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Post by GinNJ on Jun 3, 2014 7:40:13 GMT -5
Good morning gals! I hope that everyone is having a great week so far! It has been beautiful in NJ...great weather always seems to make everything better. For anyone who may be struggling with your faith this week just remember that if you have made the decision to dwell with and hold fast to Him then He will provide all of the support and comfort that you need right now. He is faithful and true. Trust His promises. God bless! Psalm 91He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will saya to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refugeb— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
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Post by GinNJ on Jun 3, 2014 7:40:58 GMT -5
Hi Another...you are welcome. Did you decide to attend that conference that you posted about last week? No, I didn't go. Hope you ladies are doing well. Good morning Another! Thanks for letting us know. I hope that you are doing well also!
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Post by GinNJ on Jun 3, 2014 9:29:32 GMT -5
@jimcymbala: Everybody else is out of the closet except for Christians. You’ll never find that in the New Testament. They were all out for Jesus.
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Post by GinNJ on Jun 6, 2014 19:14:11 GMT -5
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!Happy Friday to all! It has been such a tiring week. Have you ever had one of those weeks that felt like one long test??? They really do take a lot out of you. I had one of those weeks. Sadly, I feel like so far have failed at every turn. I am so thankful that God's mercies are new EVERY SINGLE DAY! I am REALLY thankful that He never gives up on us. "2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-3 As The Lord is encouraging me I want to encourage everyone that may also be in a season of testing...specifically where the Lord is showing you something about yourself that isn't Christlike and needs to change. You are not alone. When this season is over our faith will be stronger AND we will be more like Jesus. "6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Phil 1:6 Try not to get discouraged...God knew what He was getting when we repented and trusted in Jesus. We are not a surprise to Him. He loves us so much! It is such a challenge to allow ourselves to be ''moldable'. Just remember...we are in good hands. Be encouraged! Don't give up! Have an awesome evening gals! God bless.
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Post by GinNJ on Jun 8, 2014 6:38:18 GMT -5
"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." 1 Tim 2:5-7
Good morning everyone! I pray that everyone has a blessed day today.
How blessed we are to have knowledge of the One True God and the Savior He sent to reconcile man to Himself! I pray that our hearts will be overflowing with joy today as we go out to worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ!
Book note...I have started reading Jase Robertson's book...Good Call. Now, I don't watch Duck Dynasty. I wasn't sure what to expect. So far I am really enjoying g it! I had no idea how strong in the faith Jase is. Funny too! I continue to regret not speaking wi him at all during TTF weekend. Oprah for another opportunity.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend!
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Post by Miami on Jun 8, 2014 7:15:17 GMT -5
Good Morning All!! Happy Sunday!! I hope everyone has a blessed day.
It's been a long week!! I was traveling again and wasn't able to keep up. Sometimes life can be very trying, but with our eyes firmly planted on God we will always come out even better than when we entered the tough times. I hope everyone is able to spend time in worship of our all mighty awesome God today.
Romans 5:2-5 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Sometimes we just need to sit and be quiet, listen, pray. Just sit and wait. I think it's very hard for some of us to do. We feel we have to spend every second of our life doing something. Even when we sit to be quiet we find our minds wondering, then we surf the web or watch TV. I know it's tough for me. Sometimes I just have to stop and be quiet, and think only of Him. Then meditate in the Word. Sometimes it seems we're just never in the present time with Him, I think a lot of times were in the past, or worried or trying to guess what's going to happen in the future.
Stop! Be with Him now. Amen!
Shalom
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Post by GinNJ on Jun 8, 2014 13:26:59 GMT -5
I didn't know that you raveled? I have been doing that a lot also. Glad I am not alone. LOL!
