-05:002016-06-20T22:00:04.469-05:00What kind of HOPE do you have?<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope will last forever according to the Bible. (1 Corinthians 13:13) But, I don't think worldly hope will last forever. Godly hope, the hope that the Bible speaks of, now that will last forever! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope according to a worldly perspective is to wish for something <i>without </i>certainty of fulfillment. <i>Godly hope is a strong and confident expectation</i>. I am confident in Jesus and my salvation in Him. I'm not wishing for something without certainty. No way! <b><i>I'm confident in Jesus.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Godly hope has great results. It changes how we see ourselves. It changes what we value. It even effects how we live our lives. Before I had placed my hope in Jesus, my life was honestly a mess most days. I saw myself and others through a worldly perspective. I wasn't tall enough or rich enough or thin enough. And my friends, well, they were in the same boat. Today I have a godly hope and I see things differently. I see myself as a Daughter of the King of Kings. I see others with compassion. The world just looks different and has different results when you have godly hope!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Godly hope has rewards! According to the book of Romans we have joy and peace as we place our hope in Jesus. (Romans 15:12, 5:2) The Book of Psalms tells us we are protected because of our hope in our God. (Psalm 33:18) And if that wasn't enough, our godly hope gives us strength, boldness, courage, and confidence even in the face of death! (Psalm 31:24, 1 Thess. 4:13, 1 Timothy 4:10)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you know the God of Hope? I sure hope so. (-: His name is Jesus, and without Him we truly have no hope. But, with Him we have unlimited, eternal hope.</span><br />
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<i>Jesus, my hope is built on You and You alone. Help me to be a hope in this broken world so that others may see you and know the God of Hope! - In Jesus' name ~ AMEN.</i><br />
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For a deeper study:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Look up verses regarding HOPE in your Bible and journal/discuss what God speaks to you.</li>
<li>Journal/Discuss some of the ways God has given you HOPE in your life.</li>
</ul>
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<br />Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-39731096354039717862016-06-13T23:00:00.000-05:002016-06-13T23:00:11.670-05:00FaithHebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God.<br />
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<i>Impossible -</i> that's a loaded word. It is IMPOSSIBLE to please God without faith. You can love others and do all kinds of good works, but without faith you can't please God. You can cook casseroles for your sick neighbors every day until you die, but without faith it is impossible to please God. You can give all your money to charity, but without faith you can't please God. It's impossible -unimaginable, unattainable, unworkable - to please God unless you have faith in Him.<br />
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You know what else I know about FAITH? I know that faith comes in different sizes. In Matthew 8 there is a Roman officer that was noted as having GREAT faith, and Jesus was blessed by his great faith. But, also in Matthew 8 Jesus wonders why the Disciples have little faith when they were scared of the weather that was rocking their boat. Jesus also mentioned in Matthew 17 what faith the size of an itty, bitty mustard seed would do for you.<br />
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Faith also acts like a shield for Christians according to Ephesians 6:10-17. What does our faith help us shield? It helps us shield the lies throw at us by the devil himself. All shields are used to stop the offensive measures of the enemy.<br />
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Faith is important to me. It's also important to God. In 1 Corinthians 13 God tells us that 3 things will last forever, and one of those is faith. With that in mind, where is your faith?<br />
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Is your faith in your money? I sure hope not because I've been to a lot of funerals and I can tell you that money and possessions don't really matter at the end of your life.<br />
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Is your faith in those you love around you? I have some AMAZING family members and friends, but if I was completely honest with you they've let me down at some point or another. And, I'm pretty sure I've let others that I dearly love down as well.<br />
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Have you considered putting your faith in Jesus Christ? The Bible tells us that we've all sinned (Romans 3:23). The Bible also tells us that God sent Jesus Christ to die for us even though He knew we were sinners. (Romans 5:8) It also says that if we believe in Jesus with our hearts we will be saved. (Romans 10:9) And then in Romans 5:1, it says something so sweet to my hears and my heart and that is, "We have been made right with God by FAITH."<br />
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I hope your faith is in Jesus Christ. Not because it pleases me, but because it pleases God.<br />
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<i>Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to die for each of us. The more I study Your Word the more amazed I am at how much you love us. You are truly and indescribable God. Help me to live out a life of faith. In the precious name of Jesus ~ AMEN.</i><br />
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For a deeper study on FAITH, read Hebrews 1 and also the stories from the Bible giants of faith found in Hebrews 1. Journal/discuss what God tells you in their faith stories.Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-24285805444946192722016-04-28T10:00:00.000-05:002016-04-28T10:00:23.187-05:00Jehovah Mekadesh<span style="font-size: large;">I did it! I finished! And, so did almost 200 women here in San Antonio! I'm so proud of us. </span><div>
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What did we finish you ask? Well I, along with approximately 200 of my closest friends, have completed a 13 week study on the names of God. That's right. We completed our study and we are celebrating. We are gathering this week to have a Mississippi pot luck celebration (That means lots of great food and fellowship.) We will share stories of what we have experienced during this study. We will laugh about some of the things God has taught us, and we will cry about others. One of the parts that thrills me most is that some of the women I'm celebrating with are celebrating the completion of their FIRST Bible study. I. Could. Just. Cry. With. Joy. Those women inspire me and make me smile.</div>
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What about you? Have you spent some time in a Bible study recently? Are you allowing Jehovah Mekadesh access to your life? Jehovah Mekadesh is one of the names of God which means, "The Lord who sanctifies you". Sanctification is also known as "growing in Christ" or "spiritually maturing". God doesn't just want us to believe in Him. He wants us to live an abundant life here on earth and that comes through sanctification. We will miss out on that abundant life if we miss out on sanctification.</div>
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I'm celebrating this week, but I'm also planning. I'm planning my next Bible study. I'm going to study Faith, Hope and Love this summer. What are you going to study?</div>
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<i>Lord, Thank you for Your Word. Thank you that you not only sent Your Son to die for me, but You also gave me the Bible to learn how to be a better person and live an abundant life. You are a good, good Father. In the precious name of Jesus ~ AMEN.</i></div>
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For a deeper study read and journal/discuss what God teaches you in the following verses:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Leviticus 20:7-8</li>
<li>Isaiah 6: 1-8</li>
<li>Matthew 23: 25-28</li>
<li>Hebrews 12:14</li>
<li>2 Timothy 2: 20-21</li>
<li>Hebrews 12: 1-2</li>
</ul>
