tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25441819539183761482023-11-15T08:09:08.064-08:00Real ReligionThis blog intends to promote the simple reading and explanation of Scripture. "Man shall not live by bread alone..." This means that there is more to living life than eating, working and sleeping. "but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God." God's word provides the nutrients we need to live a purposeful and obedient life. Verse for Today intends to feed this need.Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-86048344179817806022013-05-09T14:08:00.002-07:002017-05-19T07:26:26.672-07:00Ascension Day Is Institutional Church Day Verse for Today<br />
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Day Is Institutional Church Day<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Ephesians 4:11-13 <b>“And He Himself gave some to be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the
equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body
of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness
of Christ….”</b></div>
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Today is the Institutional Church Day… or perhaps more
commonly known as Ascension Day. This is
the day the Christian Church has historically marked as the day Christ ascended
up into heaven. One can and should read
of this in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201:1-11&version=NKJV">Acts
1:1-11</a> (if not now when?). </div>
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From the lack of attention this “holy” day receives from the
Church (let alone the World), we might suppose that it’s not actually that
important. Even religious calendars often fail to include reference to it. However, if we
assume that what the World says and does is generally wrong and the opposite of
what Biblical Christianity should say and do, we should probably take
note. </div>
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In Ephesians 4:7-8 we’re told, <b>“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of
Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When
He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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It might be a little hard to see but the flow of thought is
clear. Christ suffered and died for the
sins of his people. He rose victorious
on Easter morning. Having prepared and taught
his apostles for 40 days, he returns to heaven and sends the promised Holy
Spirit to establish, build and inhabit the New Testament Church. This Holy Spirit was poured out upon the
church on Pentecost Sunday.</div>
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The question then becomes, ‘How has He chosen to do this?” Well, this is what Ephesians 4:11 is talking
about. “He Himself gave officers (apostles,
prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) to establish the New Testament Church. The Apostle and Prophets laid the foundation
of biblical truth (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%202:19-20&version=NKJV">see
Ephesians 2:19-20</a>). Their role was
unique in that they were inspired by God write the New Testament
Scriptures. As the New Testament unfolds
we see God continues to call and use godly men to lead and care for his
flock. These leaders are identified by
various names: pastors, elders, bishops, elders, teachers, evangelists and
deacons. </div>
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All these have the responsibility of caring for church of
the Lord Jesus Christ. They are told to
shepherd, feed, watch, and oversee the congregations of our Lord. This they do primarily by teaching and preaching
the Holy Scriptures (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%203:16-17&version=NKJV">2
Timothy 3:16-17</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%204:1-2&version=NKJV">2
Timothy 4:1-4</a>. </div>
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So, Ascension Day really is the Institutional Church
Day. Christ’s Kingdom is REAL. It is manifest (seen) wherever God calls
and gathers His People together by His Spirit and Word. Jesus Christ is the
Only Head of His Church. His Word is the
sole authority by which Spiritual Truth is known. Not every assembly or gathering that calls
itself Church or Christian is true. Christ’s Church will be built on the only true
foundation (remember Ephesians 2:19-20)… the Truth of the Word of God. </div>
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The Faith has been once for all delivered to the saints (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jude%203&version=NKJV">Jude
3</a>). It has been boldly proclaimed
and clearly taught throughout history.
The Ancient creeds and historic confessions of Christianity demonstrate
a continuity of true and living faith throughout history. The
Apostle Paul warns the Galatians and all churches that if anyone comes to you and
preaches any other Gospel or message than what he had taught (and wrote) to
them… even if it’s an Angel from heaven, you should not listen. They are accursed--damned (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians%201:8-9&version=NKJV">Galatians
1:8,9</a>). The Scriptures are the only sure
foundation for spiritual truth. </div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-2529148109584636662013-02-27T11:10:00.001-08:002013-02-27T11:10:09.952-08:00Real Religion: Verse for Today - Hebrews 9:27-28 "EAGERLY WAITIN...<a href="http://realreligion4you.blogspot.com/2013/02/verse-for-today-hebrews-927-28-eagerly.html?spref=bl">Real Religion: Verse for Today - Hebrews 9:27-28 "EAGERLY WAITIN...</a>: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To tho...Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-2770895855214324872013-02-27T11:08:00.001-08:002013-02-27T11:08:48.443-08:00Verse for Today - Hebrews 9:27-28 "EAGERLY WAITING FOR HIM?"<br />
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<b style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."</b></div>
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Biblegateway.com <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%209:27-28&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Hebrews 9:27-28</a></div>
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Biblegateway.com <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%209&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Hebrews chapter 9</a></div>
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This is an important verse. For a long time I have understood it as primarily focusing on the fact that men live and die once... And that after this living-and-dying-once it is too late to change one's spiritual state or future.</div>
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As I reflect on this passage today... it does teach what I always thought, but there's two additional points to be made by what follows.</div>
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1. Christ's atoning death is a once and done event. It was and is a wholly sufficient payment for all the sins of His people (those who hope in and receive God's grace).</div>
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2. His people are then described as "those who eagerly wait for Him."</div>
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I guess this is the part that intrigued me... Do we eagerly wait for Him? What does, or what should, that look like? As Chapter 9 concludes and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Chapter 10</a>begins, it is clear that we should trust in Christ's perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. </div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2010:19-25&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Verses 19-25</a> are worth a careful reading. Look for the words: <b>"faith," "hope," and "love."</b></div>
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Then notice his final exhortation. <b>"...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some..."</b> Wonder why? Short answer: God says so and we can trust He knows what we need.</div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-63371540927325997852013-02-07T13:11:00.001-08:002013-02-07T13:11:26.355-08:00Verse for Today - Psalm 18:1 How We Ought to Think of God<br />
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<b>"I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."</b></div>
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<a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=210&ms=NDA5Mjk2NzIS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTc2NjUyOTU0S0&mt=1&rt=0" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Read at Bible Gateway</a></div>
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Read all of <a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=310&ms=NDA5Mjk2NzIS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTc2NjUyOTU0S0&mt=1&rt=0" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Psalm 18</a></div>
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Psalm 18 begins with this preface... which is part of the inspired text: </div>
