tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177142807243435512024-03-05T02:06:47.874-08:00HeartsongAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-86149028759381223962015-04-30T10:51:00.000-07:002015-04-30T10:51:02.316-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Know the plans I have for you plans for good and not for evil plans for hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11<br />
I feel that God is calling me to serve Him. I don't know in what capacity yet. I want to witness and bring others to Christ. I want to lead Bible studies and women. I am frail and human and so imperfect. But God says this:<br />
2 Corinthians12;9-10 <span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-9.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">9</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-10.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">10</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.</span><br />
In my weakness relying on Him I am stronger than in my strength.<br />
God my prayer is that you use me the way that you want to. That I be fully submitted to your will for my life.<br />
Show me what you want . Give me utterance to speak and not be afraid of saying the truth.<br />
Fill me with Your Spirit and give me utterance.<br />
<strong style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-2-4/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="Acts 2:4">Acts 2:4</a></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> - And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I want to love the way He loves and let Him live in me.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/galatians/2-19.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">19</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/galatians/2-20.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">20</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/galatians/2-21.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">21</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">I am a sinner. I am so sorry for my sins. They grieve my heart as they grieve God's. Sin leaves scars on us. But I have been cleansed of my sin with my confession and repentance. </span><br />
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<a class="bibleref" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+31%3A8&version=ESV">Deuteronomy 31:8</a> <span class="note" style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0799999237061px; font-weight: normal;">ESV / 701 helpful votes </span><span class="vote-buttons invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px; visibility: hidden;"><button id="vote_u_05031008" name="vote_u_05031008" style="margin-bottom: 3px;" type="submit" value="1"></button><button id="vote_d_05031008" name="vote_d_05031008" style="margin-bottom: 3px;" type="submit" value="-1"></button></span></h3>
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It is the <span class="sc">Lord</span> who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”</div>
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<a class="bibleref" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+1%3A9&version=ESV">Joshua 1:9</a> <span class="note" style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0799999237061px; font-weight: normal;">ESV / 327 helpful votes </span><span class="vote-buttons invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px; visibility: hidden;"><button id="vote_u_06001009" name="vote_u_06001009" style="margin-bottom: 3px;" type="submit" value="1"></button><button id="vote_d_06001009" name="vote_d_06001009" style="margin-bottom: 3px;" type="submit" value="-1"></button></span></h3>
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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the <span class="sc">Lord</span> your God is with you wherever you go.”</div>
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<a class="bibleref" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A7&version=ESV">1 Peter 5:7</a> <span class="note" style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0799999237061px; font-weight: normal;">ESV / 250 helpful votes </span><span class="vote-buttons invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px; visibility: hidden;"><button id="vote_u_60005007" name="vote_u_60005007" style="margin-bottom: 3px;" type="submit" value="1"></button><button id="vote_d_60005007" name="vote_d_60005007" style="margin-bottom: 3px;" type="submit" value="-1"></button></span></h3>
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<a class="bibleref" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A20&version=ESV">Matthew 28:20</a> <span class="note" style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0799999237061px; font-weight: normal;">ESV / 209 helpful votes </span><span class="vote-buttons invisible" style="margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px; visibility: hidden;"><button id="vote_u_40028020" name="vote_u_40028020" style="margin-bottom: 3px;" type="submit" value="1"></button><button id="vote_d_40028020" name="vote_d_40028020" style="margin-bottom: 3px;" type="submit" value="-1"></button></span></h3>
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Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end<a data-datatype=""bible+esv"" data-reference=""Hebrews 13:5"" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="milestone" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; height: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">m love of money, and</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><a data-resourcename=""esv"" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2013.5%E2%80%936#footnote2" rel="popup" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">b</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">be content with what you have, for he has said,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><a data-resourcename=""esv"" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2013.5%E2%80%936#footnote3" rel="popup" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">c</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><a data-datatype=""bible+esv"" data-reference=""Hebrews 13:6"" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="milestone" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; height: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"></a><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">6 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">So we can confidently say,The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, What can man do to me?</span></div>
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<a data-resourcename=""esv"" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2013.5%E2%80%936#footnote4" rel="popup" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">d</span></a>“The Lord is m<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; text-indent: -48pt;">fear not, for I am with you;</span></div>
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<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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span></span></div>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Isaiah 41:10-13</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">English Standard Version (ESV)</span></h1>
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<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Isa-41-10" id="en-ESV-18462" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>fear not, for I am with 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">be not dismayed, for I am your God;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will strengthen you, I will help 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will uphold you with <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18462A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18462A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>my righteous right hand.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span class="text Isa-41-11" id="en-ESV-18463" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18463B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18463B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Behold, all who are incensed against 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">shall be put to shame and confounded;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">those who strive against 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">shall be as nothing and shall perish.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-12" id="en-ESV-18464" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18464C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18464C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>You shall seek those who contend with 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but you shall not find them;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18464D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18464D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>those who war against 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">shall be as nothing at all.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-13" id="en-ESV-18465" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>For I, the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God,</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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">hold your right hand;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">it is I who say to you, “Fear not,</span></div>
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<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I am the one who helps you.”</span>be not dismayed, for I am your God;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will strengthen you, I will help 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will uphold you with <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18462A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18462A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>my righteous right hand.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-41-11" id="en-ESV-18463" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18463B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18463B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Behold, all who are incensed against 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">shall be put to shame and confounded;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">those who strive against 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">shall be as nothing and shall perish.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-12" id="en-ESV-18464" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18464C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18464C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>You shall seek those who contend with 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but you shall not find them;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18464D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18464D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>those who war against 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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">shall be as nothing at all.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-13" id="en-ESV-18465" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>For I, the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God,</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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">hold your right hand;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-41-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">it is I who say to you, “Fear not,</span></div>
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<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-41-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">I am the one who helps you.</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-41-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
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Hebrews 13:5–6</h1>
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<a data-datatype=""bible+esv"" data-reference=""Hebrews 13:5"" 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 style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">5 </span>Keep your life <a data-resourcename=""esv"" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2013.5%E2%80%936#footnote1" rel="popup" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">a</span></a>free from love of money, and <a data-resourcename=""esv"" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2013.5%E2%80%936#footnote2" rel="popup" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">b</span></a>be content with what you have, for he has said, <a data-resourcename=""esv"" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2013.5%E2%80%936#footnote3" rel="popup" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">c</span></a>“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” <a data-datatype=""bible+esv"" data-reference=""Hebrews 13:6"" 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 style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">6 </span>So we can confidently say,</div>
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<a data-resourcename=""esv"" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2013.5%E2%80%936#footnote4" rel="popup" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">d</span></a>“The Lord is my helper;</div>
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<a data-resourcename=""esv"" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2013.5%E2%80%936#footnote5" rel="popup" style="background: transparent; color: #006ca6; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 10.5600004196167px; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">e</span></a>I will not fear;</div>
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what can man do to me?”</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-72267715321319194912015-04-28T18:00:00.001-07:002015-04-28T18:00:45.524-07:00Consider it all Joy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div id="p59001002_05-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="selected" original-title="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">James Count it all joy, my brothers,</span><span class="footnote" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2px; vertical-align: top;"><a class="fn" href="http://www.esvbible.org/James+1/#f2-1" id="fb2-1" original-title="<note class="translation" sub-class="gender-neutral">Or <i><span class="catch-word">brothers</span> and sisters</i>. The plural Greek word <i language="Greek">adelphoi</i> (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, <i language="Greek">adelphoi</i> may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God's family, the church; also verses 16, 19</note>" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></a></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> when you meet trials </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1P1.6/" original-title="1 Pet. 1:6" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">f</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of various kinds, </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001003-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001003" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">for you know that </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1P1.7/" original-title="1 Pet. 1:7" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">g</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the testing of your faith </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Rm5.3%3BJm5.11%3BHb10.36%3B2P1.6/" original-title="Rom. 5:3; [ch. 5:11; Heb. 10:36; 2 Pet. 1:6]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">h</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">produces steadfastness. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001004-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001004" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be</span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1Th5.23%3BMt5.48/" original-title="1 Thess. 5:23; See Matt. 5:48" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">i</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.</span></div>
<div id="p59001005_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="verse-num" id="v59001005-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001005" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1K3.9-12%3BPr2.3-6/" original-title="1 Kgs. 3:9-12; Prov. 2:3-6" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">j</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If any of you lacks wisdom, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt7.7/" original-title="See Matt. 7:7" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">k</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">let him ask God, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Pr28.5/" original-title="Prov. 28:5" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">l</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001006-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001006" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mk11.24/" original-title="Mark 11:24" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">m</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">let him ask in faith, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt21.21/" original-title="Matt. 21:21" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">n</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Is57.20%3BEp4.14/" original-title="[Isa. 57:20; Eph. 4:14]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">o</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001007-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001007" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001008-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001008" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jm4.8/" original-title="ch. 4:8" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">p</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he is a double-minded man, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/2P2.14%3B2P3.16/" original-title="[2 Pet. 2:14; 3:16]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">q</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">unstable in all his ways.</span></div>
<div id="p59001009_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="verse-num" id="v59001009-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001009" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001010-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001010" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jr9.23/" original-title="Jer. 9:23" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">r</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the rich in his humiliation, because </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps102.4%3BPs102.11%3B1Co7.31%3B1P1.24/" original-title="[Ps. 102:4, 11; 1 Cor. 7:31; 1 Pet. 1:24]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">s</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">like a flower of the grass</span><span class="footnote" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2px; vertical-align: top;"><a class="fn" href="http://www.esvbible.org/James+1/#f3-1" id="fb3-1" original-title="<note class="alternative">Or <i><span class="catch-word">a</span> wild flower</i></note>" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></a></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> he will pass away. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001011-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001011" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For the sun rises with its scorching heat and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Is40.7/" original-title="Isa. 40:7" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">t</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="verse-num" id="v59001012-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001012" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jm5.11%3BMt10.22%3B1P3.14%3BDn12.12/" original-title="ch. 5:11; Matt. 10:22; 1 Pet. 3:14; [Dan. 12:12]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">u</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Rv2.10%3BRv3.11%3B1Co9.25%3B2Tm4.8%3B1P5.4/" original-title="Rev. 2:10; 3:11; [1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:4]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">v</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the crown of life, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jm2.5/" original-title="ch. 2:5" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">w</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">which God has promised to those who love him. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001013-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001013" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001014-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001014" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001015-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001015" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then desire </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jb15.35%3BPs7.14%3BIs59.4/" original-title="Job 15:35; Ps. 7:14; Isa. 59:4" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">x</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Rm5.12%3BRm6.23/" original-title="Rom. 5:12; 6:23" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">y</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It seems like this would be impossible to do. Trails equal pain. How can we as mere humans consider pain as joy. </span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the trials of my life I have found that the pain that god allows in my life turns me to Him. He is worth it all. We are soujourners here. Our citizenship is in heaven. The trials of life help us to realize that we don't belong here and that there is something so much more than this life. Knowing God and receivieng His fellowship, love, companionship, and joy is worth any trial in life. He is the only source of joy and peace in this world. In that one can rejoice in the trials that turn you from the sinful pleasures of this world to His fellowship. Once you have experienced His fellowship, nothing will fill your heart the way He does.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I rejoice that in this life, I have experienced more trail than I have easy living. In the midst of my trial, I rejoice that I have God to turn to. He loves me and seeking Him is worth the pain. Often I long for absence of pain, but the pain reminds me to seek Him.As I seek Him, I am filled with His love and the reminder of His promises to me. </span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Romans 8:28</span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/8-29.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">29</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;…</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">He means all things. Even our sin he can use to our good. He brings beauty from ashes.</span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0px;">Isaiah61:3 And provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0px;">What would I do if I were stuck in my sin and had no escape from my wrong doing. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0px;">Jesus.......</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0px;">I am so grateful for my Savior. He makes me into a new creation. I am nothing but dust. God knows me and loves me just as I am. He forgives me and loves me just as I am.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0px;">Psalm 103:14 </span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0px;">For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0px;">How comforting to know that my savior knows exactly what I am and loves me still. He was willing to die for me even though I all I try to do as good is as filthy rags.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0px;">Isaiah64:6</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="text Isa-64-6" id="en-NIV-18892" 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; position: relative; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;">All of us have become like one who is unclean,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18892A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18892A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and all our righteous<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18892B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18892B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> acts are like filthy rags;</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-64-6" 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; position: relative; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;">we all shrivel up like a leaf,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18892C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18892C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and like the wind our sins sweep us away.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I would be swept away with my sins if not for my Saviour.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">There is a Laura Story song that expresses this sentiment.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">She sings,in her song, "Grace"</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">"How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down, each time I will fall short of Your glory, How far will forgiveness abound, and You answer my child I love you, as long as you're seeking my face, you walk in the power of my daily sufficient grace."</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">His forgiveness is unending. There is no limit to His grace. I am eternally grateful because in this earthly body, I am prone to wander.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-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; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="text Isa-64-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Romans7:18-20</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/7-18.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">18</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/7-19.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">19</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/7-20.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">20</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">But Jesus makes us new.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">2 Corinthians 5:16-18</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-16.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">16</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-17.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">17</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-18.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">18</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Have you ever wanted to just start over. With God this is possible. There is no sin except failing to accept Jesus' sacrifice for us as the propitiation for our sin that will condemn us. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">John3:16-17</span></div>
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<span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/3-16.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">16</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/3-17.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">17</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Revalations 3;19-21</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/revelation/3-19.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">19</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/revelation/3-20.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">20</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/revelation/3-21.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">21</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">John 5:13-14</span></div>
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<span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_john/5-13.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">13</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_john/5-14.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">14</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-32062424281799748592015-04-28T18:00:00.000-07:002015-04-28T18:00:13.235-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div id="p59001002_05-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="selected" original-title="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Count it all joy, my brothers,</span><span class="footnote" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2px; vertical-align: top;"><a class="fn" href="http://www.esvbible.org/James+1/#f2-1" id="fb2-1" original-title="<note class="translation" sub-class="gender-neutral">Or <i><span class="catch-word">brothers</span> and sisters</i>. The plural Greek word <i language="Greek">adelphoi</i> (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, <i language="Greek">adelphoi</i> may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God's family, the church; also verses 16, 19</note>" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></a></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> when you meet trials </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1P1.6/" original-title="1 Pet. 1:6" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">f</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of various kinds, </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001003-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001003" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">for you know that </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1P1.7/" original-title="1 Pet. 1:7" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">g</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the testing of your faith </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Rm5.3%3BJm5.11%3BHb10.36%3B2P1.6/" original-title="Rom. 5:3; [ch. 5:11; Heb. 10:36; 2 Pet. 1:6]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">h</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">produces steadfastness. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001004-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001004" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be</span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1Th5.23%3BMt5.48/" original-title="1 Thess. 5:23; See Matt. 5:48" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">i</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.</span></div>
<div id="p59001005_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="verse-num" id="v59001005-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001005" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1K3.9-12%3BPr2.3-6/" original-title="1 Kgs. 3:9-12; Prov. 2:3-6" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">j</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If any of you lacks wisdom, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt7.7/" original-title="See Matt. 7:7" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">k</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">let him ask God, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Pr28.5/" original-title="Prov. 28:5" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">l</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001006-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001006" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mk11.24/" original-title="Mark 11:24" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">m</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">let him ask in faith, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt21.21/" original-title="Matt. 21:21" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">n</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Is57.20%3BEp4.14/" original-title="[Isa. 57:20; Eph. 4:14]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">o</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001007-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001007" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001008-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001008" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jm4.8/" original-title="ch. 4:8" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">p</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he is a double-minded man, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/2P2.14%3B2P3.16/" original-title="[2 Pet. 2:14; 3:16]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">q</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">unstable in all his ways.</span></div>
<div id="p59001009_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="verse-num" id="v59001009-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001009" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001010-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001010" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jr9.23/" original-title="Jer. 9:23" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">r</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the rich in his humiliation, because </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps102.4%3BPs102.11%3B1Co7.31%3B1P1.24/" original-title="[Ps. 102:4, 11; 1 Cor. 7:31; 1 Pet. 1:24]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">s</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">like a flower of the grass</span><span class="footnote" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2px; vertical-align: top;"><a class="fn" href="http://www.esvbible.org/James+1/#f3-1" id="fb3-1" original-title="<note class="alternative">Or <i><span class="catch-word">a</span> wild flower</i></note>" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></a></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> he will pass away. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001011-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001011" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For the sun rises with its scorching heat and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Is40.7/" original-title="Isa. 40:7" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">t</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="verse-num" id="v59001012-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001012" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jm5.11%3BMt10.22%3B1P3.14%3BDn12.12/" original-title="ch. 5:11; Matt. 10:22; 1 Pet. 3:14; [Dan. 12:12]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">u</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Rv2.10%3BRv3.11%3B1Co9.25%3B2Tm4.8%3B1P5.4/" original-title="Rev. 2:10; 3:11; [1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:4]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">v</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the crown of life, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jm2.5/" original-title="ch. 2:5" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">w</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">which God has promised to those who love him. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001013-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001013" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001014-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001014" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001015-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001015" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then desire </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jb15.35%3BPs7.14%3BIs59.4/" original-title="Job 15:35; Ps. 7:14; Isa. 59:4" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">x</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Rm5.12%3BRm6.23/" original-title="Rom. 5:12; 6:23" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">y</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.</span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It seems like this would be impossible. Trails mean pain. How can we as humans consider pain as joy.</span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There is a principle here that is God's principle. His thoughts are higher than ours.</span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/55-8.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">8</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/55-9.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">9</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/55-10.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">10</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;…</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">When we encounter pain we are reminded that this world is not all that there is.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/3-18.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">18</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/3-19.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">19</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/3-20.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">20</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;…</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-59239937219403248752015-04-28T17:59:00.001-07:002015-04-28T17:59:35.263-07:00trials<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="text Jas-1-2" 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;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-30269a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30269a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1#fen-NIV-30269a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> whenever you face trials of many kinds,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30269F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30269F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></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 Jas-1-3" id="en-NIV-30270" 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;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>because you know that the testing of your faith<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30270G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30270G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> produces perseverance.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30270H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30270H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></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 Jas-1-4" id="en-NIV-30271" 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;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30271I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30271I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and complete, not lacking anything.</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 Jas-1-5" id="en-NIV-30272" 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;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30272J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30272J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30272K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30272K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></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 Jas-1-6" id="en-NIV-30273" 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;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30273L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30273L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.</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 Jas-1-7" id="en-NIV-30274" 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;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.</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 Jas-1-8" id="en-NIV-30275" 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;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Such a person is double-minded<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30275M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30275M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and unstable<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30275N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30275N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in all they do.</span><br />
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<span class="text Jas-1-8" 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;">I have decided to be grateful for my marital difficulties.God is not satisfied to give me lesser things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">The principle stated here is that the trials of this life are designed to mature us in the Lord. As we mature in the Lord, He draws us closer to Him. In His presence is joy, hope, love, and peace. What more could you want?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Not that I don't want my story to be a story of God's redemptive power of healing on a marriage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">But over the years, I recognize that the pain that God allowed drew me to Him. In His presence has been joy, peace, love and His comfort.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Without this trial, I would not know Him as well as I do.His love satisfies my soul as nothing else. His relentless love pursues me. In Psalm 23,He states that His goodness and mercy follow me, this follow me means that he pursues me with His goodness and mercy and they are inescapable.</span></span></div>
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Romans 8:31-39</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New Living Translation (NLT)</span></h1>
<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.55em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span class="text Rom-8-31" id="en-NLT-28109" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love</span></h3>
<div class="first-line-none" 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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>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-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">32 </span>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 class="text Rom-8-33" id="en-NLT-28111" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">33 </span>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 class="text Rom-8-34" id="en-NLT-28112" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">34 </span>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></div>
<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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-35" id="en-NLT-28113" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">35 </span>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;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">36 </span>(As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-28114a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-28114a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A31-39&version=NLT#fen-NLT-28114a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span>)</span> <span class="text Rom-8-37" id="en-NLT-28115" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">37 </span>No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.</span></div>
<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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-38" id="en-NLT-28116" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">38 </span>And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-28116b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-28116b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A31-39&version=NLT#fen-NLT-28116b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span> 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-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">39 </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.</span></div>
<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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">God pursues His children with His relentless love, grace and mercy.</span></div>
<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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></div>
<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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.John 1:9</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">His forgiveness is inexhaustible.</span></span></div>
<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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">No matter how many times I fail God, he forgives me. </span></span></div>
<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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">His love is relentless and He can not fail to love me as stated in Romans.</span></span></div>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Isaiah 61:3</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New International Version (NIV)</span></h1>
<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;">
<span class="text Rom-8-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span></div>
<div class="poetry" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-61-3" id="en-NIV-18847" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span>and provide for those who grieve in Zion—</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">to bestow on them a crown<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18847A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18847A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of beauty</span><br />
<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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">instead of ashes,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18847B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18847B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the oil<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18847C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18847C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of joy</span><br />
<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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">instead of mourning,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18847D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18847D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and a garment of praise</span><br />
<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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">instead of a spirit of despair.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They will be called oaks of righteousness,</span><br />