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Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-3601217244283125282016-04-21T10:00:00.000-05:002016-04-21T10:00:00.193-05:00Run Towards Your Giant!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If God is for us, who can be against us? Truly, if God, the Creator of the World, has your back, then what is there to worry about? Yet we worry. We spend our days worried about what we will say in conversations. We worry about if we will get the next super bug that hits earth. We worry about little things, right alongside of big things.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>God directed me to 1 Samuel 17 today. I've sure you've read the story of David and Goliath. If you haven't, I double dog dare you to pull out your Bible and read it. David was a young man, actually a "boy" in the story. The Israelite soldiers did not want to take on Goliath, the Philistine giant. But David didn't mind. He asked to take on the Giant and did so without the armor that soldiers normally wear. He marched out towards Goliath and warned him.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text 1Sam-17-45" id="en-NLT-7640" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Sam-17-46" id="en-NLT-7641" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Today the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!</span><span class="text 1Sam-17-47" id="en-NLT-7642" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And everyone assembled here will know that the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17: 45-47)</span></i></span></div>
<span class="text 1Sam-17-47" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text 1Sam-17-47" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>David was right. He did defeat Goliath. But you know what catches my eye the most in this story, is that David RAN towards Goliath. </b></span></span><br />
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<span class="text 1Sam-17-47" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Sam-17-47" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i> (1 Samuel 17:48)</i></span></span></div>
<span class="text 1Sam-17-47" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="text 1Sam-17-47" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>He ran at the giant. He didn't hide behind armor or a rock or anything. He ran at the giant and killed Him. He was confident God was on his side. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="text 1Sam-17-47" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="text 1Sam-17-47" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What giant are you facing today that's got you worrying? Is there something that you need to remind Who's child you are? Maybe instead of running away from your giant, maybe you need to run towards your giant like David did.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I'm also reminded of these verses:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Rom-8-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?</span><span class="text Rom-8-32" id="en-NLT-28110" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="text Rom-8-33" id="en-NLT-28111" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself.</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-34" id="en-NLT-28112" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Rom-8-35" id="en-NLT-28113" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?</span> <span class="text Rom-8-36" id="en-NLT-28114" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”</span><span class="text Rom-8-37" id="en-NLT-28115" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Rom-8-38" id="en-NLT-28116" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.</span><span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-NLT-28117" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8: 31-39)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Lord, thank You for having our backs. Your banner over us is love and I'm thankful for Your protection and the victory You won for us on the Cross. I love You. In Jesus Name - Amen!</b></span></i></span></div>
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For a deeper study read and discuss/journal the following:</div>
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<li>Exodus 17:14-16</li>
<li>1 Samuel 17</li>
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Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-44971260560922690472016-04-14T10:00:00.000-05:002016-04-14T10:00:25.592-05:00The Lord Who Heals<div class="first-line-none chapter-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
I was asked this week what it's really like to be a Women's Pastor. As I thought about my response tears filled my eyes. What an incredible honor it is for me, an imperfect woman, to serve Him. Some days I feel like I've got a back stage pass to see God working. It's incredible to watch God work in the lives of others. I don't doubt for one minute that He is still in the miracle business. I see His thumbprints on things all the time. He is indeed Jehovah Rapha, The God Who Heals.</div>
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I've seen marriages healed because of God; marriages that were facing divorce that are now better than they ever have been. To God be the glory!!</div>
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I've seen women overcome defeated lives through The Healer; lives that were once in jail, but now are walking in complete freedom - freedom in Christ and freedom from jail! Oh, Lord You amaze me!</div>
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I've prayed for babies and sick children thinking it was their time to go to heaven, but Jehovah Rapha had other plans. Praise to the Ultimate Physician!</div>
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I've seen family relationships that were broken become restored because God healed the hearts of those that were hurting. Lord, You are worthy of praise!</div>
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Are you in need of some sort of healing today? Maybe it's physical healing you seek. Maybe the healing you are after is healing of a broken heart. Or, maybe the healing you seek is with a relationship. He is able. He loves you! He is in the miracle business. Turn to Jehovah Rapha and ask for healing!</div>
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<i>Lord, thank you for allowing me to have a back stage pass to watch You work. I'm constantly amazed at what You do in my life and in the lives of others. Oh, that our nation would turn to you and seek healing from The Healer. Help me never forgot what I have seen and experienced as I've walked with you on this great adventure. I give you all the glory and honor and praise! In the precious Name of Jesus ~ AMEN!</i></div>
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<span class="text 2Tim-3-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For a deeper study ready and discuss or journal about the following verses:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Exodus 15:22-27</li>
<li>Psalm 147:3</li>
<li>Jeremiah 3:21-22</li>
<li>Isaiah 26:3</li>
<li>2 Chronicles 7:14</li>
<li>Psalm 41:3</li>
</ul>
</div>
Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-19848793951063801722016-04-07T10:30:00.000-05:002016-04-07T10:30:06.528-05:00Our ProviderI have had Bible studies in my home where I've also provided meals for the people attending. Many times I did not think we would have enough food, and yet there were leftovers at the end of the night.<br />
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There have been days in my life when I just knew I would not have enough money to pay the bills, and yet somehow I was able manage to stay out of the collections departments.<br />
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There have been many days where I've been ministering to someone hurting where I didn't have the words to say, and yet by God's grace I said just what was needed to bring comfort.<br />
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Most weeks I feel as if there is not enough time in the day to get what I need to get accomplished for my family, and yet somehow it all falls in place.<br />
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God is an amazing provider. He is indeed Jehovah Jireh, Provider. I believe all of the above circumstances above are examples of how He has provided in my life. He can multiple food right in front of our eyes without us ever seeing it. He can stretch our finances to cover all of our bills. He can even provide the words we speak when we are leaning into Him for His help.<br />