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<b>"To the Chief Musician. </b><i><b>A </b></i><b>Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said:...."</b></div>
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In other words the Psalm is a memorial to his escape from his enemies. Notice he doesn't give himself the credit... his cunning, speed, agility or strength. Even though he may have had those, he gives credit to God.</div>
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He begins with words of affection... even love. <b>"I love you, LORD, my strength." </b> His words are (as are ours) a reflection of his heart. He recognizes that God's grace has brought him safe thus far and rightly says so.</div>
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This leads into a string of affirmations that further describes David's understand of God. This is valuable for us to think about, because God doesn't change. As He was David's God, He has become our God. Just think... He is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we find protection and a sure place of safety. Nothing in all creation can loosen His grip upon those who come to Him with sincere faith. In Christ, the promise has become reality. </div>
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Remember Romans 8:38,39 <b> </b><b>"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, </b><sup><b> </b></sup><b>nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."</b></div>
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Amen.</div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-7345420516625861752013-01-23T13:15:00.002-08:002013-01-23T13:15:43.706-08:00Verse for Today - James 1:2-3 (click to read)<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1358973885410_30429" style="background-color: white; border-left-style: none; color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px; width: 100%px;"><tbody id="yui_3_7_2_1_1358973885410_30428" style="width: 688px;">
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James 1:2-3</h2>
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"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."</div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1358973885410_30490" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=209&ms=NDA4NTYzNzgS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTc0OTQyNjM3S0&mt=1&rt=0" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1358973885410_30489" name="www_biblegateway_com_passage__" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Read at Bible Gateway</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=309&ms=NDA4NTYzNzgS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTc0OTQyNjM3S0&mt=1&rt=0" name="www_biblegateway_com_pass_1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">James 1</a></span></div>
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I was looking over all the Verse for Today verses I've not written about or forwarded and was caught by this one. Consider if pure joy... not just joy, but PURE joy when you face trials of many kinds.</div>
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Why is that? Well, the author (James) provides the answer in Verse 3, "because you know...." We're supposed to know more than just the unpleasantness of going through trials. We're supposed to recognize that we're going through them for a beneficial reason. That our faith is being tested, tempered, tried... so that it will produce perseverance. </div>
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And what is perseverance and why should we want it? It is longevity in the faith... endurance to the end. Without it we would fall short or lose interest. Trials cause us to rely wholly upon the LORD... and that is what we're supposed to do all the time. Hence, God's word to Paul and us all: <b>"My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness"</b> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20cor%2012:9&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;">(2 Corinthians 12:9)</a>."</div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-22026787672271836242012-12-07T14:58:00.000-08:002012-12-07T14:58:48.791-08:00Verse for Today - Psalm 2:9-11 (click to read)<br />
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<b><span class="text Ps-2-10" id="en-NKJV-13956" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">"Now therefore, be wise, O kings; </span><span class="text Ps-2-10" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">Be instructed, you judges of the earth.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text Ps-2-11" id="en-NKJV-13957" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><span style="font-size: small;">Serve the </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> </span></span><span class="text Ps-2-11" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">with fear, </span><span class="text Ps-2-11" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">And rejoice with trembling. </span><span class="text Ps-2-12" id="en-NKJV-13958" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, </span><span class="text Ps-2-12" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">And you perish <i>in</i> the way,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="text Ps-2-12" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">When His wrath is kindled but a little. </span><span class="text Ps-2-12" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">Blessed <i>are</i> all those who put their trust in Him."</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"> These verses from Psalm 2 are remarkably pointed. They speak prophetically of the coming Messiah... and more. They warn the mighty, the rich and powerful people of earth. By logical extension, the commands and warnings to them, are commands and warnings to all (ourselves included).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The Kings and Judges of the world might have influence and wealth now, but one day THEY will all give account before the Lord of all. They are told to respond rightly, with wisdom, to the Christ the Lord. "Be wise," "Be instructed," Serve the LORD with fear and Rejoice with trembling." "Kiss the Son." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Why? Because when He returns, it will be for<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts17:30-31&version=NKJV"> judgment</a>. How one responds to the Gospel of Christ makes all the difference. Those who pay Him no respect will perish; but "blessed are all those who put their trust in Him." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">"God's grace is free, but it costs you everything." If you have questions, I can tell you about the One who has the answers. :)</span></div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-9413303489458340142012-11-29T14:17:00.000-08:002012-11-30T07:50:55.881-08:00Verse for Today - Colossians 3:16 (click for miniblog)<br />
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Colossians 3:16</h3>
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<span class="" id="en-NKJV-29534"><sup class="" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 "</sup>Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The exhortation of this passage was an encouragement to me to send out this Verse for Today. As Christians we're told that the "all scripture is given by the inspiration of God"... and more than that... "is profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting and training in righteousness" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20timothy%203:16-17&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;">2 Timothy 3:16</a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In much the same way, Today's Verse is an exhortation to let the Scriptures be advantageous to us. And how might they benefit to us? Simply stated, we need to internalize them. We need to read, remember and meditate upon them. Have devotions, certainly. But don't just check it off your to-do-list. Let it simmer and stew. Jot down some important points and remember them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Once we've done this, we will be better able to share, teach and encourage one another. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">And lastly, don't under-esteem the value of singing and learning Scriptural songs. God made us to enjoy and benefit from them.</span></div>