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Post by Miami on Jun 13, 2014 6:57:09 GMT -5
Good Morning All!! Happy Friday!! I hope everyone has a blessed day! Peace be with us all. Whew... It's been a crazy busy week. It's also been stressful at times. Both NJ and I have had our hands full. Just after I wrote on here that we have to spend more time just being still, and quiet listening to Him everything has been a little wacky. But I'm pulling thru keeping my eyes on Him. Funny someone else who has a lot going on in his life had some thoughts and lessons on the same subject released the below blog. www.glennbeck.com/content/blog/glenn/i-am-in-the-final-phase-of-a-massive-transformation/ Shalom
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Post by Miami on Jun 14, 2014 9:40:23 GMT -5
Good Morning All!! I hope everyone had a restful evening. I pray everyone has a blessed day today.
Why do Christ Followers always feel pressured by fiends to conform to this world, or support famous people publicly that they really shouldn't just to keep certain friends. Maybe we're trying to please the wrong people.... We serve and are accountable to God, in the world we live in today we have a tendency to take our eyes off Him just to make friends and keep friends that may lead us down the wrong path. With so many social media outlets today the problem becomes worse.
I really enjoyed reading this:
Why do we face peer pressure? The Bible clearly tells us that we should not expect our lives to look like the lives of other people (unbelievers) in this world. As Christians, we are aliens and strangers here on earth (1 Peter 2:11), and this world is not our home. Just as Christ was rejected—and still is—by so many who want to live life their own, ungodly way, we will also find the same types of people despising us for our faith.
In the first chapter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul speaks of how we are to know we are Christians. One of the points he emphasizes (see verse 6) is the fact that we should have joy despite suffering. We should expect to encounter trials and persecution as Christians, yet be comforted with the fact that God is in control and will repay any wrongs that are committed against us. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul talks about the troubles this church was continuing to face. He told them that when Christ returns and God judges the world, God “will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well” (1:6-7). Although many Christians will never face suffering as extreme as the Thessalonians did, or even those living in modern-day Sudan who are killed for their faith, we still suffer in smaller ways, such as the torture of peer pressure.
What does the Bible say about dealing with peer pressure? The Bible never uses the words “peer pressure,” but it does tell us how we should deal with the many trials we will face in our lives, especially those involving unbelievers. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:14-16 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
1 Peter 1:13-21 says, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’ Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.”
The Bible also tells us that we can trust that God will work all things together for the good of His children (Romans 8:28). However, the Bible does not promise us an easy life, but a life that glorifies God as we learn lessons that are difficult and overcome attacks from Satan that would be impossible to overcome without God. We are being “conformed to the likeness of [Christ]” as God changes us through all our life (Romans 8:29-30). Be comforted that Christ Himself was tempted in every way we have been; He understands how difficult it is. Yet, the Bible promises us that God will provide a way of escape from every trial (1 Corinthians 10:13). Put your complete trust and faith in God. Let Him alone be your strength (Philippians 4:13) and your guide (Psalm 23).
Peer pressure will be a fleeting thing in our lives. Peer pressure is largely about insecurity and a desire for acceptance for all involved. Most people eventually realize that intimidating others to feel important is manipulative and immature. Those who have been followers will usually realize it is more important to make their own decisions and be their own person than to be controlled by someone else. We must not give in to peer pressure, whatever the situation. Standing up for what we believe and what the Bible teaches will please God. Throughout history, those who have been unafraid to stand on unpopular beliefs have been the ones to change the world and make things happen. There is so much in this world that we need to change, and so many people who need to be told about Christ. Letting other people decide what we do and how we behave is exactly what Satan hopes we will do; if we never stand up for what is right because of peer pressure, we are actually standing up for what is wrong.
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Post by Miami on Jun 17, 2014 18:42:47 GMT -5
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Post by Miami on Jun 17, 2014 19:19:04 GMT -5
This is so true..
One of the strange paradoxes of the Christian faith is that we can know pure, authentic joy even in the midst of trials. Far from crushing our faith, we can know joy when we understand why God allows us to endure trials. Mary Jo Sharp, writing in the Summer 2014 sessions of Bible Studies for Life, said, “We respond to difficulties and suffering in a variety of ways. Some of us respond with anger, dogged determination to fight it, or passive resignation. Others respond with introspection or by asking, ‘Why me?’ But who responds with joy? Yet joy is the very attitude the Bible calls us to embrace.”