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I bet there are times when you can look back at your life and say without a doubt you made it through a financial crisis or a difficult situation because the Lord provided. And if we know how well He does provide, then why to we worry about the future or situations in the present? Hind sight is 20/20, and I think some days we need to just remember where we've come from and what we've walked through.<br />
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What if today instead of worrying about your needs you decided to just start thanking God for the provisions He has coming for you?<br />
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What if today instead of doubting you will be able to take the next step, that you starting looking for how God was providing?<br />
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<i>Lord, thank you for your awesome provisions. You are an amazing provider in all ways and in all areas of our lives. Forgive us when we have missed giving You credit for what You have provided in our lives. You are loved and adored. You are a good, good Father. In Jesus' Name ~ AMEN.</i><br />
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For a deeper study read the following and journal what God teaches you about how He provides:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Luke 5: 1-11</li>
<li>Genesis 22: 1-19</li>
</ul>
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<br />Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-44772991683541578542016-03-31T10:00:00.000-05:002016-03-31T10:00:06.113-05:00Being Naked is Not Appropriate<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have some GREAT news for you. Satan has been defeated. Repeat - Satan <u><i>HAS BEEN</i></u> defeated. Not, Satan <i>is going to be</i> defeated, but Satan has <i>been defeated </i>(past tense). How do I know such things? Well, the Bible tells me so.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="text Col-2-13" id="en-NLT-29468" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Col-2-14" id="en-NLT-29469" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Col-2-15" id="en-NLT-29470" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>In this way, he disarmed</span><span class="text Col-2-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2: 13 - 15</span></span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Here's my question for you today: If Satan has been defeated (AND HE HAS!!), then why are we walking around in defeat? Why are we being overcome by the brokenness in this world? I think it's because we're walking around naked.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please pick yourself off the floor. I did say "naked" in this Christian blog, but please give me some time to explain myself. I think we walk around "spiritually" naked each day. I think we get up and go on with our busy lives without ever getting dressed spiritually. And, in doing so we are overcome by the world we live in. We get tired. We get scared. We feel rejected. We should never be overcome in this world because we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Romans 8:37) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How do you dress spiritually each day? I knew you would ask that question. Here's what the Bible says:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="text Eph-6-14" id="en-NLT-29312" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.</span> <span class="text Eph-6-15" id="en-NLT-29313" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.</span><span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NLT-29314" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.</span><span class="text Eph-6-17" id="en-NLT-29315" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. </span>Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6: 1-18</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please don't continue to walk around spiritually naked as a Christian. It's just not appropriate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Jesus - Thank you for defeating and disarming the evil ones by dying on the Cross for us. Help us to walk in the victory You have already won for us. - In Jesus' Name - AMEN.</i></span></div>
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For a deeper study read the books of Colossians and Ephesians.</div>
Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-31624603043235301042016-03-24T11:00:00.000-05:002016-03-24T11:00:19.895-05:00It's YOUR Fault!!<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am and forever will be amazed by our God. Our God is so incredible. He made everything and is Lord over everything. He has more power that we can even imagine. Think about Creation. He put the moon and stars in place at the beginning of time, and He places them in their spots each day. He made all the animals in the world and all the flowers and plants as well. He causes the wind and rain to come by speaking. That's power beyond what we humans can even comprehend. So why in the world did a God, with so much power and authority, subject Himself to such a horrible death on The Cross?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In Matthew 8 we see Jesus calming the wind and waves. Could He not have taken Himself off The Cross?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In John 9 Jesus heals a blind man. If He could heal someone from blindness then surely He could have healed the wounds of the nails after taking Himself off The Cross.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In John 11 Jesus brings a man back from the dead! What power!! But yet, He leaves Himself on The Cross! WHY?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why would an all powerful God allow Himself to be beaten beyond recognition and suffer death through crucifixion? <i>The answer: Because of YOU! It's your fault!</i></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>John 3:16 tells us that "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">For </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26126A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26126A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">God <i style="text-decoration: underline;">so loved</i> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26126B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26126B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">the world,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26126D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26126D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">perish but have eternal life."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">God <b><i>SO LOVED</i> </b>you that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you. And, in doing so He paid YOUR penalty for the sins YOU have committed and will commit. It was for you. It was because He <i><b>SO LOVED</b></i> YOU!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This weekend I celebrate Easter with my family because I'm so thankful God <b>SO LOVED</b> me. I was going to hell without Jesus dying for my sins. There would have been no way I could have stood before God on my judgment day and told Him I deserved heaven based on my life's works. I'm so thankful for the free gift of salvation I find in Jesus.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What about you? Have you accepted God's free gift of salvation? Here's what the Bible tells us about salvation:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Romans 3:23 "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">for </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27999A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-27999A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Romans 6:23 "</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Romans 5:8 "but </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28040A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28040A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">God shows his love for us in that </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28040B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28040B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">while we were still sinners, </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b>Christ died for us."