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Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-75334457897532873342012-10-31T15:03:00.001-07:002012-10-31T15:03:49.364-07:00Verse for Today - 1 Peter 5:8-9 (Click for mini-blog)<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”</b></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: small; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=9&ms=NDA0NzMzNDYS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTY1NTM3NTY3S0&mt=1&rt=0" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #f3686d; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Read at Bible Gateway</a></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: small; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Read all of <a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=10&ms=NDA0NzMzNDYS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTY1NTM3NTY3S0&mt=1&rt=0" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; color: #f3686d; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">1 Peter 5</a></span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What does the world do with a verse like this? Probably nothing. Depending how they see they world, they might think there’s no need to be alert and watchful. From their perspective they might think that Satan and evil beings don’t exist.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What do Christians do with a verse like this? It’s something we should think about. </span><span style="border: 0px; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sometimes Satan pretends to be an <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2011:13-15&version=NKJV" style="border: 0px; color: #f3686d; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Angel of Light (see 2 Corinthians 10</a>) and sounds almost Christian. He uses deception and seduction to fool people into thinking they’re with him on God’s side when they’re not. Of this sort are pastors who make you feel good about yourself and entice you with promises of wealth, success and happiness. They won’t tell you to deny yourself, take up your cross and be ready to suffer for Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In Verses 8 and 9 we’re warned that sometimes Satan doesn’t pretend at all. He hates God and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev%2012:17&version=NKJV" style="border: 0px; color: #f3686d; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he hates devoted Christians (see Rev. 12:17)</a>. Sometimes he can ruthlessly persecute and crush them, seemingly at will. What should Christians do when confronted with evil in this way? </span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ANSWER: <b style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Be watchful and sober minded.”</b> <b style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”</b> Stand against<b style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </b>evil and the Evil One and you have done your job. In the last part of the verse he connects our trials to those of others around the world… and perhaps throughout history. With faithful devotion, God will be pleased to either rescue us or welcome us into his eternal kingdom. Those with genuine faith trust their heavenly Father to provide for them in this life <b style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </b>in the life to come.</span></div>
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Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-19738932207027021512012-10-19T10:03:00.002-07:002012-10-19T10:36:49.924-07:00Verse for Today - Psalm 19:14 (click for mini-blog)<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=9&ms=NDAwMDYzOTkS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTYzNzU2Njg2S0&mt=1&rt=0" name="13a79f71911781e9_13a75ee573f68543_www_biblegateway_com_passage__" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Read at Bible Gateway</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=10&ms=NDAwMDYzOTkS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTYzNzU2Njg2S0&mt=1&rt=0" name="13a79f71911781e9_13a75ee573f68543_www_biblegateway_com_pass_1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Psalm 19</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Psalm 19 is an important Psalm. It is the classic reference for the two ways in which God has revealed himself. He has done so by "General Revelation (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2019:1-4&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">vss 1-4</a>) and Special Revelation (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2019:7-11&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">vss. 7-11</a>)... that is to say through the creation all around us AND through the self-revelation of His Word. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In other words, for those with eyes to see, the EVIDENCE is everywhere... around us and within. Examples abound... from birds being able to migrate to places they've never been and construct nests they've never seen, to the way our minds can remember the past, and really even the existence of life at the molecular and chromosomal level. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Special revelation is something else. It is the visitations and written record of these visits and revelations. On a practical basis, God's special revelation is mostly the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, <b>"All Scripture was given by inspiration of God is profitable...</b>" It records the truth and teaches us about God, His grace and the work of salvation He accomplished in Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In our Verse for Today, the Psalmist recognizes the importance of the words he is speaking and thoughts he is thinking... that their ultimate standard is God Himself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We will all be measured by the the same Standard, and so we should all pray this same prayer.</span></div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-29658035911292569742012-09-29T12:13:00.000-07:002012-09-29T12:25:29.763-07:00Verse for Today 2 Corinthians 12:9-12 (click to read mini-blog)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">I've been thinking about a quotation I heard from Allistar Begg in
a recent message I heard a while back: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">"</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">If dependence on God is the
objective, then weakness is advantage.<strong>"</strong><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">I think
this is quite profound. It certainly seems to be corollary to the Apostle
Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength
is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in
distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">How
often don't we resist or even resent weaknesses, trials and troubles? Yet,
these are the very means by which the Lord draws us closer to Him. Any trial or
adversity that draws us nearer to the Lord or causes us to depend more upon
Him, is in the bigger picture, a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Ironically,
in recent months, one of my recurring prayers has been that the Lord would mold
me into a more effective and faithful minister of the Gospel. My hope is that
the Lord would use me to strengthen the church I pastor and advance the broader
work of the Kingdom. In recent weeks I've faced a few trials and
discouragements, and have concluded that these were in affect the Lord's answer
to my prayers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">"For when I am weak, then I am strong."</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">When we
recognize our own inadequacies or weaknesses, we learn afresh our need of God
and His grace. When we recognize this, we will the more earnestly seek
His aid and depend upon Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Truth be
told we all need to believe and endure like Job. He endured loss of loved ones,
financial ruin, and even his health, and responds to his exasperated wife, <b>"Shall we indeed accept good from God,
and shall we not accept adversity?”</b> The Lord works in mysterious ways. He
is pleased when we persevere through trials, when we trust His Word and hold
fast to our integrity for His sake. As Peter says, <b>“Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit
their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Seems the point is that we should trust in God all the time, especially
when going through trials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-86716106686987455532012-09-21T12:08:00.000-07:002012-09-21T12:47:56.067-07:00Verse for Today - 2 Corinthians 13:14 (click for mini-blog)<br />