<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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">a planting<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18847E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18847E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span></span><br />
<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; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for the display of his splendor.</span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">God says that, "All things work together for good to those that love the Lord and are called according to His purposes."</span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">God even creates beauty from the ashes of our sin. </span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">If He could not do that, there would be no beauty in us.For all have sinned.</span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans3:23</span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Isa-61-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only beggotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.</span></span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.55em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span class="text Eph-2-1" id="en-NIV-29231" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Made Alive in Christ</span></h3>
<div class="chapter-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Eph-2-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">2 </span>As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29231A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29231A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-2-2" id="en-NIV-29232" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>in which you used to live<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29232B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> when you followed the ways of this world<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29232C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29232D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29232E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span class="text Eph-2-3" id="en-NIV-29233" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>All of us also lived among them at one time,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29233F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29233F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> gratifying the cravings of our flesh<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-29233a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29233a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2#fen-NIV-29233a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29233G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29233G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.</span> <span class="text Eph-2-4" id="en-NIV-29234" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>But because of his great love for us,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29234H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29234H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> God, who is rich in mercy,</span> <span class="text Eph-2-5" id="en-NIV-29235" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29235I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29235I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>—it is by grace you have been saved.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29235J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29235J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-2-6" id="en-NIV-29236" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>And God raised us up with Christ<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29236K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29236K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and seated us with him<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29236L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29236L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in the heavenly realms<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29236M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29236M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in Christ Jesus,</span> <span class="text Eph-2-7" id="en-NIV-29237" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29237N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29237N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> expressed in his kindness<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29237O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29237O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to us in Christ Jesus.</span> <span class="text Eph-2-8" id="en-NIV-29238" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>For it is by grace<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29238P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29238P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> you have been saved,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29238Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29238Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>through faith<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29238R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29238R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—</span> <span class="text Eph-2-9" id="en-NIV-29239" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>not by works,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29239S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29239S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> so that no one can boast.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29239T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29239T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-2-10" id="en-NIV-29240" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>For we are God’s handiwork,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29240U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> created<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29240V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in Christ Jesus to do good works,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29240W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> which God prepared in advance for us to do</span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Eph-2-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Eph-2-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Notice that in verses 8 and 9 faith is the gift of God. We can ask God for faith. We only need faith the size of a mustard seed. God will increase our faith if we ask Him. </span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Eph-2-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Trials are God's way of drawing us to Him.</span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Imagine a life without pain. There would be no impotus to seek the God of comfort that can provide everything you need.</div>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">2 Peter 1 </span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New International Version (NIV)</span></h1>
<div class="chapter-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text 2Pet-1-1" id="en-NIV-30481" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">1 </span>Simon Peter, a servant<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30481A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30481A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and apostle of Jesus Christ,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30481B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30481B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></div>
<div class="top-05" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -0.5em;">
<span class="text 2Pet-1-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">To those who through the righteousness<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30481C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30481C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of our God and Savior Jesus Christ<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30481D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30481D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>have received a faith as precious as ours:</span></div>
<div class="top-05" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -0.5em;">
<span class="text 2Pet-1-2" id="en-NIV-30482" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Grace and peace be yours in abundance<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30482E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30482E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30482F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30482F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.55em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span class="text 2Pet-1-3" id="en-NIV-30483" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Confirming One’s Calling and Election</span></h3>
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<span class="text 2Pet-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>His divine power<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30483G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30483G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30483H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30483H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> who called us<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30483I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30483I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> by his own glory and goodness.</span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-4" id="en-NIV-30484" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30484J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30484J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> so that through them you may participate in the divine nature,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30484K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30484K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30484L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30484L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Pet-1-5" id="en-NIV-30485" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30485M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30485M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-6" id="en-NIV-30486" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>and to knowledge, self-control;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30486N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30486N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and to self-control, perseverance;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30486O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30486O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and to perseverance, godliness;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30486P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30486P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-7" id="en-NIV-30487" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30487Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30487Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-8" id="en-NIV-30488" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30488R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30488R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30488S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30488S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-9" id="en-NIV-30489" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30489T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30489T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30489U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30489U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Pet-1-10" id="en-NIV-30490" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>Therefore, my brothers and sisters,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-30490a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-30490a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1#fen-NIV-30490a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> make every effort to confirm your calling<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30490V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30490V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30490W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30490W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text 2Pet-1-11" id="en-NIV-30491" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30491X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30491X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<span class="text 2Pet-1-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Phillipians 4:19</span></div>
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For my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.</div>
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PHillipians 4:13 For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.</div>
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HIs promises are great and many.</div>
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He promises salvation and everlasting life to those that name Jesus as Lord of their life.</div>
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He promises goodness and mercy to those who follow Him.</div>
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WE can live victorious live here as we relinquish are problems to Him</div>
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He is a great and powerful God.</div>
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2 chronicles 20:17</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span class="versiontext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/nlt/2_chronicles/20.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">New Living Translation</a></span><br style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Therefor I am grateful for all the trials of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">When Rachel had a severe psychotic reaction to Bupropion, God used it to show Himself to her. As a result she became saved and walks closely with Him now. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;">Schizophrenia runs in our family. I was so afraid that she had developed that disease. Thank the Lord for His mercies. She's fine now. Once the medication was out of her system, she was back to normal and now saved by God</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;">s grace!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;">The Lord is faithful to fight for us!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;">Zephaniah 3:17</span></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px; text-align: start;">17</strong><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="verse-17" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px; text-align: start;">The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."</span></div>
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<span class="verse-17" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="verse-17" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px; text-align: start;">God delights in you.</span></div>
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<span class="verse-17" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px; text-align: start;"> Let Him love you with HIs everlasting love. You will never regret giving your choices and life to Him.</span></div>
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<span class="verse-17" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px; text-align: start;">He is the source of all good things.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;">Romans 8</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 19.5px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/8-30.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">30</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/8-31.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">31</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/8-32.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">32</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?…</span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;">James 1:17</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All good comes from God.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-88130328491274316942015-04-16T10:18:00.001-07:002015-04-16T10:18:28.175-07:00consider it all joy <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div id="p59001002_05-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="selected" original-title="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Count it all joy, my brothers,</span><span class="footnote" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2px; vertical-align: top;"><a class="fn" href="http://www.esvbible.org/James+1/#f2-1" id="fb2-1" original-title="<note class="translation" sub-class="gender-neutral">Or <i><span class="catch-word">brothers</span> and sisters</i>. The plural Greek word <i language="Greek">adelphoi</i> (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, <i language="Greek">adelphoi</i> may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God's family, the church; also verses 16, 19</note>" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></a></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> when you meet trials </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1P1.6/" original-title="1 Pet. 1:6" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">f</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">of various kinds, </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001003-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001003" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">for you know that </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1P1.7/" original-title="1 Pet. 1:7" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">g</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the testing of your faith </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Rm5.3%3BJm5.11%3BHb10.36%3B2P1.6/" original-title="Rom. 5:3; [ch. 5:11; Heb. 10:36; 2 Pet. 1:6]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">h</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">produces steadfastness. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001004-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001004" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be</span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1Th5.23%3BMt5.48/" original-title="1 Thess. 5:23; See Matt. 5:48" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">i</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.</span></div>
<div id="p59001005_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="verse-num" id="v59001005-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001005" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/1K3.9-12%3BPr2.3-6/" original-title="1 Kgs. 3:9-12; Prov. 2:3-6" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">j</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If any of you lacks wisdom, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt7.7/" original-title="See Matt. 7:7" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">k</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">let him ask God, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Pr28.5/" original-title="Prov. 28:5" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">l</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001006-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001006" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mk11.24/" original-title="Mark 11:24" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">m</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">let him ask in faith, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt21.21/" original-title="Matt. 21:21" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">n</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Is57.20%3BEp4.14/" original-title="[Isa. 57:20; Eph. 4:14]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">o</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001007-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001007" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001008-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001008" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jm4.8/" original-title="ch. 4:8" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">p</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he is a double-minded man, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/2P2.14%3B2P3.16/" original-title="[2 Pet. 2:14; 3:16]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">q</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">unstable in all his ways.</span></div>