</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Romans 10: 9-10 "</span><span class="text Rom-10-9" id="en-ESV-28182" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>because, if <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28182A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28182A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28182B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28182B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>believe in your heart <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28182C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28182C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.</span><span class="text Rom-10-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-10-10" id="en-ESV-28183" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Rom-10-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Romans 10:13 "</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">For </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Please, call on Him today! HE SO LOVES YOU!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And just so we're clear on the complete story. Death could not keep Jesus. With all the Power and Authority in the World, Jesus rose to life on the 3rd day. <i>HE IS ALIVE! HE LIVES! DEATH WAS DEFEATED!</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Jesus - I am and forever will be thankful for You. I pray that others hear Your true story this weekend and their lives are forever changed because of Your Truth. - In Your Precious, Powerful and Almighty Name ~ AMEN.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Services at Community Bible Church this weekend here in San Antonio, Texas:</span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Friday 7pm</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Saturday 5pm</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Sunday 9am, 10am, 11am, and 1pm</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-29536258347270672272016-03-10T10:00:00.000-06:002016-03-10T10:00:26.740-06:00He Sees YouGod sees. And, not only does He see, but He sees EVERYTHING! He knows when we are sleeping. He knows when we are awake. He knows when we've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! I know that sounds very close to a Christmas song for Santa Claus, but I do think that is how some of us view God's eyesight. I bet some of you view God the way I used to view God. I lived part of my Christian life thinking that God was sitting on His throne watching over us with His hand on the lightning bolt button ready to strike us when we get out of line. Boy was I wrong! That is NOT what the Bible teaches us about El Roi, The God Who Sees!!!<br />
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We can learn a lot about how God sees us from how Jesus lived. As I read God's Word I'm amazed at how Jesus, God With Us, saw things so very differently than the humans that walked right beside Him. For example, in Luke 19 we read of the story of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector which meant he had lots of money and a bad reputation in the community. Yet, when Jesus came to his town He saw Zacchaeus and wanted to spend time with him. Why? Because Jesus didn't see a sinner. He saw the heart of the man and what he would be when he started following God's plan. Jesus looked upon Zacchaeus with the eyes of a loving Father.<br />
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Now let's think about the story in John 8 where a woman, caught in the act of adultery, was taken to Jesus. She apparently saw herself as guilty because she not once tried to explain her actions or take up for herself. She sat in silence waiting for her punishment. The religious leaders, well, they saw things differently, too. These guys (bless their hearts) didn't even know the woman's name because they weren't really concerned with her. They were simply trying to trap Jesus. Their eyesight of the situation was based on anger, judgement, fear, and arrogance. But, Jesus saw everyone in this scene differently. He loved the woman brought to Him. It was His daughter and He stood ready to forgive her. He didn't see in her what they saw in her. He saw a wonderfully and fearfully made woman. He knew her name was written on the palm of His hands. And, amazingly enough, He even saw the religious leaders differently and that is evidenced by how He responded to them. He,with all power and authority in the world, could have zapped those religious leaders with a lightning bolt. But, He did not. He even showed them grace in the situation.<br />
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When God looks at us He is not looking at us with condemnation. He is looking at us in love. We are His children and no matter what we do to try to mess things up, He loves us. He wants ALL of us to love Him back and have a relationship with Him. He is forgiving and gracious to us.<br />
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No matter what your past looks like, you can sleep easy tonight knowing that when your Father looks at you, He looks at you through the eyes of love. He looks at you like a momma looks at her newborn baby in a crib. Yes, that baby might have cried and made some poopy diapers, but that momma loves her baby with an unconditional love.<br />
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I challenge you today to read Luke 18: 1-20 and also John 8: 1-11 and truly think about how God saw the situation and the people involved. I think you might see a little clearer if you do.<br />
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<i>Lord - forgive me when I have not seen myself and others as You see us. We are Your people. You have created us and You love us with an everlasting love. I want to see myself and the world through Your eyes. Help me to do so in the name of Jesus. ~ Amen.</i><br />
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For a deeper study read the following verses and journal/discuss with others what God says to you:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Psalm 139: 1 -16</li>
<li>Isaiah 49: 15 - 16</li>
<li>Ephesians 3: 18 - 91</li>
</ul>
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<br />Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-44224073074542929692016-03-03T10:00:00.000-06:002016-03-03T10:00:21.011-06:00The Least of These<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<b><span class="text Matt-25-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24036AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24036AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24036AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24036AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>then he will sit on his glorious throne.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-32" id="en-ESV-24037" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Before him <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24037AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24037AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>will be gathered <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24037AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24037AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>all the nations, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24037AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24037AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24037AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24037AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the sheep from the goats.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-33" id="en-ESV-24038" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-34" id="en-ESV-24039" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Then <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24039AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24039AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the King will say to <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24039AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24039AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>those on his right, ‘Come, you <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24039AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24039AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>who are blessed by my Father, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24039AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24039AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>inherit <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24039AU" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24039AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the kingdom <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24039AV" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24039AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>prepared for you <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24039AW" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24039AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>from the foundation of the world.