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<b style="font-size: medium;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit </span><i style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">be</i><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> with you all. Amen.</span> "</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+13%3A14&version=NKJV&cm_mmc=ExactTarget-_-VOTDBGNLT-_--_-reference-verse&utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Verse%20of%20the%20Day%20-%20NIV%20(4)%2009/21/12%2003:00%20AM&utm_content=">Read at Bible Gateway</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+13&version=NIV&cm_mmc=ExactTarget-_-VOTDBGNLT-_--_-reference-verse&utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Verse%20of%20the%20Day%20-%20NIV%20(4)%2009/21/12%2003:00%20AM&utm_content=">2 Corinthians 13</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This is perhaps the most common New Testament benediction. And what, you might ask is a benediction? Well, it literally means "to speak well of." It is a pronouncement of blessing or favor toward another. It is sometimes (and I might add should be) spoken by parents to their children and by grandparents to their grandchildren, but perhaps most commonly pronounced at the end of a church worship service. We should never underestimate the affect of our words on those who hear them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In Today's Verse, the words are spoken by the Apostle Paul to the believers in ancient Corinth and with official authority. That is to say, while the Apostle Paul is speaking, he is really speaking with "Apostolic" authority. He is declaring that those who come to God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are really and truly the recipients of this "grace," "love" and "communion" with the Triune God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">While we might might hear such a blessing, and even</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> take it for granted, it is really a remarkable thing. The God of all grace, who from all eternity determined to save a people for himself through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, has in the present time extended His grace and mercy to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The Grace of Christ is the extension of God's undeserved favor in Christ to guilty sinners. The Love of God is the embrace and acceptance of those purchased by Him. The Communion of the Holy Spirit is incorporation of those who were lost into the fellowship of His own special people-- His Church. Pretty remarkable. Amen? Amen!</span></div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-80393055638080979412012-08-31T08:16:00.000-07:002012-08-31T08:16:08.416-07:00Verse for Today - Ephesians 2:19,20 (Click for mini-blog)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Ephesians 2:19,20</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner<i>stone,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%202:19-20&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Read at Bible Gateway</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=11&ms=Mzk2NTk0MDYS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTU2Njg4NTMwS0&mt=1&rt=0" name="1397d39143e6ae3b_www_biblegateway_com_pass_1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Ephesians 2</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">These two verse from Ephesians 2 are important. They anchor a number of essential truths that affect how we're supposed to think about ourselves, the Church, and the Scriptures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">1. Ourselves. The Book of Ephesians is written to essentially a "Gentile" church. Most of the members were not of Hebrew or Jewish descent. They are no longer "<b>strangers and foreigners</b>" but "<b>fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God</b>." In other words, they are not second class citizens, but are fully on par with other members. While this might not sound like that big a deal, it really is. It identifies believers (regardless of race) as belonging to God... as those who have been bought and paid for by the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">2. The Church. The Church is composed of individual believers who become inter-related with each other..."f<b>ellow citizens and members of God's household</b>" or family. Pretty remarkable. These words describe the core of our identity. We really, truly, and genuinely become co-heirs with each other through the Gospel of grace in Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">3. The Scriptures. Here's the zinger. 1 and 2 are amazing, but don't yet distinguish those who assume they are the Church from those who actually are. 3. The Scriptures are the only foundation on which the Church is built. "<b>The Foundation of the apostles and prophets</b>" is the objective standard of the Word of God, such that our relationship to them determines our relationship to God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Not everything that calls itself the Church is. Only those who hold to the Scriptures and its message are true. Paul affirms this in </span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204:3-6&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:4f</a> "</span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><i>There is</i> one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><sup style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>one Lord, one faith, one baptism...</b>." </span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And with earnestness in </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%201:8-9&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Galatians 1:8 </a>when he says, "<b>But even</b> </span><sup style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.</b>" </span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">So be like the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:11&version=NKJV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>Bereans</b></a> in Acts 17 and search the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so. :)</span></div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-89426469960322270472012-08-23T10:43:00.000-07:002012-08-23T11:00:01.423-07:00Verse for Today - Psalm 66:1-4 (click to read mini-blog)<br />
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<b id="yui_3_2_0_1_13457356393201051" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="yiv1379305414chapter-2" id="yui_3_2_0_1_13457356393201050" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-1" id="yui_3_2_0_1_13457356393201049">"Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! </span></span><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-2" id="yiv1379305414en-NKJV-14876" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">Sing out the honor of His name; </span><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-2" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">make His praise glorious.<span style="font-size: 0.75em;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<span id="yiv1379305414yui_3_2_0_1_1345735639320853" style="font-size: small;"><b id="yui_3_2_0_1_13457356393201051"><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-3" id="yiv1379305414en-NKJV-14877" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">Say to God, </span><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-3" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">'How awesome are Your works! </span><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-3" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">Through the greatness of Your power </span><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-3" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">your enemies shall submit themselves to You. </span><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-4" id="yiv1379305414en-NKJV-14878" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">All the earth shall worship You </span><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-4" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">and sing praises to You; </span><span class="yiv1379305414text yiv1379305414Ps-66-4" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">they shall sing praises <i>to</i> Your name.'”</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2066:1-4&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Read at Bible Gateway</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2066&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Psalm 66</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In many places throughout the Psalms we're told to sing, praise, bow down and worship the LORD, and even to shout, glory and tremble before Him. We were created for no less, and such </span><span style="font-size: medium;">we</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">should do.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13457356393201046" style="font-size: medium;">In distinction from these general or broader exhortations, These first verses of Psalm 66 are quite particular. They not only provide an exhortation to us as God's people to shout and sing to the Lord, and to make His praise glorious, they also provide some of the content of what we should say. I don't know that this is a really big deal, but it seems to me that if we're told to do or say something like this, we should probably do it. I think it's sort of like the Lord's Prayer. It's not the only prayer we should pray, but certainly it is a prayer that we should pray fairly frequently (daily?). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">There are only a few other places where we are told explicitly what to say. If my count is right, I think it's only four times in the Book of Psalms (</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2040:16&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Psalm 40:16</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm66:3-4&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">here</a>, </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2070:4&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Psalm 70:4</a>, </span><span style="font-size: medium;">and</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2096:10&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; font-size: large; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Psalm 96:10</a><span style="font-size: medium;">). Each of these urge us to recognize God's great power and glory and to vocalize our recognition it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I suppose this raises a pretty valid question, when was the last time you've said these (or similar) things to God? By yourself in prayer? In the assembly of public worship with your brethren? And if you've not, it's time you should.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">As I think about this... maybe the Conclusion to the Lord's Prayer insures that we think and address these things </span><span style="font-size: medium;">properly</span><span style="font-size: medium;">:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"For Thine is the Kingdom, and Power and the Glory Forever. AMEN." </b></span></div>
Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-76964999560962390422012-08-10T15:06:00.002-07:002012-08-10T15:06:38.220-07:00Verse for Today - Luke 12:6-7 (click to read mini-blog)<div id="yiv579897188yui_3_2_0_39_1344525441503616" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."</b></span></div>
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<span id="yiv579897188yui_3_2_0_39_1344525441503612" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=10&ms=Mzk1NjQyMTQS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTUzOTc2NDE5S0&mt=1&rt=0" id="yiv579897188yui_3_2_0_39_1344525441503442" name="www_biblegateway_com_passage__" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv579897188" id="yiv579897188lw_1344525671_2">Read at Bible Gateway</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=11&ms=Mzk1NjQyMTQS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTUzOTc2NDE5S0&mt=1&rt=0" id="yiv579897188yui_3_2_0_39_1344525441503446" name="www_biblegateway_com_pass_1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv579897188" id="yiv579897188lw_1344525671_3">Luke 12</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This is one of those verses that no matter how many times you read it, it's almost too amazing to grasp. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Note, first: God is omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing). This is pretty amazing too. How can God know everything about everything? Not sure, but these are some of the words Jesus spoke, so they must be true. (How could Jesus have been a good teacher or a great man and not be telling the truth?) This is part of why we as humans have a hard time comprehending the greatness of God. It is completely beyond us, or as <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+36:26&version=NIV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1344635814_0" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">Job 36</span></a> says: <b>"</b></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">How great is God—</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">beyond</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> our understanding! The number of his years is past </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">finding </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">out</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>."</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">OK, so how much does God know? Two particulars are noted: 1. He knows all the insignificant sparrows (little birds) on the planet. 2. He knows the number of hairs on your head. In other words, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">God has exhaustive knowledge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">What's the point? Well, it's a logical relationship of the lesser to the greater. If God knows those little details, don't you suppose he also knows and understands everything bigger? The doubts, struggles, fears and questions that you have? Of course he does. AND (here's the kicker) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%205:6-7&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">He cares for you</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Seems to me that if you have struggles, He's the One to whom you should go. :)</span></div>
<br />Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-81142749565013223612012-07-19T14:11:00.000-07:002012-07-20T08:01:14.167-07:00Verse for Today - Isaiah 41:10 (click to read mini-blog)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Isaiah 41:10</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Fear not, for I <i>am</i> with you; </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Be not dismayed, for I <i>am</i> your God. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I will strengthen you, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">yes, I will help you; </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2041:10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Read at Bible Gateway</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+41&version=NKJV" target="_blank"> Isaiah 41</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This verse in Isaiah 41 has been immortalized in the gospel hymn <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwGW8qRqz4I">"<b>How Firm a Foundation.</b>"</a> As you may know the first verse of this hymn asks an extended question. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">"How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">What more can He say than to you He has said,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">What is this firm foundation the hymn writer identifies? Well, it's the fact that God has revealed himself favorable toward His people. In spite of their sin and the terrible judgment that He would inflict upon them, God promises to take care of His own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">That was true then, and this remains true today. These words were </span><span style="font-size: medium;">intended for God's Old Testament saints. In verse 8 He describes them as "<b>the descendants of Abraham His friend.</b>" In spite of the judgment of the Exile, He would not forget His promises. The same is true today. <br /><br />The hymn writer captures the essence of today's verse in the second stanza:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">"Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">for I am your God, and will still give you aid;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Pretty encouraging. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The remaining stanzas then apply this comfort to believers in all of life's trials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">P.S. You can hear these words sung at the by clicking on the song title above.</span></div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-91948060518200323832012-07-05T15:44:00.001-07:002012-07-05T15:46:30.459-07:00Verse for Today - Isaiah 12:4<br />
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<span id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_9_1341521702095628" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Isaiah 12:4</span></div>
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<span id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_9_1341521702095600" style="font-size: small;"><b>"In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted."</b></span></div>
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<span id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_9_1341521702095658" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=14&ms=Mzk0MjA0OTIS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTQ5MzQ4MDIzS0&mt=1&rt=0" id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_9_1341521702095438" name="www_biblegateway_com_passage__" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv2133953338" id="yiv2133953338lw_1341522639_1">Read at Bible Gateway</span></a></span></div>
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<span id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_9_1341521702095657" style="font-size: small;">Read all of <span class="yiv2133953338" id="yiv2133953338lw_1341522639_2" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=15&ms=Mzk0MjA0OTIS1&r=MjY4NzczNTQwOTcS1&b=0&j=MTQ5MzQ4MDIzS0&mt=1&rt=0" id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_9_1341521702095442" name="www_biblegateway_com_pass_1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv2133953338yshortcuts" id="yiv2133953338lw_1341527346_0" style="color: #366388;">Isaiah 12</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This verse from the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah looks forward to the time after the First Coming of Christ (His Incarnation, suffering, death and resurrection) and especially after His Second Coming. In the previous Chapter <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv2133953338yshortcuts" id="yiv2133953338lw_1341527346_1" style="color: #366388;">(11)</span></a>, the anticipation of the great Son of David, "the Branch of Jesse", is announced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">His coming will usher in a day when all that is broken will be fixed, all that is sick shall be healed. We're told in</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:22-23&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; font-size: large; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv2133953338yshortcuts" id="yiv2133953338lw_1341527346_2" style="color: #366388;">Romans 8</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">that the whole Creation groans in travail awaiting for the fulfilment of redemption. Well, after the final coming of Christ, all struggle, hardship and pain will be over. Listen to the words used to describe this remarkable time (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2011:6-9&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; font-size: large; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv2133953338yshortcuts" id="yiv2133953338lw_1341527346_3" style="color: #366388;">Isaiah 11:6-9</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;">):</span></div>