<div id="p59001009_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="verse-num" id="v59001009-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001009" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001010-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001010" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jr9.23/" original-title="Jer. 9:23" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">r</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the rich in his humiliation, because </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps102.4%3BPs102.11%3B1Co7.31%3B1P1.24/" original-title="[Ps. 102:4, 11; 1 Cor. 7:31; 1 Pet. 1:24]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">s</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">like a flower of the grass</span><span class="footnote" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2px; vertical-align: top;"><a class="fn" href="http://www.esvbible.org/James+1/#f3-1" id="fb3-1" original-title="<note class="alternative">Or <i><span class="catch-word">a</span> wild flower</i></note>" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span></a></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> he will pass away. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001011-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001011" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For the sun rises with its scorching heat and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Is40.7/" original-title="Isa. 40:7" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">t</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="verse-num" id="v59001012-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001012" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jm5.11%3BMt10.22%3B1P3.14%3BDn12.12/" original-title="ch. 5:11; Matt. 10:22; 1 Pet. 3:14; [Dan. 12:12]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">u</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Rv2.10%3BRv3.11%3B1Co9.25%3B2Tm4.8%3B1P5.4/" original-title="Rev. 2:10; 3:11; [1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:4]" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">v</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the crown of life, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jm2.5/" original-title="ch. 2:5" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">w</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">which God has promised to those who love him. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001013-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001013" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001014-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001014" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v59001015-1" style="border: 0px; color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v59001015" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then desire </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jb15.35%3BPs7.14%3BIs59.4/" original-title="Job 15:35; Ps. 7:14; Isa. 59:4" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">x</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Rm5.12%3BRm6.23/" original-title="Rom. 5:12; 6:23" style="border: 0px; color: grey; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">y</span></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I doesn't seem possible as humans to consider trials which mean pain as joy. But there is a principle here that is above our human thoughts. God's thoughts are higher than ours.</span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">Phillipians 3:20…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/3-18.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">18</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/3-19.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">19</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/3-20.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">20</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;…</span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">As humans we are helpless agains our sin nature except for the power of the cross. </span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">But God uses all things together for our good, even our sins.</span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;">Romans 8:<a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/8-28.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">28</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/8-29.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">29</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;…</span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">I have seen God use even my own sins to my good.</span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/3-16.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">16</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/3-17.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">17</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">Have you ever wished you could start all over. With God this is possible every day.</span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">2 Corinthians 5:16-18</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-16.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">16</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-17.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">17</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"></span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-18.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">18</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,…</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">We become entirely new creations in Christ Jesus. He gives us a new heart. You can start all over.</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">There is no sin that can't be forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ except refusing to accept His gift of dying on the cross for our sins.He is the propitiation for our sins.</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/7-18.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">18</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/7-19.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">19</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/7-20.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">20</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.…</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">I am helpless against the sin nature in me except for the power of the cross. </span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">Jesus changes my desires as I draw closer to Him.</span></span></div>
<div id="p59001012_01-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 1.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/10-16.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">16</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?" </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/10-17.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">17</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/10-18.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">18</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; "THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD."…</span></span></div>
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<h2 style="color: #0b4260; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0b1a46; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What is Faith?</strong></span></h2>
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The <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/faith" style="color: #116292; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">dictionary’s definition of faith</a> is to have belief in and to <a href="http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-trust-20-helpful-scripture-quotes/" style="color: #116292; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">trust</a> in something or someone with no physical evidence that you can see it. Faith is to hold a conviction too, to have reliance in, to have assurance of, to feel confidence about, and to have trust in something or someone. Faith is based upon something that might not be visible to the naked eye but still having a realization that it is substantial and real. I drive over a large bridge that is elevated on my way to work. I do not see the underlying steel girders and concrete supports, yet I have confidence that the bridge will hold me up. I have assurance in something that I can not see but trust that it will support me because it has held up my car hundreds of times. I do not have to see the underneath of the bridge to know that there is evidence that it will support me. This is what faith is all about.</div>
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When a father brought his demon possessed boy to Jesus he believed that Jesus could heal him by saying “I do believe” (Mark 9:24). So why did the father say in this same verse, “Help my unbelief?“ He asked Jesus for help in his unbelief. He believed Jesus could heal him yet he still had some doubt and asked Jesus to help in his lack of belief. This has been my own experience as well. I believe and have faith in Jesus, but I also experience times of doubt that seem to overwhelm me.</div>
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Jesus tells us to “Have faith in God” because “Truly if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it w</div>
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ill be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours“(Mark 11:22-24). Jesus associates believing in God and trusting in His ability as having faith. The man who brought his demon possessed boy to Jesus had faith in Christ but he lacked complete assurance and trust. This lack was due to his own disbelief, not to a lack of believing in Jesus. So even though it seems paradoxical to say “Lord I do believe” and then “Help my unbelief” it appears that he was praying for Jesus to strengthen his faith.</div>
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I am not going to be too hard on this man because he had his doubts- in fact I would say, “Welcome to the human race!” When we pray for something that is God’s will, He will surely answer that prayer, but as James 1:6 says, “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” It is so hard to pray for something and believe with 100% certainty that God will answer that prayer because we rely on our five senses. We only believe what we see and so it is hard to believe in something that has not yet been seen. Nevertheless, God will hear and answer our prayer but the answer might not be what we had hoped for. God rarely gives us what we want as much as He gives us what we need. Praying to God for Him to increase your faith is one that I truly believe that He will answer. If we pray with doubt in our prayers, it is like doubting God’s ability. Here is the Biblical definition of faith from Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is defined in the Bible much like the dictionary describes it. It is a confident, assurance in believing God. It is not a hope-so but a know-so.</div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b1a46; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Can You Pray For Faith?</span></strong></h2>
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Yes you can pray for faith. Matthew 7:7-11 points the way to receiving from God what we desperately need: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?” Faith is most certainly a good thing to ask the Father for so why not pray to Him to receive it?</div>
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<a href="http://cdn2.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/How-To-Increase-Your-Faith.jpg" style="color: #116292; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-2086" height="159" src="http://cdn2.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/How-To-Increase-Your-Faith-300x159.jpg" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="How To Increase Your Faith" width="300" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text" style="padding: 0px;">
How To Increase Your Faith</div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b1a46; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How Can</span></strong></h2>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Read more: <a href="http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/how-to-increase-your-faith/#ixzz3XUbiHCLw" style="color: #003399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/how-to-increase-your-faith/#ixzz3XUbiHCLw</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">EPHESIANS 2:8,9</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-7.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">7</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-8.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">8</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-9.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">9</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.…</span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Faith is a gift of God. You can ask God for faith. Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-12.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">12</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-13.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">13</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-14.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">14</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">'I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> In my life I have had more trials than easy living. Sometimes I long for a lack of pain, but I find that paind turns my heart to God for His comfort and joy. His comfort and joy fill my heart with more fullness than easy living ever could. I have had some easy times, but God eventually disciplines me to bring Him back to the forefront of my thoughts.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">…Jeremiah 29:</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-10.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">10</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">"For thus says the LORD, 'When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-11.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">11</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-12.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">12</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.…</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Psalms 23 says that surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">This means that goodness and mercy are tracking me down wherever I am. It is a promise of God.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">God can bring beauty from the ashes of your life.</span></div>
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<span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;">Isaiah 61:<a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/61-2.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">2</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/61-3.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">3</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/61-4.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">4</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, They will raise up the former devastations; And they will repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.…</span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">If you are lost and lonely, you need the power of God in your life.</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">He brings beauty from ashes, joy from pain, a new life and a new start</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">You will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">Jeremiah29:…</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-12.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">12</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-13.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">13</a></span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-14.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">14</a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">'I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-40566096939201450802014-09-10T14:29:00.000-07:002014-09-10T14:29:29.081-07:00Kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When they're little and in constant need and constantly complaining, sometimes you wish that they were grown. All mine are grown now and out of the nest, except my special blessing Isabella. I don't know what I would do without her!<br />
I miss the rest of them. They are always in my heart. I treasure the moments I get to talk to them in a day. I love when they text that they love me or to say goodnight.<br />
I long for the day that we live close to each other again. I hope that God sees fit to make that happen.<br />
I am grateful that I have a pharmacy liscense that is good to work in any state. It could happen easily if I can get them all in the same vicinity.<br />
God, look after them and guide them while they are spreading their wings to fly. Let them serve you and love you.<br />
I love you, Lord.<br />
Thank you for my salvation and for Your forgiveness. You are a strong, loving and mighty God.<br />
<br />
I did treqsure the moments when they were little. I loved being a mom most of the time. We all have times when we could cancel a holiday because we've had such a bad day. I almost canceled Halloween one time. I have wanted to cancel Christmas and Thanksgiving before depending on how badly behaved they were at the time. LOL!<br />
<br />
Sometimes I still want to cancel all the hoopla that goes with Christmas. I would love to just sing carols, worship, and cancel all the commercialism attached to Christmas and have a Christmas of service.<br />
I think I'm alone in that sentiment. The kids like the money and the gifts. I like money and gifts but they are what add the stress</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-52691008975824143332014-09-05T20:43:00.001-07:002014-09-05T20:43:26.685-07:00Heatbroken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've realized that I've been stuffing my heartaches away for far too long. Life is too short to settle for constant heartache. The problem is that I have always been an optimistic, hopeful person. My loyalties run deep. When I make a commitment, I am determined to keep it. But recently, friends and my children are pointing out to me that it is not necessarily healthy for me to do that. I can finally admit that I can't keep doing that. I am heartbroken. REcognizing that now doesn't change the past. I can only control the present. Regret accomplishes nothing. I have given my all, I can't regret that, but I can mourn the lost potential of all those years and I am. On to the future. God and I will create beauty from the ashes of my life. I am going to fill my days with things that will bring me joy, travel, hobbies I love, my children and family and friends. I don't think David will ever be willing to make the effort to participate in a full life. He doesn't want to do anything but watch TV and the computer. He will never admit what happened the past 25 years, and that leaves little room for improvement and little room for hope. If you can't admit your mistakes, you can 't correct them. I am sad for him. He will be miserable without me. But it is his choice. His pride and selfishness trap him in his own little world.<br />
Why would I give up on our amazing God? God has changed David's heart and we are happy once again.<br />
I almost gave up.<br />
I almost decided to throw it all away in my unhappiness.<br />
But God was merciful to me and restored what was broken.<br />
Don't give up on God.<br />
Cheryl</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-62913606878138204892014-09-05T20:39:00.001-07:002014-09-05T20:39:16.585-07:00Married Sex is the Best Sex<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been married for 32 years. My body doesn't look like it did when I was 19, neither does his. We don't care. Your love story isn't about the love you started out with, but it's about the love you build the older you grow. Forgiveness, shared hardships, children, shared jokes, your comfortable. At this point, if you want to do it in the bedroom, you know it only contributes to your love story. You realize that if you want to shake things up together, anything that is mutually enjoyed is game. You can't have that at 19. You don't really know anything about sex at that age, at least I didn't. I'm grateful for mutual forgiveness, for the love that builds as you forgive and love through the hurts and hardships of a committed marriage. Sometimes in my life, staying married has been the hardest thing I ever did. I'm glad we didn't give up on each other. Sometimes the hurt went deep enough that I didn't think I could forgive it. But God is always the song in my heart when I forget that I have a song. He is able to take anything that you give Him and rebuild it. There was a time that my marriage was dead. My pastor advised me that it wasn't a crime to bury a dead marriage. I thought that God was in the business of raising the dead. Nearly 21 years later, He has. Mutually commitment, mutual forgiveness, and love have over come the obstacles to a loving relationship by the miracles that God performs. I had given up hope of renewing my marriage, but God surprised me by working all things together for good. Only an amazing God could have restored my marriage at this point. I am grateful that He has loved me when I felt unloved, sustained me when I didn't think that I could endure, and forgives me when I don't do what I should.<br />
Commitment is what love is all about. God is the author of unconditional love and He hates divorce. He can restore anything in His time.<br />
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Isaiah 40:31</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-NKJV-18452" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>But those who wait on the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Shall renew <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">their</i> strength;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They shall mount up with wings like eagles,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They shall run and not be weary,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They shall walk and not faint.</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Galatians 6:9</span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versiontext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0092f2; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/niv/galatians/6.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;">New International Version</a></span><br style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Wait on Him. Trust him.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-40-31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Cheryl</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-65943929008045063292013-03-25T20:23:00.001-07:002013-03-25T20:23:38.577-07:00Jalapeno Popper Dip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2 - 8 oz fat free Philadelphia Cream Cheese<br />
6 oz grated sharp cheddar<br />
1 large jalapeno, chopped finely<br />
1- 4 oz. package of bacon bits<br />
8 oz sour cream<br />
2 bunches green onions, chopped<br />
<br />
Mix, heat 3 minutes in microwave, and serve with chips or vegetables.<br />
<br />
This was so easy and really yummy!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-60857296749934180552013-03-25T11:29:00.002-07:002013-03-25T11:49:11.895-07:00Ungrateful, Whiny Kids!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text 1Kgs-19-18"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text 1Kgs-19-18"><br /></span></div>
<br />
Have you ever dealt with ungrateful, whinny kids?<br />
We just look at them and think, "What are you whining about, you have it sooooo good?!"<br />
I cook for them, clean up after them, do their laundry, entertain them, cart them around and do anything else they need.<br />
Most of the time, I love to do for my kids, but when they complain, I tend to resent it.<br />
I think God must look at me sometimes when I'm having a whiny moment and think the same thing. He has to be just shaking His head!<br />
I know I am just like Elijah when he climbs up in that cave! God has shown Himself mighty before the prophets of Baal!<br />
God has delivered him from armies and enemies! And Elijah is laying in that cave complaining, forgetting all that God has done.<br />
Sometimes I am like that.<br />
And then....God comes to me, not in the wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire, but in a still quiet voice....<br />
His still, small voice whispers to me, "Did you forget that I love you?"<br />
He whispers, "Did you forget the many times that I have delivered you?"<br />
He says, "Maybe you forgot how much I have blessed you?"<br />
<br />
And I am ashamed of myself....<br />
<br />
I've been sitting there with my lip stuck out, pouting about this or that trivial thing and forgetting how blessed, loved, delivered and redeemed I am. I forget to be grateful just like my kids.<br />
And I forget that the Creator Himself loves me and is ready to hear my needs in prayer. I have nothing to complain about!<br />
Do you ever have moments like that or is it just our kids?<br />
Tell me about the times God has delivered you! Or tell me about your whiny moments and how God speaks to you about that!<br />
<br />