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-35" id="en-ESV-24040" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>For <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24040AX" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24040AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24040AY" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24040AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>gave me drink, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24040AZ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24040AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I was a stranger and you welcomed me,</span> <span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-ESV-24041" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24041BA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24041BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I was naked and you clothed me, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24041BB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24041BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I was sick and you <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24041BC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24041BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>visited me, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24041BD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24041BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I was in prison and you came to me.’</span><span class="text Matt-25-37" id="en-ESV-24042" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?</span> <span class="text Matt-25-38" id="en-ESV-24043" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?</span><span class="text Matt-25-39" id="en-ESV-24044" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’</span> <span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-ESV-24045" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24045BE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24045BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the King will answer them, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24045BF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24045BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24045BG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24045BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>my brothers, you did it to me.’</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text Matt-25-41" id="en-ESV-24046" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Then he will say to those on his left, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24046BH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24046BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>‘Depart from me, you <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24046BI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24046BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>cursed, into <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24046BJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24046BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the eternal fire prepared for <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24046BK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24046BK" title="See cross-reference BK">BK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the devil and his angels.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-42" id="en-ESV-24047" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24047BL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24047BL" title="See cross-reference BL">BL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,</span><span class="text Matt-25-43" id="en-ESV-24048" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’</span><span class="text Matt-25-44" id="en-ESV-24049" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’</span> <span class="text Matt-25-45" id="en-ESV-24050" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24050BM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24050BM" title="See cross-reference BM">BM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>you did not do it to me.’</span> <span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-ESV-24051" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>And these will go away <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24051BN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24051BN" title="See cross-reference BN">BN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>into eternal punishment, but the righteous <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24051BO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24051BO" title="See cross-reference BO">BO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>into <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24051BP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24051BP" title="See cross-reference BP">BP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>eternal life.” </span></b></div>
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<span class="text Matt-25-46" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Matthew 25: 31 - 46 </b>(New Living Translation)</span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-25-46" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> ~ ~ ~</span></div>
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I am compelled to help others. I want to bless others and most certainly I want to be a blessing to my Lord and Savior. This week I'm going to live with my eyes wide open looking for an opportunity to help someone.</div>
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How about you? Would you look for an opportunity to bless someone this week in the name of Jesus? Be careful when you do this. It just might change the way you do life. I know that's exactly what it has done for me.</div>
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<i>Jesus, I love You and I want to serve You. I'm not worthy to even wash Your feet, but yet You love me and call me Your child. Help me to live a life of service to others for Your glory and honor. - In Your precious Name - AMEN.</i></div>
Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-91436715357567326802016-02-25T10:00:00.000-06:002016-02-25T10:00:13.693-06:00I Own NothingI live in a nice house, drive a nice car, and have nice clothes, but I do not own them. I am married to a wonderful Christian man, and I have birthed two precious children, but they are not mine. There are 24 hours in each day for me to live my life, but I tell you my life is not my own. I am able to teach and encourage women, but these skills are not mine. I have so many things, but I own nothing. Why is that you say? Well, because everything I am and everything I have is owned by Adonai - God our Lord and Master.<br />
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I've turned over my life to God because quite honestly He owns it all anyway. I've tried to run my life myself and I want you to know I made a mess of things. And, when I was trying to own it all, I not only messed up my life but there was collateral damage. I messed up some things for the lives of those closest to me. I assure you that giving God all you have - your assets, your relationships, your talents and your time is the only way to live!<br />
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We can read about Paul's conversion to Christianity in Acts 22. We see that Paul turned over his very life to God. The amazing part of that for me is that Paul had been a mess! He hated Christians and wanted them gone from the earth, but then he met the resurrected Jesus and gave Him his life. Jesus took the mess and made a miracle. Paul is credited for writing most of the New Testament. From Christian hater to Christian promoter - Paul put his life in God's hands and God used it in a way no one would EVER imagine.<br />
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What is it that you need to put in God's hands? What are you trying to manage that you just need to let go of and let God work out the details? Give God your time and marvel at how God blesses your day. Give God your precious loved ones and rest knowing God is watching over them. Tell God all that you own - your car, your house and everything in your possession is His - and watch how He uses it for His glory. And, those talents you've been given, give those to Him, too. God will use whatever we put in His hands. Let God blow your hair back with how He can work in your life when you give it ALL to Him.<br />