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<b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white;"><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-6" id="yiv2133953338en-NIV-17891" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">"The wolf will live with the lamb, </span></b></div>
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<b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-6">the leopard will lie down with the goat,</span></span></b></div>
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<b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-6" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">the calf and the lion and the yearling together;</span></b></div>
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<b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1" id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951237" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-6" id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951236">and a little child will lead them.<span style="font-size: 0.75em;"> </span></span></span><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-7" id="yiv2133953338en-NIV-17892" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">The cow will feed with the bear,</span></b></div>
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<b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-7">their young will lie down together, </span></span></b><b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1" id="yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951310" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1" id="yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951310" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-7" id="yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951309">and the lion will eat straw like the ox.<span style="font-size: 0.75em;"> </span></span></span><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-8" id="yiv2133953338en-NIV-17893" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">The infant <sup class="yiv2133953338crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;"></sup>will play near the cobra’s den,</span></b></div>
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<b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-8">and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s <sup class="yiv2133953338crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;"></sup>nest.<span style="font-size: 0.75em;"> </span></span></span><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-9" id="yiv2133953338en-NIV-17894" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">They will neither harm nor destroy </span></b><b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-9">on all my holy mountain, </span></span></b></div>
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</span></b><b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-9" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><div style="display: inline !important;">
<b id="yiv2133953338yui_3_2_0_1_13415217020951238" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 12px;"><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-9" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">for the earth <sup class="yiv2133953338crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;"></sup>will be filled with the knowledge <sup class="yiv2133953338crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;"></sup>of the <span class="yiv2133953338small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span></b><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span class="yiv2133953338indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"><b> </b></span><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-9"><b>as the waters cover the sea.</b>"</span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv2133953338indent-1"><span class="yiv2133953338text yiv2133953338Isa-11-9"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Already now, we have the privilege and responsibility of proclaiming the rightful worship and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of all the Earth! </span></span></span></div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-4691900255449205502012-06-28T13:53:00.001-07:002012-06-28T13:54:49.041-07:00Verse for Today - Psalm 46:10<br />
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<span id="yiv172175163yui_3_2_0_17_1340833443701653" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Psalm 46:10</span></div>
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<span id="yiv172175163yui_3_2_0_17_1340833443701662" style="font-size: small;"><b>He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”</b> </span></div>
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<span id="yiv172175163yui_3_2_0_17_1340833443701621" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=a80707cc161b0b0d58f1a32b7d6578a15997c89e9011b114d8e58803f7242f28" id="yiv172175163yui_3_2_0_17_1340833443701438" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv172175163" id="yiv172175163lw_1340913684_1">Read at Bible Gateway</span></a></span></div>
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<span id="yiv172175163yui_3_2_0_17_1340833443701622" style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=a80707cc161b0b0de160e9b7b46f41229a9522c9335a736e2e7cdaa4f7ac3131" id="yiv172175163yui_3_2_0_17_1340833443701442" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv172175163" id="yiv172175163lw_1340913684_2">Psalm 46</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This Psalm gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of time and history. Almost by definition we look at life and our place in it from the perspective of day to day life. Psalm 46 urges us to look higher. To see that God is exalted above all and fulfilling the purposes of His holy will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">De</span><span style="font-size: medium;">spite the fact that the earth and our lives in it can be hectic and hard... and even appear hopeless.... </span><span style="font-size: medium;">"</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">though the earth give way</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="yiv172175163text yiv172175163Ps-46-2" style="font-size: 16px;"><b>and the mountains fall <sup class="yiv172175163crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;"></sup>into the heart of the sea..." </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We are told to remember that the LORD is God.... that our Refuge and Strength, our Fortress is with us. He provides comfort and hope for His People, His Church. These are ones that God loves and love God. An important consideration!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We're then told to be still... to be quiet... to be silent. An</span><span style="font-size: medium;">d then we're exhorted to know (remember) that God is God. Ironic in a way... we're commanded to do what we should do by definition. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">He will vindicate Himself and His Name among the nations. He will be exalted in the earth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Reminds me of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil%202:9-11&version=NIV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1340916684_0" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">Philippians 2:9-11</span></a> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16px;">"Therefore God exalted him</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><sup class="yiv172175163crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;"></sup><span style="font-size: 16px;">to the highest place</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="yiv172175163indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv172175163indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="yiv172175163text yiv172175163Phil-2-9">and gave him the name that is above every name, </span></span></b></div>