What does the Bible say?
As we look in Scripture, we find joy in various places related to our suffering: during suffering and/or after suffering.
The Apostle Peter wrote, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory” (1 Peter 4:12-13, HCSB). Peter reminds us that suffering is a part of our lives as followers of Christ, and we should rejoice that we are sharing in the life of Christ. He also, however, indicates joy that will be at the end of our journey, “at the revelation of His glory.”
Joy and Suffering
Joy after suffering is often forgotten, and we sometimes feel guilty if we have not been “happy enough” while in trials. Most believers are familiar with the passage in the gospels in which Jesus asks the Father to deliver Him from the cup of suffering. In the end, He surrendered wholly to His Father’s will, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done.”1 What we do not always see is the attitude aligned with His obedience: future joy.
Remember the significance of the cup and the cross? The cup represented the sin of the world and the cross was the place where Jesus would become sin for us. Jesus was obedient, but the scripture never says He was joyful about being made sin. It was the opposite. His joy, in fact, was on the other side of the cross. There is an oft-missed phrase in Hebrews giving us insight into the attitude of Jesus as He faced this redemption providing sacrifice: “[K]eeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”2 (Emphasis added.)
Joy is Coming
Note carefully His attitude in each part of the journey. The joy was on the other side of a cross He endured and shame He despised. Jesus found no joy in the cross, but He knew joy was coming.
This is how the psalmist expressed it, “Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning.”3 In times of trial, there are two opportunities for joy. One is during the trial itself. But, even when we do not find joy in the trial, we can live with the hope of joy after it.
As you walk through life this week please remember these two things:
Look for joy in your trials this week. Live with hope for joy after it. Going through trials is never easy. Yet, through the trials, God teaches us and builds in us the future hope of joy forever.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church General Editor, Bible Studies for Life 1- Luke 22:42 2- Hebrews 12:2, HCSB 3- Psalm 30:5b, HCSB
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Post by GinNJ on Jun 18, 2014 10:19:10 GMT -5
Thank you for posting this M! I really enjoy reading this type of information. I took a whole class on it in bible school. Granted, I first believe in creation and a young earth because I beleive the bible, but I love all the ways that science actually confirms what the bible teaches.
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Post by GinNJ on Jun 21, 2014 6:36:25 GMT -5
" 15For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." Ephesians 1:15-23
Good morning gals! Whew...it is has been a busy time! I hope that everyone is doing well. This morning The Lord is encouraging us to remember that Christ is sufficient in all things!
Have a blessed day!
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Post by Miami on Jun 22, 2014 7:12:13 GMT -5
Good morning all!! I hope everyone had a peaceful evening and are having a blessed weekend!! May The Lords Peace be with us all.
Whew... Been so busy these past few weeks, busier than I ever that I would be. But it's all good. It's His plan. He doesn't like for some of us to be still long, but He likes us to take the time to be still with Him. Not just when we think we have time on a weekend, holiday or vacation, but everyday. It's true, we spend our time and give other things, and people authority in our lives. Where do you spend your time and money?? It's a question for us all.
Luke 10:38-42 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
We must be fed thru the Word everyday and devote our time to Him, even if it's just siting and being still listening to that still small voice. Throw away the distractions and the flashy. Throw away all the pretty shinny things and people that get our attention and that we spend a lot of our time on. We'll be happier and truly filled when it's replaced with Him, we'll also be healthier and smarter in all parts of our lives.
Once we get ourselves Spiritually fit, we can do what Jesus told us to do, go out into the world and make disciples of everyone we meet. If we're not ready ourselves, God will hold us back.
The Lord has been making this all clearer to me, but I myself am a work in progress.
Shalom
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Post by Miami on Jun 22, 2014 7:36:24 GMT -5
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