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<i>Lord, thank you that you have given me so very much. Thank you that you love me even when I was messing things up. I love that you have made such amazing things happen in my life. I will forever trust and love you. - In the name of Jesus - Amen.</i><br />
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For a deeper study:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Read Acts 22: 1 - 11 to look closely at Paul's conversion.</li>
<li>Read and make notes of what God teaches you in Psalm 24:1, Romans 14:9, and 1 Corinthians 6:20.</li>
<li>Pray and give God what you need to release to Him.</li>
</ul>
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<br />Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-40672613186803249822016-02-18T10:00:00.000-06:002016-02-18T10:00:05.320-06:00Jesus the CreatorIn case you thought Jesus first appeared in the manger, let me clear this up for you. Jesus, part of The Trinity I know as God, was there in the beginning of what we know as time, and will be there in what we will know to be the end of time. He is indeed The Alpha and The Omega. He is Elohim, God our Creator.<br />
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In Genesis 1:1 it says, "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth." The Hebrew word used here for God is Elohim. Elohim, when properly translated, is plural in number but singular in meaning. This points to One God with multiple identities. These identities are The Father, The Son (Jesus), and The Holy Spirit.<br />
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Still not convinced? Well, check out these details:<br />
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<ul>
<li>In Genesis 1:26 God said, "Let US make human beings in OUR image, to be like US." This very clearly points to a plural form of One God.</li>
<li>Isaiah 7:14, written hundreds of years prior to the birth of Jesus, states that a virgin will give birth to a son and He will be called, Immanuel which is translated "God with Us."</li>
<li>Matthew 1:23 also repeats that Jesus was to be called, Immanuel.</li>
<li>John 1 indicates that in the beginning was The Word and the Word was God and the Word became flesh and lived among us. (Jesus) And this is based on eye witness accounts.</li>
<li>In John 14:11 Jesus tells us that His Father is in Him and He is in His Father.</li>
<li>Jesus claimed to be God, which was very offensive to the religious leaders at the time. He was speaking truth!</li>
<li>Colossians 1: 15 - 17 tells us that Jesus is the visible representation of an invisible God.</li>
</ul>
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Still struggling with getting this? You might always struggle, but that is where FAITH kicks in. Have Faith in Him. Also, know it states in 1 Corinthians 13 that now we know in part, but when we get to Heaven we will know in full. The more I study God's Word, it makes more sense to me. But, I know I won't truly understand until I am in Glory.</div>
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Jesus is God. Jesus is Elohim. Elohim is The Creator. God created everything through the power of His Word! That is power when your words can create! There is one exception to this. He spoke most everything in existence, except humans. He crafted us with His hands. I like to think He got his fingerprints on us. And, He breathed His breath into us. And then He did the truly mind blowing thing.....He gave us words. He used words to make creation, and then He gave humans words. In Proverbs we learn that our words have the power of life and death. I believe it. I can use my words to build someone up, or tear them down.<br />
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Have you thought about Jesus' awesome power? Have you thought about how amazing His creation is? Sit outside tonight and look up at the stars. He put them in place along with the moon. Watch the sun rise or set this week. This event alone declares God's power and authority. When we look at science and creation it is so easy to see the miracles of the world we live in. God, Elohim, is powerful!<br />
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<i>Jesus - I am truly in awe of Your awesome power. You are Elohim, The Creator. Thank You for creating me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for leaving the perfection in Heaven to come to this broken world to save me. I forever put my trust in You! - Amen.</i><br />
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For a deeper study read Isaiah 40: 21 - 31. Make notes of what this teaches you about God's power. Ask God to show His might power in your life.Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-13454224182007535622016-02-11T10:00:00.000-06:002016-02-11T10:00:12.313-06:00True Safety<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I was a little girl and I felt scared, I would run to my dad because I knew he would protect me. I even remember times when my brother was picking on me, and I would run and jump in my dad's lap for safety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 18:10 says, <b><i>"The name of the Lord is a strong fortress, the godly run to Him and are safe."</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This verse makes me think of running to our Heavenly Father and jumping in His lap. We are safe under His care. We can rest without worries when His arms are wrapped around us. He's got our backs. <i>And, as it says in Romans 10, if God is for us, who can be against us? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If God is in Heaven and I'm down here in this broken world, how can I climb in my Father's arms? Here's a list of how I snuggle with my Savior:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quiet time reading the Bible with just me and Jesus in the room</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Singing praise songs (This happens in the shower, in my car, or even while I'm in my office.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bike riding with Jesus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Praying (This happens while cycling, walking, sitting in my office, in the middle of my Bible reading, etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Studying His Word with other Believers</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How do you crawl up in your Heavenly Father's lap? When is the last time you just crawled up into His lap and sat there for a while and rested?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Why don't you read through Psalm 91 right now and snuggle with your Father?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 91 (The Message Version)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" id="en-MSG-6572" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum mid-line" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; position: static; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>You who sit down in the High God’s presence,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Say this: “<span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>, you’re my refuge.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I trust in you and I’m safe!”</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">shields you from deadly hazards.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">His huge outstretched arms protect you—</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">under them you’re perfectly safe;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">his arms fend off all harm.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">not flying arrows in the day,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Not disease that prowls through the darkness,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">not disaster that erupts at high noon.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Even though others succumb all around,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">drop like flies right and left,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">no harm will even graze you.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">watch the wicked turn into corpses.