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that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, </div>
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<span class="yiv172175163indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="yiv172175163text yiv172175163Phil-2-10">in heaven and on earth and under the earth, </span></div>
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and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, </div>
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<span class="yiv172175163indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="yiv172175163text yiv172175163Phil-2-11">to the glory of God the Father."</span></div>
</span></b></div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-13733470771912213862012-06-22T15:17:00.000-07:002012-06-22T15:17:30.007-07:00Verse for Today - Mark 8:36<br />
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<b style="background-color: white;">"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=37cb3a00f7916fef81226a4c051dd9da7760023df23a87cd6856a890e9286667" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv373322694yshortcuts" id="yiv373322694lw_1340293969_1" style="color: #366388;">Read at Bible Gateway</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=8ae79e0d088b4ea18bbfceece49b24ab2fa835231e436063ecf303de5ddacb8b" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv373322694yshortcuts" id="yiv373322694lw_1340293969_2" style="color: #366388;">Mark 8</span></a></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13402937293991350" style="font-size: medium;">These semi-familiar words of Jesus strike at the heart of human existence. Almost everyone everywhere evaluates their success or importance by material wealth. To some extent this is probably true for each of us. Advertisers know well how easily we are led along. If only we had the next, new, better, shiny, even useful new thing, then we would be happy... or at least happier than we are right now. If you think about it y</span><span style="font-size: medium;">ou know this </span><span style="font-size: medium;">isn't</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13402937293991341" style="font-size: medium;">really true.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Material things and improved appearance won't make you happy...in fact they can't make you happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We are not random compilations of DNA. No, we are special creations of Almighty God. In fact, we </span><span style="font-size: medium;">were </span><span style="font-size: medium;">all</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">created in the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%201:26&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">image of God Himself</a>. To suppose that we could find the fullest expression of earthly happiness apart from God is to not be thinking too clearly. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%201:25&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1340401760_0" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">Romans 1:25</span></a>, where he says unbelieving people <b>"</b></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b>exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.</b>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">So what does this have to do with Mark 8:36? Well, I'm just agreeing with Jesus. It does NOT profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul. Instead, all should humble themselves before God, confess their sins and pray to Him for grace and forgiveness through His Son, the only Savior Jesus Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">If you have questions, I know the One with the answers (and I'm sharing).</span></div>
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-- </div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-19726577332223374572012-06-19T15:23:00.001-07:002012-06-19T15:23:38.445-07:00Verse for Today - Psalm 19:1,2 (click to read mini-blog)<br />
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<b><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340138931263818" style="background-color: white;">"</span><span class="yiv238473069chapter-2" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv238473069text yiv238473069Ps-19-1">The heavens declare the glory of God; </span></span><span class="yiv238473069text yiv238473069Ps-19-1" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 16px;">and the firmament shows His handiwork.</span></b></div>
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<span id="yiv238473069yui_3_2_0_1_1340138931263254" style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv238473069text yiv238473069Ps-19-2" id="yiv238473069en-NKJV-14171" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="yiv238473069versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><span class="yiv238473069text yiv238473069Ps-19-2" id="yiv238473069en-NKJV-14171" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Day unto day utters speech, </span><span class="yiv238473069text yiv238473069Ps-19-2" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and night unto night reveals knowledge</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: medium;">."</b></sup></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv238473069yshortcuts" id="yiv238473069lw_1340138965_1" style="color: #366388;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps%2019:1-2&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Read at Bible Gateway</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <span class="yiv238473069yshortcuts" id="yiv238473069lw_1340138965_2" style="color: #366388; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps%2019&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">Psalm 19</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The first few verses of Psalm 19 affirm what is called "general revelation," that God has revealed Himself in the very fabric of life and the world in which we live. Throughout the ages people have recognized their smallness and God's greatness, glory and power, when they look at the world around them (and via microscopes within them).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, there are some who come to other conclusions, but "we have an app for that" </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340138931263820" style="font-size: medium;">(an explanation). God made mankind and the world very good. But our first parents, Adam and Eve under the instigation of the Devil, ate of the tree of which God said they should not (the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil). As a result they brought </span><span style="font-size: medium;">spiritual blindness and death </span><span style="font-size: medium;">upon themselves and their posterity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">So, from the viewpoint of the Bible, it is the</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2014:1&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; font-size: large; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"> fool who concludes that there is not God</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> and those with clouded judgement who </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%201:18&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; font-size: large; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">suppress the truth in unrighteousness</a><span style="font-size: medium;">. This is because they fail to fulfill their high and holy calling of living in fellowship with the God who made them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">That this is so is affirmed in Romans 1:21 <b>"</b></span><b><span style="font-size: 16px;">because, although they knew God, they did not glorify </span><i style="font-size: 16px;">Him</i></b><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b> as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.</b>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I guess the question for us all is, "Are we thankful to God and glorifying Him as God?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">If not... why not?</span></div>
</div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-91437019936362606802012-06-13T15:35:00.000-07:002012-06-13T15:39:17.836-07:00Verse for Today - Ephesians 3:17b-19 (click to read mini-blog)<br />