This is a great passage. Here it is for your reference and convenience......<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black;">1 KINGS</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">17 </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">1.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Now Elijah</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9319A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> the Tishbite, from Tishbe</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> in Gilead,</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9319B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> said to Ahab, “As the </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain </span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9319C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">in the next few years except at my word.”....</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="chapter-2" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-1"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; font-size: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">18 </span>After a long time, in the third<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9343A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> year, the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came to Elijah: “Go and present<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9343B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9343C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> on the land.”</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-2" id="en-NIV-9344"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-2">Now the famine was severe<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9344D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> in Samaria,</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-3" id="en-NIV-9345"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>and Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9345E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> (Obadiah was a devout believer<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9345F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-4" id="en-NIV-9346"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>While Jezebel<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9346G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> was killing off the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9346H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9346I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> them with food and water.)</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-5" id="en-NIV-9347"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>Ahab had said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9347J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> and valleys. Maybe we can find some grass to keep the horses and mules alive so we will not have to kill any of our animals.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9347K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-6" id="en-NIV-9348"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>So they divided the land they were to cover, Ahab going in one direction and Obadiah in another.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text 1Kgs-18-7" id="en-NIV-9349" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>As Obadiah was walking along, Elijah met him. Obadiah recognized<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9349L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> him, bowed down to the ground, and said, “Is it really you, my lord Elijah?”</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text 1Kgs-18-8" id="en-NIV-9350" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>“Yes,” he replied. “Go tell your master, ‘Elijah is here.’”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-9" id="en-NIV-9351"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>“What have I done wrong,” asked Obadiah, “that you are handing your servant over to Ahab to be put to death?</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-10" id="en-NIV-9352"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>As surely as the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God lives, there is not a nation or kingdom where my master has not sent someone to look<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9352M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> for you. And whenever a nation or kingdom claimed you were not there, he made them swear they could not find you.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-11" id="en-NIV-9353"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>But now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-12" id="en-NIV-9354"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>I don’t know where the Spirit<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9354N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> may carry you when I leave you. If I go and tell Ahab and he doesn’t find you, he will kill me. Yet I your servant have worshiped the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>since my youth.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-13" id="en-NIV-9355"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Haven’t you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>? I hid a hundred of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-14" id="en-NIV-9356"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>And now you tell me to go to my master and say, ‘Elijah is here.’ He will kill me!”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-15" id="en-NIV-9357" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>Elijah said, “As the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9357O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>myself to Ahab today.”</span></div>
<h3 style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text 1Kgs-18-16" id="en-NIV-9358" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Elijah on Mount Carmel</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-16"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-17" id="en-NIV-9359"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9359P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> of Israel?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-18" id="en-NIV-9360"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>“I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9360Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> and your father’s family have. You have abandoned<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9360R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s commands and have followed the Baals.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-19" id="en-NIV-9361"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>Now summon<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9361S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9361T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9361U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-20" id="en-NIV-9362"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9362V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-21" id="en-NIV-9363"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9363W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> between two opinions? If the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9363X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-21" style="background-color: black; color: white;">But the people said nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-22" id="en-NIV-9364"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s prophets left,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9364Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup>but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9364Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-23" id="en-NIV-9365"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-24" id="en-NIV-9366"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>Then you call<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9366AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9366AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> The god who answers by fire<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9366AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup>—he is God.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-24" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-25" id="en-NIV-9367"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.”</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-26" id="en-NIV-9368"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>So they took the bull given them and prepared it.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-26" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Then they called<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9368AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9368AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-27" id="en-NIV-9369"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9369AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-28" id="en-NIV-9370"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>So they shouted louder and slashed<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9370AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-29" id="en-NIV-9371"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9371AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9371AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-30" id="en-NIV-9372"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9372AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, which had been torn down.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-31" id="en-NIV-9373"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup>Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9373AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text 1Kgs-18-32" id="en-NIV-9374"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">32 </sup>With the stones he built an altar in the name<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9374AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-9374a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings+18&version=NIV#fen-NIV-9374a" style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> of seed.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-33" id="en-NIV-9375"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">33 </sup>He arranged<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9375AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup>the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-34" id="en-NIV-9376" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">34 </sup>“Do it again,” he said, and they did it again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-34">“Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-35" id="en-NIV-9377"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">35 </sup>The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-36" id="en-NIV-9378"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">36 </sup>At the time<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9378AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, the God of Abraham,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9378AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> Isaac and Israel, let it be known<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9378AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9378AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-37" id="en-NIV-9379"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">37 </sup>Answer me, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, answer me, so these people will know<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9379AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup>that you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-38" id="en-NIV-9380" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">38 </sup>Then the fire<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9380AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-39" id="en-NIV-9381" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">39 </sup>When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9381AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> and cried, “The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>—he is God! The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>—he is God!”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9381AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-40" id="en-NIV-9382" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">40 </sup>Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9382AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup> and slaughtered<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9382AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup> there.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-41" id="en-NIV-9383"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">41 </sup>And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.”</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-42" id="en-NIV-9384"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">42 </sup>So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9384AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-43" id="en-NIV-9385" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">43 </sup>“Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-43" style="background-color: black; color: white;">“There is nothing there,” he said.</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-43" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-44" id="en-NIV-9386" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">44 </sup>The seventh time<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9386AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup> the servant reported, “A cloud<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9386AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup> as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.”</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-18-44" style="background-color: black; color: white;">So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-18-45" id="en-NIV-9387"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">45 </sup>Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9387BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup>started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9387BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Kgs-18-46" id="en-NIV-9388"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">46 </sup>The power<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9388BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup> of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9388BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup> he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-19-1"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; font-size: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">19 </span>Now Ahab told Jezebel<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9389A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> everything Elijah had done and how he had killed <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9389B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>all the prophets with the sword.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-2" id="en-NIV-9390"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9390C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9390D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-19-3" id="en-NIV-9391"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>Elijah was afraid<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-9391a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings+19&version=NIV#fen-NIV-9391a" style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> and ran<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9391E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> for his life.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9391F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> When he came to Beersheba<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9391G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> in Judah, he left his servant there,</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-4" id="en-NIV-9392"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9392H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,” he said. “Take my life;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9392I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> I am no better than my ancestors.”</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-5" id="en-NIV-9393"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9393J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-19-5">All at once an angel<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9393K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-6" id="en-NIV-9394"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-19-7" id="en-NIV-9395"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>The angel of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-8" id="en-NIV-9396"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9396L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> days and forty nights until he reached Horeb,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9396M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> the mountain of God.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-9" id="en-NIV-9397"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>There he went into a cave<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9397N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> and spent the night.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-19-9" style="background-color: black; color: white;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> Appears to Elijah</span></h3>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-19-9" style="background-color: black; color: white;">And the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9397O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-19-10" id="en-NIV-9398" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>He replied, “I have been very zealous<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9398P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9398Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> torn down your altars,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9398R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9398S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> and now they are trying to kill me too.”</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-19-11" id="en-NIV-9399" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said, “Go out and stand on the mountain<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9399T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> in the presence of the<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is about to pass by.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9399U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-19-11">Then a great and powerful wind<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9399V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> tore the mountains apart and shattered<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9399W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> the rocks before the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> was not in the earthquake.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-12" id="en-NIV-9400"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>After the earthquake came a fire,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9400X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9400Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-13" id="en-NIV-9401"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9401Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-19-13" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”</span></div>
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<span class="text 1Kgs-19-14" id="en-NIV-9402" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>He replied, “I have been very zealous for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9402AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> and now they are trying to kill me too.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="text 1Kgs-19-15" id="en-NIV-9403"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9403AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> king over Aram.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-16" id="en-NIV-9404"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>Also, anoint<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9404AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup>Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9404AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9404AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> to succeed you as prophet.</span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-17" id="en-NIV-9405"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9405AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9405AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Kgs-19-18" id="en-NIV-9406"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>Yet I reserve<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9406AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-9406AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> him.”</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-91269303779975119002013-03-11T12:56:00.001-07:002013-03-11T13:06:57.860-07:00Dirty Laundry Secrets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We long to be white as snow, even as the our sin natures perpetually plague us. Oh that my heart would be as He would have it to be. I wish it weren't such a long process. I seem to see my sin more clearly every day, but don't often seem to have succes reigning my problem areas in.<br />
Alene Snodgrass is a talented bible study teacher and today begins a new study called, Dirty Laundry Secrets. Hop on over to this link and join in today.<br />
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http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=529b0dbdc8324d81bc6e1bdac&id=0251bb25ab<br />
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This week is the last week to join! You will be blessed. The book is only $4.99 to download and there is a facebook group for discussion. She also has periodic webcasts to join in.<br />
I loved Easy Street, her last study!<br />
If you have a hard time getting out of the house for a bible study, this is a good alternative!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-58041533501714617452013-03-11T10:18:00.002-07:002013-03-11T10:18:53.223-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For the next two weeks, I will be following Tracie Miles on her marriage challenge. Tracie has a gift for cutting to the heart of the problem. I followed her 10 day stress detox followed by her book, Stressed Less Living. Prepare to be changed.<br />
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Marriage Challenge Kickoff: PREPARE YOUR HEART</h1>
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<span class="date published time" title="2013-03-11T08:00:31+00:00">MARCH 11, 2013</span> BY <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a class="fn n" href="http://traciemiles.com/author/tmiles/" rel="author" style="color: #a33139; text-decoration: none;" title="tmiles">TMILES</a></span></span></div>