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Yes, because <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>’s your refuge,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the High God your very own home,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Evil can’t get close to you,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">harm can’t get through the door.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He ordered his angels</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">to guard you wherever you go.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">If you stumble, they’ll catch you;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">their job is to keep you from falling.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1-Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and kick young lions and serpents from the path.</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" id="en-MSG-6573" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">“I’ll get you out of any trouble.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I’ll give you the best of care</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">if you’ll only get to know and trust me.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I’ll give you a long life,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">give you a long drink of salvation!”</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I'm beginning a study of the names of God. Please join me so you can feel safe and secure all your days. Here's how you can join:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">In person in San Antonio, Texas: </span></span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Community Bible Church, Mondays 6:30 PM in CBC Central</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Community Bible Church, Thursdays 9:30 AM in E222</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Online through Facebook:</span></span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Pursuit Online (just search Facebook for this name and join us!)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i><u>We are using the workbook written by Carrie Rogers called "He Is</u></i>". You can find yours online through Amazon.com or in our CBC Bookstore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus, thank You for loving us. I'm so glad you love us and You are for us. You are our everything. In Your Name I pray, Amen.</i></span></div>
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Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-45035483767755648002016-02-04T10:00:00.000-06:002016-02-04T10:00:20.913-06:00They Need to Know!<br />
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<b><span class="text Rom-10-13" id="en-NLT-28163" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Romans 10:13-15 says, "For Everyone who calls on the name of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will be saved. </span><span class="text Rom-10-14" id="en-NLT-28164" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?</span> <span class="text Rom-10-15" id="en-NLT-28165" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”"</span></b></div>
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Here's is what I learn from this little bit of scripture:</div>
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1. Everyone who calls on Jesus will be saved.</div>
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2. Not everyone in our world knows about Jesus.</div>
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3. Christians need to go into the world, and not just stay in church, to tell others about the precious name of Jesus.</div>
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4. The Bible tells us that we are being sent into the world.</div>
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5. I will have pretty feet if I take the Good News to those that need to hear it.</div>
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I love studying God's Word with others, but I can't just sit around and not share that outside the walls of the church! I'm going to a homeless shelter today to link arms with other women for two reasons: 1) I want them to know the amazing life you can live when you follow Jesus. And 2) I want pretty feet!</div>
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Are your feet pretty? Well maybe you need a spiritual pedicure. Maybe you need to share the love of Jesus with others today. Here are my suggestions:</div>
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1. Go to a nursing home and love on the people there by telling them what Jesus has done in your life.</div>
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2. Surprise someone at Starbucks and pay for their coffee while telling them you are doing it because God loves them and you want them to know.</div>
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3. Take a casserole to your neighbor and tell them it's just because God loves them and you wanted to bless them. (This works well if you are my neighbor!!)</div>
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4. Tell a single mom you know that you will keep her kids for one hour while she does whatever she wants to do because Jesus loves her and you want her to know it.</div>
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5. Go to a homeless shelter and LISTEN to the stories of those you meet. Ask them how you can pray for them. It will be the best hour of your week!</div>
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Stop reading this blog. Go out and share Jesus with someone. Oh, and then come back here next week to rejoin us as we study the names of God. </div>
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<i>Jesus - You are an amazing and mighty God. I'm thankful that you died for our sins. That's incredible. That was one amazing sacrifice! Help me to sacrifice some of my time each week to share Your love with others. You didn't stay inside the church all the time when You walked on Earth, and neither should I. In Jesus' Name I pray - Amen.</i></div>
Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-46581731902727469532016-01-28T13:00:00.000-06:002016-01-28T13:00:19.890-06:00Do You Represent Your Family Well?My maiden name is Stephanie Mims. I grew up in Petal, Mississippi with wonderful parents that loved me. I have a good relationship with both of my parents, and because of that relationship I knew while growing up what my family represented. Both of my parents are hard workers, and therefore I developed a strong work ethic. My mom was a Banker, and I followed in her footsteps and became a Banker. My dad loves sports, and therefore I grew up loving sports. I have a sign in my home office that says "If you met my family you would understand". That sign is so true! If you met my family, you would truly understand more about me.<br />
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As a Christian I feel I should bare the resemblance of my Heavenly Father. In order to do that, I must know my Heavenly Father. I actually accepted Christ when I was 15 years old, and while I did immediately received the Holy Spirit, I didn't really KNOW my Heavenly Father well. I had not spent a lot of time with Him. I had not read His Words in the Bible. I knew He sent Jesus to die for me, but truly that's all I knew. Unfortunately, that lack of knowledge was evidenced in my life. I didn't act like I was a Christian.<br />
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Knowing our Heavenly Father as a Christian is important. How can we understand His love for us if we don't truly know Him? How can we trust him in times of despair if we don't know Him? What do we tell others about Him if we don't know Him? And, how do we know how to act if we don't know His character?<br />
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I've been developing a relationship with my Heavenly Father for years now. I've learned so much about Him and who I'm supposed to be as His daughter. He is grace giving, and therefore I should be grace giving as well. He is kind, and therefore I should be kind as well. He is trustworthy, and therefore I should be trustworthy. I so want to represent my family well.<br />
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Do you know your Heavenly Father? Maybe you are scared to get to know your Heavenly Father because you didn't have a good relationship with your father here on earth. Let me encourage you to get to know Him. Spend time with Him. He is love and He gives love and grace freely.<br />