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<strong>The randomly drawn winner of Friday’s giveaway of the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Man-Whisperer-Speaking-Language/dp/0800731972/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362780775&sr=8-1&keywords=man+whisperer" style="color: #a33139; text-decoration: none;">The Man Whisperer </a>is</strong></div>
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<strong><cite>Linda</cite> who posted on <a href="http://traciemiles.com/the-14-days-to-a-better-marriage-challenge/#comment-8702" style="color: #a33139; text-decoration: none;">March 8, 2013 at 11:57 am</a>. If this is you, email me your address!</strong></div>
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Several years ago I was at the hair salon and a young girl in the chair beside me spent thirty minutes excitedly talking about her wedding.</div>
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Oh yes, she had everything picked out. She explained to her hairdresser, in great detail I might add, what her wedding dress looked like, the color and style of the bridesmaids dresses, what the groomsmen were wearing, the flowers, the cake, the music, the guest lists, etc.</div>
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None of this seemed out of the ordinary for a bride-to-be, filled with excitement and anticipation about the most special day of her life. Until I heard her exclaim as she was leaving the salon, that as soon as she could find a man to marry her, everything would be perfect. <em>Huh?</em></div>
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You see, she had spent months, maybe years, planning for the wedding, but had given little, if any, thought to the reality of actually being married. She seemed oblivious to the fact that marriage is a life time commitment, not one fairy tale day, and unfortunately, I believe that many brides set out in their new marriages with the same misconception.</div>
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As a glowing bride, we are in love, we have overlooked our fiances faults, we envision a life of bliss and mutual happiness, and look forward to our spouse meeting all of our needs while we pour our love upon him every day….only soon to discover that marriage is nothing like we expected. Not to say that there aren’t wonderful, happy and fulfilling days in marriage, but when we expect all of our needs to be met by our husbands, and fail to acknowledge that our husband may also expect us to meet all his needs, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment.</div>
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So many times, when disappointment hits hard, women keep their marriage problems hidden inside their hearts, fearing what other people will think if they found out. They think they are the only one with problems, and that everyone else’s marriage is just fine. What a tragedy that is, when so many marriages are hurting, and so many women desperately need a shoulder to lean on and someone to pray for them.</div>
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That is why I am so excited that nearly one thousand women have committed to walking through this 14 day Marriage Challenge with me, because marriage is hard work and we need each other for love and support, and there is power and strength in knowing that we are not alone.</div>
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So let’s get our minds in the right place as we pray about moving forward, by thinking back to when you first met your husband. Try to recall the feelings that you held in your heart, and the tingles that spread through your body whenever he called you, kissed you, or did something super sweet. Then reflect on your wedding day, and consider all of the thoughts that were running through your mind on that very special day. Maybe you’ve been married a long time, and it’s hard to think back that far, so ask God to bring memories to mind that you may have forgotten.</div>
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I bet you would agree that, just like that young girl in the salon, as you stood in your beautiful wedding gown staring into the eyes of your soon-to-be-husband and reciting heart felt vows meant to last a lifetime, that you were not thinking about things such as: dirty underwear and socks on the floor in the bathroom, razor stubble, nights out with the guys, hurtful secrets, dirty dishes, dirty floors, dirty diapers, snotty noses, long hours at the office, heated arguments , discouragement, and restless nights of trying to keep the pillows strategically placed in the center of the bed so that your man cannot get anywhere near you – am I right?! And in the worst cases, no bride expects infidelity or pornography to painfully divide the relationship and cause a deep sense of betrayal and emptiness.</div>
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Despite all that may have happened, God is the only one who can fill that spot in our hearts that feels empty, needy and alone, especially when we are not getting the affection or love from our husbands that we so desire. God is the only One who can help us find peace, in the middle of a stormy relationship and He is the only Way to find the strength and desire to persevere in our marriage, especially when we feel like throwing in the white towel of defeat.</div>
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Unfortunately, today’s culture thinks marriage is a disposable commodity, rather than a covenant to treasure. But this mindset can be changed – one saved marriage at a time. God is the only who has the power to full restore what has been broken.</div>
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Sweet sister, whether your marriage is going along great, feeling a little stale, or on the brink of divorce, my prayer is that God will work miracles in your heart, your husband’s heart, and your marriage as we seek Gods wisdom and intervention through the challenges we will embark on over the next few weeks. I believe with all my heart that God desires to see each one of us enjoy the joy and love that marriage is intended to bring, and that no matter what our problems are, our God is bigger.</div>
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The first daily challenge will be posted tomorrow, March 12th. But I want to encourage you to begin praying now about what God will speak to your spirit in the coming weeks. Prepare your spiritual ears to hear His voice, and open your heart to feel and see Him at work in you, your husband, and your marriage. Pray for humility if God steps on your toes, courage to walk in love, and grace for when you try and stumble. There is no guaranteed fix for any relationship, but with God, anything is possible.</div>
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We’re in this journey together friends. Let’s get our hearts ready for something incredible.</div>
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<em><strong>Special note:</strong> Over the next few weeks, my prayer is to offer tools, thought provoking insight and biblical support for improving your marriage and witnessing the power of God working in your heart and your relationship. However, in many unfortunate situations, women are abused emotionally, verbally or physically, and any kind of mistreatment such as this is not blessed by God and certainly not biblical. God does not expect anyone to endure this type of treatment and it is never deserved or justified. If you find yourself in such a situation or you feel threatened or harmed in any way, please consider contacting your pastor or Christian counselor for advice immediately. You can also send a prayer request to our<a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/forms/prayer-request/" style="color: #a33139; text-decoration: none;">Proverbs 31 prayer team. </a></em></div>
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http://traciemiles.com/preparing-for-the-marriage-challenge/</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-73528745967940639142013-03-10T11:57:00.001-07:002013-03-10T12:00:47.827-07:00The Hope of His Calling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING</span><br /></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i style="background-color: black;"><span class="versenum">Ephesians 1: 18</span> I 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,</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i style="background-color: black;"><span class="versenum">19</span> and 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</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i style="background-color: black;"><span class="versenum">20</span> which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i style="background-color: black;"><span class="versenum">21</span> far 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.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i style="background-color: black;"><span class="versenum">22</span> And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i style="background-color: black;"><span class="versenum">23</span> which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b style="background-color: black;">This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible, if you can have a favorite in this book full of hope, love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: black;"><i>But, "the hope of His calling,what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe,"; these words fill me with such hope when I look at situations in my life that seem hopeless . Ponder the words, "</i>the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe"....</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: black;">This is the power that raised Christ from the dead after The Father sacrificed His only Son for us because of His great love for us.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: black;">GREAT LOVE</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: black;">GREAT POWER</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: black;">Those are ours in Him. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: black;">When looking at the problems you face, keep your eyes on your Great God, not on the problems that you face. We can't question His love. We can't question His power. Our problems are in His hand, and He loves us...</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-67711859766993639202013-03-08T23:07:00.000-08:002013-03-10T12:01:45.940-07:00Isabella's Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Isabella's Story</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHlEz_0GhFq7cSEMGPjGC42NMHrRtqpHUN7qg2g3eqfXaAShraUbh8O8fhyOMNVI532AxhzPT7OBst_XmIpjxAcSSBXeJeMcM3ZfiLnsb4IArX8JMNhXwv6NjTw166mrLenaH_n69MOwY/s1600/isabella2.jpg" style="font-family: Allerta; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597423152776545618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHlEz_0GhFq7cSEMGPjGC42NMHrRtqpHUN7qg2g3eqfXaAShraUbh8O8fhyOMNVI532AxhzPT7OBst_XmIpjxAcSSBXeJeMcM3ZfiLnsb4IArX8JMNhXwv6NjTw166mrLenaH_n69MOwY/s320/isabella2.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(191, 5, 6); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 8px; position: relative; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong style="font-family: Allerta; font-size: 15px;">ISABELLA’S STORY</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VIasmKxA620EqO222yEhFuPizfcg5St28LeTuyOLG0D-_sh6_gNkkb12Tj1psxPcSlwMlvrWsMDftZCZDpgpH0w0BFYF1k6OA0ByDZsbJ9QqGJG497oJk7fLkk-z9AitoxbJwywm7yz4/s1600/isabella1.jpg" style="font-family: Allerta; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597422912213547858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VIasmKxA620EqO222yEhFuPizfcg5St28LeTuyOLG0D-_sh6_gNkkb12Tj1psxPcSlwMlvrWsMDftZCZDpgpH0w0BFYF1k6OA0ByDZsbJ9QqGJG497oJk7fLkk-z9AitoxbJwywm7yz4/s320/isabella1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(191, 5, 6); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 8px; position: relative; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 17px;">I am 50. I have 4 children. </span><span style="line-height: 17px;">Sarah is 23 and married; William is 19;Rachel is 17 and Isabella is 2. </span><span style="line-height: 17px;">I waited 20 years to return to work as a pharmacist after having my children and decided to return to work in 2009. My start date was December 7th. Earlier that year, my sweet husband decided that I was close enough to menopause that pregnancy was not a danger for us, though I assured him that I was still having regular periods! I prayed every month that God would protect me from getting pregnant! I thought I was too old and I had finally gotten over my chronic case of baby fever. I have had baby fever all my life! I would say, "Lord, thank you so much for my period this month. You are so wise and good. You know this is not the time or the season for a pregnancy. Thank you for protecting me." I firmly believe only God can create a life!</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Well, on December 6th, I realized that I was a couple of weeks past due for my period. I thought, "Surely not!"</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sure enough, the pregnancy test was positive! I can't believe I cried, as much as I love babies, but I was not prepared! My oldest was engaged to be married in June. I was returning to work. I was too old! My husband looked like he was going to die. He was NOT happy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I said to God, "Lord, I know that I always said you ripped me off and that I should have had more children. But I meant earlier, not now! I really was just kidding You. Can't You take a joke. I think I could audibly hear Him say, "Can't you?!"</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I waited until the 12th week of my pregnancy to schedule an appointment. The chances of miscarriage at my age in the first trimester were 95%. The chances of getting pregnant at that age, I read, were nearly nil. I didn't think I would be having a baby.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sure enough the sonogram showed a 12 week old fetus. My blood pressure went really high. My doctor was worried, but I told him that if he just found out he was having a baby at 47, his blood pressure would go up too!</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>At that point, I began to get excited. Maybe I would pull a Sarah and Abraham in my old age. I sure felt old!</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Every month, my husband would say, "Are you still pregnant?" in his Eeyore voice. I would answer, "Yes, I am still pregnant!"</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>By 18 weeks, I was so happy with my pregnancy. I had no clue what was in store for us.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I went for a detailed sonogram, the one where the check the baby for any problems.The technician asked if I wanted to know my baby's sex. The baby was enough surprise for me, and for the first time, I found out before delivery what I was carrying. It was a girl!</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>At my 18 week visit with the perinatologist, they did a sonogram with high resolution and they found a large cystic hygroma and an echogenic bowel. And it was a girl. Her head circumference was measuring a few weeks behind as were her long bones. Her overall measurements were a week or so behind, He couldn't see her heart or face. He classified hygromas as and small, medium and large. It was 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the babies head and extended all the way down her back. The perinatologist said that the chances of survival were slim to none and offered me an abortion. He wanted to do an amniocentesis, but said that it wouldn't help the baby, so I declined.<br />He said that the hygroma was septated and that those almost never resolve even when they are small, but that he had seen things he didn't think would get better get better. But he didn't want me to have false hope. I told him hope was not a bad thing. After we left his office, I broke down in tears. I had finally decided that I really was going to have a baby and I was really excited. Now it seemed that I would lose her. I was heartbroken. I researched online and found that the statistics for survival of a small, nonseptated hygroma were not great, but large, septated hygromas had almost no chance of resolving. I prayed to God for her life. We named her Isabella, which means, “God’s promise,” and her middle name is Grace and encompasses all that God is , His power, love, mercy, forgiveness, healing and unmerited favor.<br /><br />I wanted anything I could hold on to. I prayed that God would spare her and prayed almost daily for some sign from Him that she would be OK. I never really felt that I could hear God clearly about her. But as time wore on and she was still with me, I began to feel that He might be saying, "Yes."I lived for her kicks and flutters.<br /><br />I also found the website, benotafraid.net. I found the story of Louise Foster Flannigan and her daughter, Rosie, who had a cystic hygroma with hydrops. And Laura Dawson was pregnant with her baby Rosie as I was pregnant with Isabella. Laura’s baby’s hydrops was resolving. I watched as week by week her Rosie beat the odds. There was hope<br />Every other week, I would listen to Isabella’s heart, still beating and hope that the hygroma was going away. At around 22 weeks at the perinatologist, the hygroma was no worse and possibly better. The long bones and head circumference were again behind as were her overall measurements. She might survive. Then he said that he thought that the baby had trisomy 13 or 18. Those are fatal chromosomal abnormalities and I was devastated. I couldn't understand why God would give me a child to take her away.<br />As time wore on, I understood that she was eternal. That I would always have her even if she didn't survive to term or after. That she was fearfully and wonderfully made just like my other three children and that I would have her for an eternity even if not here. I prepared for Down's Syndrome, T-13, T-18, Turner's and the death of my baby.<br />As I read about Down's Syndrome children, more and more friends came to me and said those were the sweetest children ever born. I read story after story of how these children blessed their families. I read stories of mother's that lost their babies to T13 or T18 and heard how their babies blessed them no matter how short the lifeI read stories of how all these babies blessed their mothers even if they didn’t make it to viability. They were loved, wanted, and eternal. ( And I read stories of survival with T13 and T18, babies that beat the odds and were so loved and cherished. My friend, Julie Stahl’s baby, diagnosed with T13 inutero while I was carrying Isabella, is thriving and developing normally. As it turns out, she has a partial T13 and is not as affected as first diagnosed. I read Rosie's story and Laura's stories again and again and felt hope that a hygroma could be overcome.<br />At 24 weeks, her echo of her heart appeared normal.<br /><br />At 26 weeks, my oldest daughter, Sarah, got married. My youngest daughter, Rachel, sang a song at the wedding that she had been singing to Isabella and as she sang, Isabella kicked the entire song. The song was “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need.” I knew she heard it.<br />At 28 weeks, the hygroma was completely gone. I believe this was the visit where he said that one of her kidneys was polycystic and that the other was probably functioning, but that he couldn't guarantee what would happen with her kidneys. Her measurements were following the same pattern with an overall 33rd percentile. He again said that he thought the baby was T13 or T18. The sonographer said that she thought her feet were swollen. I certainly hoped so as that was a sign of Turner’s and not of T13 or T18. I was still devastated that he thought it was T13 or T18. I knew that God would bless me with either outcome, but so wanted to keep my Isabella. I prayed for what I wanted, a daughter to keep for a lifetime.<br />At 32 weeks, her measurements fell to overall 15th percentile. He thought she had rocker bottom feet and again said that he thought she was T13 or 18. Her head and long bones had fallen even further behind normal. Again the sonographer thought the feet just swollen. I was suffering from preelcampsia and there was a possibility that the placenta was not functioning optimally with her further decline on the growth chart.<br />She was delivered at 34 weeks due to preeclamsia. The placenta was 25 to 30 % abrupted and I would have lost her at 40%. Two of the happiest moments in my life were when I heard her cry when she was born, she came out furious and screaming, and later when the perinatologist came in and told me that she appeared to have Turner Syndrome. I cried tears of joy. I would get to keep her. She was 4 pounds 1 oz. and 17 inches long. Isabella went straight to room air. She had to have some time to be able to take nourishment. They started with 5cc every 3 hours and in 10 days had her to 2 oz every 4 hours. She came home at 11 days old and 4 lbs 6 oz.<br />As a tiny infant, she is a beautiful baby and a joy to have. We all adore her and can't imagine life without her. She is so sweet to hold as she snuggles into you when she sleeps. She loves to be held, talked to and sung to. She expresses her wants clearly. She makes the sweetest sounds and squeaks when she is enjoying being fed and snuggled. She says "Unh-unh" forcefully if you do something she doesn't like. And of course screams her head off if you really upset her. We all exclaim over her all day and she never lacks for a willing set of arms.<br /><br />Don't give up hope. The doctor's are often wrong. They don't know your baby’s future.<br />Hang on.<br />Sing to your baby. Read to your baby. I did. Do all the things you would like to do with your baby now. Enjoy your baby and your pregnancy as much as you can.<br />Don't let this steal your joy. I am sorry for the times I let the trial steal my joy. Enjoy this baby. You may have all you want and more. It can be better than you ever imagined.<br />And your baby is eternal, whether held here for a short time or for a lifetime.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMx2BPqhT-GWtdKl7X6lcdBfxZEQKqCSZ243jM9v05xg85dH7yQqVqE92yakAvHXVx0oXqKWoBDlDMOMxfzpmxpWbWEEjblm5zWBjrcRlclxsdQ9mSaZymfHMUXpyHMlPMjEKfwVqTIcw/s1600/isabella4.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597424001273749890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMx2BPqhT-GWtdKl7X6lcdBfxZEQKqCSZ243jM9v05xg85dH7yQqVqE92yakAvHXVx0oXqKWoBDlDMOMxfzpmxpWbWEEjblm5zWBjrcRlclxsdQ9mSaZymfHMUXpyHMlPMjEKfwVqTIcw/s320/isabella4.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(191, 5, 6); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 8px; position: relative; text-align: center; width: 263px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Update April 2011:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxHUlj74t5QSu0PHhJi0TVD9hG7O2Lx1f6WEw_qxcSqya_rE781HSHZHxs3SqqoR82Jub9UTP82NrxLhq9FIFR1WBf7X4AVxHCe4AAwKQunxVxZGLKEoD_9MtQvO7cn4riXg5z4T6o6QZ/s1600/isabella3.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597423454576888338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxHUlj74t5QSu0PHhJi0TVD9hG7O2Lx1f6WEw_qxcSqya_rE781HSHZHxs3SqqoR82Jub9UTP82NrxLhq9FIFR1WBf7X4AVxHCe4AAwKQunxVxZGLKEoD_9MtQvO7cn4riXg5z4T6o6QZ/s320/isabella3.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(191, 5, 6); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 8px; position: relative; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />Isabella is now 9 ½ months old, 8 months old adjusted for prematurity. Her heart is fine. She has one kidney that is slow to drain, but that seems to be resolving, it was not polycystic, it was hydronephrotic, meaning that it was not draining properly, but fully functional. She sits alone, babbles, says Mama, and is still the light and joy of the entire family.</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-2009013019777929152012-11-29T20:48:00.004-08:002012-11-30T16:24:57.787-08:00My possessions can be stolen, but not my treasures!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34, Matthew 6:21......<br />