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I'm going to be studying the names of God this Spring and I want to invite you on this journey with me. You can pick up the book we will be using each week called <b><i>He Is...</i></b> by Carrie D. Rogers on Amazon.com or in the Community Church Bible Bookstore if you are here in San Antonio. This next week many women in San Antonio will open this book and complete week 1 in an effort to get to know their Father better. Please say you'll join us! You can meet me at CBC on Monday evenings at 6:30 or Thursday mornings at 9:30 if you want to be present for each week's discussions. Just ask for the Pursuit class when you get there. If that doesn't work for you then you can join us online through Facebook. Our group name on Facebook is Pursuit Online. Each week we'll post a video session there and you can connect with other sisters that are seeking to know Him more. You won't be disappointed by doing this study. I believe you will be blessed beyond measure.<br />
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<b>John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me."</b></div>
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<i>Lord, I want to know Your voice. I want to know everything there is to know about being a Christian. I want to walk in Your ways. I am so thankful for Your love and grace towards me. You are good, good Father. Help me to walk so others know I bare the name "Christian". - In Jesus' Name</i> - Amen.<br />
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<u>Bible Study Details:</u><br />
PURSUIT - Women in Pursuit of Godly Character<br />
Community Bible Church<br />
2477 North Loop 1604 East<br />
San Antonio, TX 78232<br />
Mondays 6:30- 8:30 pm in Central<br />
Thursdays 9:30 - 11:30 am in E222<br />
Weekly meetings Jan 25th/28th - May 2nd/5th<br />
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<u>Facebook:</u> Pursuit Online<br />
Weekly posts on Thursdays<br />
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Pick up this book:<br />
<b><i>HE IS.... </i></b> by Carrie D. Rogers from Carried Away MinistriesStephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-70166066481797841782016-01-12T13:16:00.000-06:002016-01-12T13:16:47.413-06:00Out with the StinkyThis may are may not be a made up story. You decide.<br />
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There was a precious pre-teen boy preparing to go back to school after his two week long Christmas break. He generally takes care of getting ready to go to school by himself, but since he had been out of the swing of things a couple of weeks his sweet momma thought it best if she asked him a few questions to make sure he was indeed ready. One of the questions was, "Do you have your gym bag ready?" His response, "Well, the clothes I have in my gym bag were only worn 2 days the week we got out for Christmas break so they are still good." Bless this child.<br />
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My guess - not that I'm a clothing smell expert - is that these gym clothes were stinky and it would simply take work to make them smell good again. It was much easier to just go with the stinky gym clothes than to spend time and effort in washing them. And while you may giggle at what this precious young boy did, don't we as adults do the same thing?<br />
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Have you ever just put up with the stinky stuff in your life because you didn't want to put forth the time and effort to make the stinky stuff smell nice? I have to admit there's been several times in my life that I've been stubborn and lazy. I'm older now and hind sight is indeed 20/20. I realize that putting time and effort into something pays off.<br />
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<li>Got a relationship that's stinky? Put some time and effort into it. Pray for that relationship. Ask Jesus to bless that relationship. Think of kind things you can do for the other person in the relationship.</li>
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<li>Got a bad habit that needs to be addressed? Put some time and effort into it. Ask God to help you with the habit. After all, we can do all things through Christ. Get an accountability partner. Join a support group.</li>
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<li>Got a skill that needs to be improved? Put some time and effort into it. Get a mentor. Ask for God's help. Practice.</li>
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I want to end 2016 less stinky stuff in my life. I want to get rid of the old and bring in the glorious smelling new stuff that God has in mind for me. It's going to take some work on my behalf, but oh the blessings that await me! I can't wait!<br />
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Lord, search my heart and thoughts and show me what I need to change. I know you love me in spite of my stinky stuff, but I know you want what is best for me. Help me to shine for you and bring glory and honor to your name. It's in the precious name of Jesus I pray ~ AMEN.<br />
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<br />Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4085858725947885310.post-64142238799156365052015-12-17T14:31:00.002-06:002015-12-17T14:32:26.994-06:00It Was Always the Plan<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God had a plan from the very beginning. Look at these beautiful verses in the Old Testament that tell of our Savior's birth. That's right, I said "Old Testament". Hundreds of years prior to Jesus' birth, the Bible told us of His coming. Jesus, The Creator, would become flesh and dwell among us, and ultimately die and be resurrected for us all. It was always the plan. Today I'm thankful for God's amazing plan for us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Isaiah 7:14</b> <span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Therefore the Lord himself will give you</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> a sign:</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-17797A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17797A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> The virgin</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> will conceive and give birth to a son,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-17797C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17797C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">will call him Immanuel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-datatype="bible+esv" data-reference="Micah 5:2" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="milestone" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; display: inline-block; height: 1em; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> Michah 5:2<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.56px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;"> </span> </b>But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.4px;">who are too little to be among the clans of </span><span style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.4px;">Judah,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">from you shall come forth for me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">one who is to be ruler in Israel,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">whose coming forth is from of old,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">from ancient days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-datatype="bible+esv" data-reference="Isaiah 9:6" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="milestone" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #006ca6; display: inline-block; font-size: 1em; height: 1em; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: -48pt; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.4px; text-indent: -48pt;">Isaiah 9:6</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 10.56px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: -48pt; vertical-align: super;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.4px; text-indent: -48pt;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.4px; text-indent: -48pt;">For to us a child is born,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to us a son is given;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and the government shall be upon his shoulder,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and his name shall be called</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas!!</span></div>
Stephanie Blakesleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00624610019767870542noreply@blogger.com0