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Today my wallet was stolen right under my nose. I saw her face. I saw her put her hand in her purse, certain that the wallet she had just taken out of the shopping cart was now in her purse. When I confronted her and asked if she saw my wallet in the buggy that I had just vacated to get another, she denied seeing it, but promptly ditched the buggy, left the store, went to her car and left the parking lot.<br />
I thank God that all my treasures are in Him.<br />
Last night, Sarah and I left Jackson at the same time. She was headed to Hattiesburg. Rachel, Isabella and I were headed to Meridian. I hated knowing that she would be traveling alone, late at night, on a bad two lane highway. I really wanted to follow her and then come home, but I didn't. I prayed. I prayed that God would surround her with angels, that His hand would protect and guide her safely home if it was His will, certain that nothing could circumvent His will.<br />
I breathed a prayer of thanks when she said she was pullling into her apartment complex, grateful that God protected her and certain that angels surrounded her. I love the story of Eliasha and Gehazi when they are surrounded by the army of the enemy, and God opens Gehazi's eyes to the army of angels that surrounded them protecting them for harm. Nothing can stay His hand when He acts. 2 Kings 6:8-22!<br />
A dear friend lost her newborn baby to Turner's Syndrome about a year ago. When she did, as she grieved, she said that the only person that she could have released her precious daughter to was her Savior that sacrificed for them both and loved them both.<br />
I knew that if anything happened to Sarah, she would be with my Savior. He is the only one that I could release one of my children to and even then, they are not gone. My treasure are stored in heaven. My heart would be broken, just as my friend's heart was broken. But my treasure would not be gone. He already holds my treasures safely in His hand.<br />
Oh Lord, what would I do if my treasure were not in You?<br />
Thank you for your Son you sent so long ago.<br />
As we welcome this Christmas season, let us remember where our treasures lie.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-26337530917607322252012-11-14T06:49:00.000-08:002012-11-14T06:59:26.362-08:00Living Word<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
<br />
</h1>
<div class="passage-updatetranslation page-translation">
</div>
<h3>
God's word is alive. I know it every time I read it. I feel His presence in His word. I hear His heart in His word. He changes my heart with His Word. For that, I am so very grateful. </h3>
<h3>
I see the stain of my sin ever before me. My heart is not the heart I want most of the time. I want His heart in me. Mine is tarnished. </h3>
<h3>
Sanctification is a process. If you are like me, you probably wish it was instantaneous. Oh for that glorious day when the presence of sin will be no more, when I am in glory, and I don't have to struggle with my sin nature that I abhor. But it is a tedious process. I struggle with the same things over and over, trying to root those stubborn sinful attitudes and actions out of my life. </h3>
<h3>
When I am immersed in His presence, in His Word, I feel the difference between who I am and who I want to be. I see the change He makes in me. I am grateful. I love Who He Is in me. Without Him, I would be hopeless, angry, bitter, hurt... Doomed to be buried and rotting in my sin. Doomed to relive past grievances until my soul rotted in the ugly bitterness of the pain. In Him, because He has forgiven me, I find the strength to forgive, to let go. To want to be like Him.</h3>
<h3>
Without Him, I would be doomed to be irritated by the annoyances of every day life, doomed to be selfish and self-centered all the time, doomed
to squander my time and my days in self indulgence. He is my self
control. He is my strength. He is the love in my heart. He is my
direction. </h3>
<h3>
As His living Word fills me, I am changed for as long as I dwell on it and am filled. That's why He says to meditate on it day and night. That's why He tells us to pray without ceasing. That's why He tells us to always be thankful.</h3>
<h3>
It is the constant, day in, day out, all day long practice of praise, prayer, and meditation that allows us to be filled with Him and in His presence. Only then can we be different.</h3>
<h3>
<br />I am working on that. I get so distracted by life. </h3>
<h3>
Philippians 1:6 says "He that began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."</h3>
<h3>
I am so grateful.....</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Hebrews 4:12</h3>
<span class="userContent"> (New American Standard Bible)<br />
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any
two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit,
of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and
intentions of the heart.</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Joshua 1</h3>
<span class="text Josh-1-7" id="en-NIV-5859"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.</span> <span class="text Josh-1-8" id="en-NIV-5860"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.</span> <span class="text Josh-1-9" id="en-NIV-5861"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God will be with you wherever you go.”</span><br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Psalm 1 </h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
New American Standard Bible (NASB)</div>
</div>
<h3>
<span class="text Ps-1-1">The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.</span></h3>
<div class="poetry">
<div class="line">
<span class="chapter-1"><span class="text Ps-1-1"><span class="chapternum">1 </span>How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-1">Nor stand in the path of sinners,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-1">Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-2" id="en-NASB-13942"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>But his delight is in the law of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-2">And in His law he meditates day and night.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-3" id="en-NASB-13943"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>He will be like a tree <i>firmly</i> planted by streams of water,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-3">Which yields its fruit in its season</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-3">And its leaf does not wither;</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-3">And in whatever he does, he prospers.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-1-4" id="en-NASB-13944"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>The wicked are not so,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-4">But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-5" id="en-NASB-13945"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-5">Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-6" id="en-NASB-13946"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>For the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> knows the way of the righteous,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-1-6">But the way of the wicked will perish.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-17691497057519687082012-11-13T05:17:00.001-08:002012-11-14T06:50:35.208-08:00Be still and know that I am God!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Be still, and know that I am God!<br />
Psalm 46:10<br />
There's nothing like acknowledging His presence in my life. I read this Psalm this morning and the peace that surpasses all understanding washed over my soul. Waves of peace, the peace of His presence.<br />
Here is the entire Psalm for you to ponder! The Word, living and breathing in us!<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Psalm 46 </h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
King James Version (KJV)</div>
</div>
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Ps-46-1" id="en-KJV-14616"><span class="chapternum">46 </span>God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.</span></div>
<span class="text Ps-46-2" id="en-KJV-14617"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-3" id="en-KJV-14618"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-4" id="en-KJV-14619"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-5" id="en-KJV-14620"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-6" id="en-KJV-14621"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-7" id="en-KJV-14622"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-8" id="en-KJV-14623"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Come, behold the works of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, what desolations he hath made in the earth.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-9" id="en-KJV-14624"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>He
maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow,
and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-10" id="en-KJV-14625"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-11" id="en-KJV-14626"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-46-11" id="en-KJV-14626">Maybe you needed to hear this today as I did. Maybe you needed to be reminded that HE IS GOD! </span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-11" id="en-KJV-14626">He is our refuge! He is our strength! He is our help!</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-46-11" id="en-KJV-14626">He is with me today. I am not alone. You are not alone.</span><br />
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-68903755427469173052012-10-29T08:34:00.001-07:002013-03-10T11:41:45.462-07:00He is our Peace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="text Col-3-15" id="en-NASB-29533"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>Let the peace of Christ <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29533m" title="See footnote m">m</a>]"></sup>rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.</span> <span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-NASB-29534"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms <i>and</i> hymns <i>and</i> spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-NASB-29534">Peace is something I have been working on. </span><br />
<span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-NASB-29534">I recently read Tracie Miles new book, Stressed Less Living. Tracie offers a fresh perspective and practical tools to help us recognize and deal with every day stress. One thing she points out is that our stress is not really the product of the stressful situations in our lives. </span><br />
<span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-NASB-29534">I am going to borrow Tracie's words from her 10 day stress detox. She does such a great job of helping us see that if the stressors in our lives today were gone, they would be replaced by different ones. I want a peace that is independent of my stressors. Here is Tracie's post. </span><br />
<span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-NASB-29534">Go to </span><br />
<span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-NASB-29534"><br /></span>
<span class="text Col-3-16" id="en-NASB-29534">http://traciemiles.com/ for more of Tracie's inspiring words. You can sign up for her next 10 day Stress Detox.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<h3 class="h1" style="display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 34px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">STRESS DETOX<br />
DAY 2</span></span></span></b></h3>
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today's Peace-full thought:</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the
world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let
it be fearful. (NASB)</span></span></h3>
</div>
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today's Prescription for Peace:<br />
REFLECT</span></span></h3>
</div>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Peace. Can you picture it? What do you see?</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Does your mental picture include a golden sunset at the edge of a lake,
a gentle ocean breeze, or frozen breath on a snow topped mountain?</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Does your last picture of peace date back to a time in your life before
your problems began; before abuse, divorce, bankruptcy, infertility,
unemployment, etc.?</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There are different ways to define peace, and each one of us may have a
different mental picture, so it’s important to reflect on what is
shaping our picture of peace.</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For example, peace to a mom of several young toddlers might be a lack
of noise. Peace to a mom of teenagers might be a noisy house, knowing
that all her kids are safely at home. Peace to a busy employee might be
a day without problems or deadlines. Peace to a high school student
might be the absence of a bully who taunts him or her every day. Peace
to a person struggling financially might mean knowing that all of the
bills are paid. Peace to a person who is unhappy with their job might
be the acquirement of a new position.</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sometimes our mental pictures of peace – those dream scenarios that we
think will make us less stressed – can actually distort our view of what
real peace really is. Unfortunately, the longer we reflect on the
world’s view of peace instead of peace that is found in Jesus, the
chances of ever finding real peace is slim to none.</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Many people think that the definition of peace is simply the absence of
conflict, but the absence of conflict is only a temporary situation
that will always eventually come to a close. This is a fragile view of
peace, because the sense of peace is based solely on one’s
circumstances.</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A much better definition of peace is one that rests on the ability to
rise above our circumstances, overcome our innate tendency to stress out
over problems, and help us learn to remain calm and confident despite
what is going on around us.</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That is real peace—a peace based on Christ, not on people or
circumstances. A peace based on faith, not on personal desires being
met. A peace based on a quieted heart, not on a quiet house. A peace
based on the love of Jesus, not on an easy day at work. A peace based on
trusting God in all things, not just the simple things we think we can
handle on our own.</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is it possible that peace has seemed a thing of the past and out of
your reach, because you have been searching for peace in all the wrong
places? Because you have had allowed the world’s pictures of peace to
distort what real peace really is? Because you have succumbed to the lie
that your life can never be peaceful again, because of the
circumstances in your life right now?</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sometimes we need to reflect on the past and the present, and peek at
what our private mental picture of peace really is, in order to discover
that we might need to make some mental adjustments. Once we grab onto
God's picture of peace and ask Him to intervene in our lives, we can
step into every day with our hearts and minds focused on God. Doing
that does automatically mean that every day will be free of conflict and
overflowing with serenity, but we can ask for God to help our hearts
not be troubled - or at least, not near as much.</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God's truths in today's key verse remind us that real peace can be
fully present in our hearts on the inside, even when our entire life is
overflowing with chaos on the outside. Real peace does not come when
life starts going our way, people start getting what they deserve, and
all problems get resolved.</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Only Jesus can give real peace. Real peace that is not based on
circumstances. Once we get a taste of that kind of peace- we are never
the same again.</span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></h3>
<hr />
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Dear Lord, I do want a peace that is a life transforming. Peace
that I know can only from You. My life is chaotic, and I have simply not
taken time to reflect on when peace became a memory, instead of a
reality, in my life. I ask that You infuse Your peace into my heart, and
quiet my soul. Help me to see You in the midst of my circumstances,
rather than only seeing my circumstances. Help me to seek You above all
else, even when what I really want to seek, is change. Help me come to
know You through the challenges I am facing, so that Your peace can be
mine. In Jesus name, Amen.</i></span></span></span></b></h3>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></span></b></h3>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-37024416259526457042012-10-24T18:25:00.001-07:002012-10-24T18:25:50.548-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
O.K., I have to link you all up with Warrior Wives today, also. This is a timely word for something that we are almost all guilty of...<br />
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<h2 class="date-header">
<span>Wednesday, October 24, 2012</span></h2>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=617714280724343551" name="4849471556397684795"></a>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
How Do I Fret?
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>I know
a lot of Warrior Wives. So, I asked one of them - my friend Jen - to
share about what has been on her heart for wives. Enjoy!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;">How do I Fret? Let me count the ways…</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It is better to live in a desert land than
with a quarrelsome and fretful woman. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Proverbs 21:19</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is one of
those verses that makes me wince. God
would rather have my husband be incredibly dehydrated and hot than be with an
argumentative, fretful woman. And not
just any woman. Me. His woman. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can picture my
husband now, tongue hanging out past his chin as he drags himself over the
bones of other dead husbands, muttering joyfully, “Thanks Jesus, thanks for putting
me here in this parched and scorching land, far, far away from my fretful
wife.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And Jesus is
like, “I’m there for you, bro…”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, that was
maybe too silly, but God is saying a desert is preferable to a quarrelsome,
fretting wife.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And quarrelsome
I understand. But fretting…what’s the
big deal with a fretful wife? What is a fretful wife?</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think a
fretful wife is one that is never really trusting in her husband. She’s always the back-handed complimenting
type. Like, “Oh, it’s great you’re spending time with other men talking about
the Bible. I wish you would spend time
with the kids like that…” Or another one
would be, “Thanks so much for helping me with the dishes and putting the kids
to bed, of course, now I don’t know where anything in the kitchen is and you
just let the kids sleep in their day clothes…” </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Fret, fret, fret. Wives are saying, “That’s not how I would do it. You are </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">almost</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">
helpful to me.”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A fretful wife
isn’t showing respect for her husband.
She’s slowly wearing him down.
You don’t respect what you wear down.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I think
about a fretful wife, I feel bad. I wear
that title a lot. Fretting fits me comfy
like that old pair of granny underwear you put on when your husband’s on a
business trip and won’t be skyping with you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I am easily tempted
to think of the bad things my husband does.
Sometimes, I want to focus on his down side. If I am always fretting,
how will this verse in Proverbs 31 ever happen, </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How can my
husband trust in me, if I am always worrying over his decisions? The examples I have given are relatively
small, but they can be larger. Maybe you
fret over a job choice or a financial decision.
It is easy to always be second guessing him. Not to imply that you should have no say in
the decision making process, but once the decision is made, you support it, and
that means no fretting!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fretting keeps
us from being united with our husbands. And at the same time we fret, we also
want total openness and intimacy. Who
doesn’t swoon over the words, “The heart of her husband trusts in her…?” It’s
like saying, “You complete me…” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">How can your
husband trust in someone who doesn’t trust in him? If you are always running
behind your man, wringing your hands, rolling your eyes and essentially saying,
“That’s not how I would do it…that’s not how I would do it…” You are never
going to have trust. You will be left eating
stale popcorn on the couch, watching <i>Jerry
McGuire</i></span> <span style="line-height: 115%;">and</span> <span style="line-height: 115%;">wondering, “Why can’t I have that kind of relationship?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we
fret, we are ultimately not trusting in the sovereignty of God. We are
saying, “Sure this knucklehead husband of mine almost gets it, but if I
were in control, I would have handled it so much better.” Of course you
would not have. Because the only perfect handler of our short lives is
Jesus. And when you are tempted to put on your old granny “Fretful and
lovin’ it” drawers, just remember God loves you and is with you. He
doesn’t want you to fret. He wants you to encourage. Be thankful. God
is in control and he will use the misplaced dishes to help you. God
will use the children going to bed in their play clothes to bless you.
Jesus loves you and your husband and as long as your eyes are on Him,
you will not be fretting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just one more
thought. What If Jesus treated you like you treat your husband? What if Jesus
was a fretter like I am? What if he said
to me, “Hey great job with the kids today.
Way to listen to the radio when the whole family was in the car. It’s too bad
you didn’t use that time to talk about me.”
I would feel doomed! If Jesus was a fretter, I would start looking for a
desert! Because who could please God if
He really fretted over you the way you fret over your husband?</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPAgfYedIy0/UISVNGIBcsI/AAAAAAAADHo/AGBrgwE8qxE/s1600/jen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPAgfYedIy0/UISVNGIBcsI/AAAAAAAADHo/AGBrgwE8qxE/s320/jen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Jennifer
Fitzpatrick is happily married to her husband Kevin. She has three
children. The whole family enjoys their lives in the Shenandoah Valley,
surrounded by cows, stared at by the neighbors, and loved at their
church.</i></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Sharing with: </b></span><a href="http://www.tolovehonorandvacuum.com/">Wifey Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://www.deeprootsathome.com/">Deep Roots at Home</a>, <a href="http://www.wearethatfamily.com/">We Are THAT Family</a>, <a href="http://noordinarybloghop.blogspot.com/">NOBH</a>, <a href="http://www.womenlivingwell.org/">Women Living Well</a>, <a href="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/">Thriving Thursdays</a>, <a href="http://www.rediscoveringdomesticity.com/">Rediscovering Domesticity</a>, <a href="http://intentional.me/">Thought Provoking Thursday</a>, <a href="http://www.foundthemarbles.com/">Thoughtful Thursday</a>, <a href="http://www.oursimplecountrylife.com/">Hearts for Home Thursday</a>, <a href="http://passionateandcreativehomemaking.blogspot.com/">Beautiful Thursday</a>, </span></div>
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Posted by
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-78324906889306547592012-10-23T22:08:00.001-07:002012-10-24T07:42:22.177-07:0021 Days to a More Disciplined Life!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am linking you to a blog called Money Saving Mom today. She has a great post about how to develop the habits you want to build in your life.<br />
<h1 class="entry-title">
21 Days to a More Disciplined Life: Implement One Habit at a Time</h1>
<br />
<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Screen-shot-2011-11-10-at-10.14.33-PM.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-59385" height="254" src="http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Screen-shot-2011-11-10-at-10.14.33-PM.png" title="Screen shot 2011-11-10 at 10.14.33 PM" width="401" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have been working on diet and exercise for the past 2 months, and I have those conquered. I have lost 21 pounds and have a habit of regular exercise that I miss when I have to give it up for a day! Yay me! It's way overdue. I was on my way to fitness when I got pregnant with Isabella. I didn't gain with my pregnancy; I gained after it, sitting around nursing and eating to make sure I had a supply. I ate my way to 40 more pounds. I already needed to lose a lot, even though I had lost 20 pounds before I got pregnant. So this was a big priority for me.<br />
<br />
It;s only fair to admit that my house is a wreck since I have been exercising daily! But the dirt will still be there for me to clean up when I can add that back to my list of great habits! Maybe when Isabella is older!<br />
<br />
I have been doing regular bible study for the past 2 or 3 months, also, but I have yet to conquer a DAILY quiet time. When things are busy, I have catch up days. A DAILY quiet time and prayer time are next on my list. I may have to do them before I go to bed, but it's going to be daily. My goal will be first thing in the morning.<br />
Join me in developing the habits you want! We CAN have the lives we want to lead!<br />
<br />
Here's the link!<br />
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<br />
http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/11/21-days-to-a-more-disciplined-life-implement-one-habit-at-a-time.html<br />
<br />
Sorry I can't get the link to work. Just copy and paste! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-51551556522684668962012-10-22T15:20:00.001-07:002012-10-23T22:37:41.239-07:00The BIggest Rocks First!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
The Biggest Rocks<br />
This is a list of the most important tasks I want to accomplish in my life.<br />
1. Have a close, vibrant relationship with God by having a regular quiet time and time in the Word every day.<br />
2. Have a prayer life that is on fire! Keep a prayer journal.<br />
3. Be the witness of all that He has done for me. Blog regularly.<br />
4. Have the marriage God calls me to have.<br />
5. Find and accomplish all the He has for me to do. This includes reaching out to the poor and lost in tangible ways. This includes sharing my story.<br />
6. Have family devotional times at meal time.<br />
7. Memorize scripture at meal times. To do this we need nightly meals around the table. <br />
8. Have monthly parties to bring others into my home. (To do this, we need a regular routine for keeping the house clean and the laundry done.<br />
<br />
9. Continue to exercise and diet to regain my fitness.<br />
10. Lead my children to have an impact for the Lord.<br />
<br />
The Unveiled Wife made a list of tasks to accomplish in her marriage. I am going to copy her list for you. It's great!<br />
<h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">10 Commitments To A Better Marriage – <i>The Marriage To-Do-List</i></span></h3>
<blockquote>
1. Love Intentionally<br />
2. Pray For My Spouse<br />
3. Be Content<br />
4. Bless My Spouse<br />
5. Read Scripture Together<br />
6. Respect My Spouse<br />
7. Initiate Intimacy<br />
8. Be Transparent<br />
9. Give Thanks<br />
10. Affirm My Spouse</blockquote>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<br />
Read more - > <a href="http://unveiledwife.com/10-commitments-to-a-better-marriage/">http://unveiledwife.com/10-commitments-to-a-better-marriage/</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-82196362009003492782012-10-11T13:23:00.000-07:002012-10-11T13:28:21.918-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-6" id="en-NASB-29501">Colossians 2: 6-7 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, <i>so</i> walk in Him,</span> <span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NASB-29502"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>having been firmly rooted <i>and now</i> being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, <i>and</i> overflowing with gratitude.</span></span></span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NASB-29502"> </span></span></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NASB-29502">We received our Precious Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NASB-29502">Oh how I pray that we all would walk in Him</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NASB-29502">firmly rooted</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NASB-29502">being built up in Him</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NASB-29502">established in our faith</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NASB-29502">overflowing with gratitude!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-7" id="en-NASB-29502">Colossians 1:28-29 <span class="text Col-1-28" id="en-NASB-29494"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29494al" title="See footnote al">al</a>]"></sup>with all wisdom, so that we may present every man <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29494am" title="See footnote am">am</a>]"></sup>complete in Christ.</span> <span class="text Col-1-29" id="en-NASB-29495"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29495an" title="See footnote an">an</a>]"></sup>power, which <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29495ao" title="See footnote ao">ao</a>]"></sup>mightily works within me.</span></span></span></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I keep coming back to this verse!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> It just makes me cry...</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Grateful to proclaim Him!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> With a goal to admonish and teach every man with all wisdom</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Grateful that His power works mightily within me!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Colossians 2:8-10 <span class="text Col-2-8" id="en-NASB-29503">See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29503h" title="See footnote h">h</a>]"></sup>rather than according to Christ.</span> <span class="text Col-2-9" id="en-NASB-29504"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,</span> <span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>and in Him you have been made <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29505i" title="See footnote i">i</a>]"></sup>complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;</span></span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">How many times do we let worldly philosophy guide us? </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">I catch myself when reading the blogs of sister's in Christ realizing that my actions and thoughts are worldly and need to be changed. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">I am grateful for their transparent sharing of their faults and troubles, for it helps me to see mine the way God would have me to. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">The world says... Don't let anyone run over you! Stand up for your rights!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">The scriptures have this to say about it..</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">Philippians 2:1-8</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Phil-2-1"><span class="chapternum">2 </span>Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29393a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup>affection and compassion,</span> <span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-NASB-29394"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>make my joy complete <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29394b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]"></sup>by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.</span> <span class="text Phil-2-3" id="en-NASB-29395"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>Do nothing <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29395c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]"></sup>from <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29395d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]"></sup>selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;</span> <span class="text Phil-2-4" id="en-NASB-29396"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>do not <i>merely</i> look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.</span> <span class="text Phil-2-5" id="en-NASB-29397"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Have this attitude <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29397e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]"></sup>in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,</span> <span class="text Phil-2-6" id="en-NASB-29398"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29398f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]"></sup>grasped,</span> <span class="text Phil-2-7" id="en-NASB-29399"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>but <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29399g" title="See footnote g">g</a>]"></sup>emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, <i>and</i> being made in the likeness of men.</span> <span class="text Phil-2-8" id="en-NASB-29400"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29400h" title="See footnote h">h</a>]"></sup>on a cross.</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Phil-2-8" id="en-NASB-29400">The scriptures also say to speak the truth in love.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Phil-2-8" id="en-NASB-29400">If you have issues with someone in your life, communicate the truth in love, yet put them first, in love...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Phil-2-8" id="en-NASB-29400">God works in ways that we can't see or imagine. Pray. Trust Him. Seek Godly counsel. The help is out there. But don't turn to the world's ways. They won't take you where you want to go. Only God can help you be who He wants you to be, where He wants you to be, doing what He wants you to do. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Phil-2-8" id="en-NASB-29400">And in the end, I think it is more about who you are, wherever you are, whatever you are doing. When we are allowing Him to breathe through us to others, letting His lights shine through us, reflecting Him because we have been in His presence, then we can accomplish what He has for us to accomplish.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">Don't turn to philosophy to guide you, turn to Christ. Put Him first! In Him we are complete!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">It's all Christ! </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-9" id="en-NASB-29504"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,</span> <span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>and in Him you have been made <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29505i" title="See footnote i">i</a>]"></sup>complete, and He is the head <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29505j" title="See footnote j">j</a>]"></sup>over all rule and authority;</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505"> In Him we are complete. All the treasure of wisdom and knowledge are there, available to us if we choose. So often, and I catch myself at this all the time, I know what He wants me to do and it is a battle of His will and mine. I have to choose to do His will. WE WANT TO BE IN CONTROL! IS THAT BECAUSE WE THINK WE KNOW BETTER???????</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">SILLY HUMANS!!!!!!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">It's called obedience. He is the head of me. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">He is the head over all rule and authority. If there is an authority in your life that needs to change, He is head over them. Pray first! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">Colossians 2:11-12</span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span class="text Col-2-11" id="en-NASB-29506"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;</span> <span class="text Col-2-12" id="en-NASB-29507"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.</span></span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-12" id="en-NASB-29507"> </span></span> <span class="text Col-2-13" id="en-NASB-29508"></span></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Col-2-10" id="en-NASB-29505">He has done what we could not do ourselves. He has removed our bodies of flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried us with Him in baptism, and raised us up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Because of this, we are capable of being obedient to Him in our actions. We are capable of actions that glorify Him and are pleasing to Him.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ephesians 2:10<br />For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.</span></span></h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-44094514296806937342012-10-02T07:38:00.001-07:002012-10-02T07:38:09.721-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.ca/2012/09/revive-your-marriage-revive-your-sx-life.html"></a></h3>
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<a href="http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.ca/2012/09/revive-your-marriage-revive-your-sx-life.html">Revive Your Marriage - Revive Your S*x Life</a></h3>
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<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/">womenlivingwell.org</a></h3>
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<a href="http://www.tolovehonorandvacuum.com/"> tolovehonorandvacuum.com</a> </h3>
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<a href="http://unveiledwife.com/">unveiledwife.com</a> </h3>
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<a href="http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.ca/search/label/Revive%20Your%20Marriage" target="_blank">TimeWarpWife.com</a></h3>
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O.K., I feel really inadequate to post on this, even after 30 years of marriage. These girls, listed above, have covered the topic really well. And to be honest, all I feel is convicted right now. I have my two year old co-sleeping with us. There's not much going on.......Obviously, I need to do some work.</h3>
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I will say this, I believe God created s*x as a gift for us. These girls recommend some really good books and if your s*x life is not what you want, do go and get one. I did several years ago, and I think that is how I ended up with Isabella! LOL!</h3>
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<li><a href="http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/2012/02/29-days-to-great-sex-day-1-the-act-of-marriage/" target="_blank" title="29 Days to Great Sex Day 1: The Act of Marriage">The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex</a></li>
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<a href="http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/2012/02/29-days-to-great-sex-day-1-the-act-of-marriage/" target="_blank" title="29 Days to Great Sex Day 1: The Act of Marriage">29 Days to Great Sex</a> </h3>
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I believe in a great s*x life!</h3>
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It's important, and if you don't see a way to revitalize yours, talk with a counselor. </h3>
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<a href="http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/category/marriage/revive-your-marriage/" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-5061" height="125" src="http://womenlivingwell.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/to-love-honor-and-vaccuum.jpg" title="to love honor and vaccuum" width="125" /></a><a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-6398 alignleft" height="150" src="http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/WLW-Button-150.png" style="margin-left: 36px; margin-right: 36px;" title="WLW-Button-150" width="150" /></a><a href="http://timewarpwife.com/"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-6396 alignleft" height="129" src="http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/TimeWarpWife.jpg" style="margin-left: 36px; margin-right: 36px;" title="TimeWarpWife" width="129" /></a><a href="http://unveiledwife.com/"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6395" height="125" src="http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Unveiled-Wife.jpg" style="margin-left: 36px; margin-right: 36px;" title="Unveiled-Wife" width="125" /></a></h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-45366052968246333102012-09-25T08:59:00.002-07:002012-09-25T23:35:35.550-07:00Revive Your Marriage- Week 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Revive-Your-Marriage-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6143" height="178" src="http://womenlivingwell.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Revive-Your-Marriage-1.jpg" title="Revive-Your-Marriage (1)" width="400" /></a></div>
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He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17</div>
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He holds it all together. Everything!</div>
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My life, yours, our world, our universe.</div>
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Whether we acknowledge Him as Sovereign Lord of all creation or not, He is that!</div>
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In Colossians, He says that we are strengthened with all power according to His glorious might to steadfastly walk in a manner worthy of Him with all patience, joyously giving thanks!</div>
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That means we have His power to accomplish His will!</div>
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That is some power, girls!</div>
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We have no excuse! </div>
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We started week one with praying for our husbands, then we addressed our attitudes, and last week we worked on friendship. This week, we will address showing our husbands appreciation.</div>
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Do you ever feel unappreciated? It makes us grumpy and hard to live with sometimes if we feel that no one appreciates our efforts. I often have to take that to God and remember that I am living for Him and not the rest of the world. (Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23)</div>
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We don't want our husbands to feel grumpy and unappreciated. That makes them hard to live with. Not only that......</div>
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We are admonished in scripture to respect our husbands! If we are failing to show our husbands appreciation, we are failing to show them our respect. Part of respect is admiration and appreciation for the qualities and actions of that person.</div>
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I know, some of you feel that your husbands don't deserve your admiration and respect, but it is really a function of your obedience to God. Thank goodness God doesn't always give me what I deserve. </div>
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We have God's power to accomplish this task. It is simply a choice between our will or His for our lives.</div>
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We want His will. </div>
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<span class="text Isa-55-8" id="en-NASB-18749">“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,</span></div>
<span class="text Isa-55-8">Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span><span class="text Isa-55-9" id="en-NASB-18750"><sup class="versenum"></sup>“For <i>as</i> the heavens are higher than the earth,</span><br />
<span class="text Isa-55-9">So are My ways higher than your ways</span><br />
<span class="text Isa-55-9">And My thoughts than your thoughts."</span><br />
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<span class="text Isa-55-9">Isaiah 55: 8-9 </span></div>
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His ways are higher than ours and take us where we want to go!</div>
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Take the challenge this week and think of some creative ways to show your husband that you appreciate him. </div>
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Don't forget to visit the blogs below for their encouragement and insight into your efforts to have the marriage God wants for you.<br />
OK! I edited this to say you have GOT to read the posts below! I just finished to Love, Honor, and Vacuum and her post is SOOOO insightful! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-617714280724343551.post-59932668427080908752012-09-22T08:25:00.002-07:002012-09-22T08:25:20.151-07:00Rescued, Redeemed, Forgiven<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Colossians 1<br />
<span class="text Col-1-13"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of<sup> </sup><sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NASB-29479v" title="See footnote v">v</a>]"></sup>His beloved Son,</span> <span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480">He has brought me out of the darkness and into His light.</span><br />
<span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480">He has rescued me.</span><br />
<span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480">He has redeemed me.</span><br />
<span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480">He has forgiven me.</span><br />
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<span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480">Thank You, Lord! </span><br />
<span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480"> </span><br />
<span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480"> </span><br />
<span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480"></span><span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480"></span><span class="text Col-1-14" id="en-NASB-29480"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10767974928781380215noreply@blogger.com0