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<b>"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=9395f1d25d51338be7788da05478c8886cfa6061f5e33ee4cd968a0215210d67" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv535246103yshortcuts" id="yiv535246103lw_1339621068_1" style="color: #366388;">Read at Bible Gateway</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=9395f1d25d51338b0c42c3d9febcf570e974b55465767310dd78db5f01e7b9ab" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv535246103yshortcuts" id="yiv535246103lw_1339621068_2" style="color: #366388;">Ephesians 3</span></a></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13396090761081684" style="font-size: medium;">This out-of-place benediction is found in the middle of Ephesians 3. The Apostle Paul has been expounding the outworking of the God's redemptive plan. From the beginning He was planning to extend his transforming grace to people of every race, language and location around the world. For a time, the Nation of Israel (the offspring of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) were THE covenant people of God... but now through the Gospel of Christ, the People of God has been expanded to include believers from every race and place. Those of Hebrew descent are now just a part (albeit the root) of God's cosmopolitan global congregation, His Church.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13396090761081681" style="font-size: medium;">This is the MYSTERY we read about at several points in the Book of Ephesians (1:9, 3:3, 3:4, and 3:9)... The Creator of all, is the Lord of all, and the God of all... and by His Sovereign grace calls them (and brings them) to Himself through His Son, the Savior Jesus Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I don't know a better way to conclude that with the verses just preceding Today's Verse: </span></div>
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<span class="yiv535246103text yiv535246103Eph-3-14" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"><sup class="yiv535246103versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;">"</sup>For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,</span><span class="yiv535246103text yiv535246103Eph-3-15" id="yiv535246103en-NKJV-29267" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"><sup class="yiv535246103versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,</span><span class="yiv535246103text yiv535246103Eph-3-16" id="yiv535246103en-NKJV-29268" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"><sup class="yiv535246103versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,</span><span class="yiv535246103text yiv535246103Eph-3-17" id="yiv535246103en-NKJV-29269" style="font-size: 16px;"><sup class="yiv535246103versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><b>that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;" </b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%203:14-17a&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1339626196_0" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">Ephesians 3:14-17</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="yiv535246103text yiv535246103Eph-3-17" style="font-size: 16px;"> This is my prayer for you too.</span></div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-55473778084157478872012-06-02T10:56:00.000-07:002012-06-02T10:56:44.371-07:00Verse for Today - Revelation 21:2-4 (click for min-blog)<br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_18_1338565035641592" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Revelation 21: 2-4</span></div>
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<span id="yiv350582900yui_3_2_0_1_13385650356411807" style="font-size: small;"><b id="yui_3_2_0_18_1338565035641605">"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”</b></span></div>
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<span id="yiv350582900yui_3_2_0_1_1338565035641371" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=4c1acfc8c94a9cbcac7ef3585388c42379079c38ec4b78bbca7b77c2a6c76a85" id="yiv350582900yui_3_2_0_1_1338565035641370" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv350582900yshortcuts" id="yiv350582900lw_1338565902_1" style="color: #366388;">Read at Bible Gateway</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=1a6a35611eac6e2fe153b4af09cd96b928bf825881b56a5257b34ed0fa537f1d" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv350582900yshortcuts" id="yiv350582900lw_1338565902_2" style="color: #366388;">Revelation 21</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I saw a quotation from John Piper this week that I've been thinking about about. He said one of the dangers of watching TV and movies is that we become accustomed to not thinking about God. These verses from Revelation 21 are also easily forgotten. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We're told of the remarkable deliverance and future that awaits the children of God... and what do we do? We loose sight of it. Instead we spend our time, our thoughts and energy on everything but these things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">These verses were part of the vision that was given to John for us all. We are the Bride of Christ. We are the Church He came to save... the ones purchased by His blood will dwell with Him forever. What is heaven going to be like? There will be no more pain, crying, tears, or death. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Seems to me we should be living and dressing the part now.</span></div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-833304979833130872012-05-29T08:57:00.001-07:002012-05-29T08:57:31.021-07:00Verse for Today - Psalm 103:17-18 (click for mini-blog)<br />
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<b>"<span class="yiv1819651843text yiv1819651843Ps-103-17" id="yiv1819651843en-NKJV-15567" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">But the mercy of the <span class="yiv1819651843small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is from everlasting to everlasting o</span><span class="yiv1819651843text yiv1819651843Ps-103-17" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">n those who fear Him,</span></b></div>
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<span id="yiv1819651843yui_3_2_0_7_1338302552226654" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="yiv1819651843text yiv1819651843Ps-103-17" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">And His righteousness to children’s children, t</span></b><b><span class="yiv1819651843text yiv1819651843Ps-103-18" id="yiv1819651843en-NKJV-15568" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="yiv1819651843versenum" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></b><b><span class="yiv1819651843text yiv1819651843Ps-103-18" id="yiv1819651843en-NKJV-15568" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">o such as keep His covenant,</span><br style="color: black; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="yiv1819651843text yiv1819651843Ps-103-18" style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">And to those who remember His commandments to do them.</span></b> <b>"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1819651843" id="yiv1819651843lw_1338303114_1"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103:17-18&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1338306716_0" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">Read at Bible Gateway</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv1819651843yui_3_2_0_7_1338302552226660" style="font-size: small;">Read all of <span class="yiv1819651843" id="yiv1819651843lw_1338303114_2"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1338306716_1" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">Psalm 103</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Psalm 103 has a special place in the Book of Psalms. More than the rest, Psalm 103 extols the LORD for His greatness and glory, for His love and kindness. It celebrates the fact that He is gracious and merciful to His people. Because of the their sin, they should be destroyed, yet the LORD has compassion, He heals and feeds them, He pities those to come to Him and look to Him for help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">As we come to Today's verses, the psalmist turns our attention to the connection between covenant keeping and the assurance of God's grace. God is sovereign in all He does... no one can force or stay His hand. The point of the Psalmist is a little different. God administers His grace to those who live in covenant with Him. Granted, God is the one working and moving within, yet the flow of His grace is to<b>"those who fear Him."</b> The rest the verse affirms the same truth... His favor runs through families to "<b>children's, children, to such as keep His covenant</b>" and "<b>who remember His commandments do them.</b>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Short version: Fear </b>God, <b>Keep </b>His Covenant, and <b>Remember </b>His commandments.</span></div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-55116983310374546312012-05-18T12:43:00.000-07:002012-05-18T12:46:18.985-07:00Verse for Today - Romans 11:33-36 (Click for mini-blog)<br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260581" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"<b id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260580">Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable </b></span><b id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260622" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>are</i> <span id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260621">His judgments and His ways past finding out!</span></b><b id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260591" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv1817158070text yiv1817158070Rom-11-34" id="yiv1817158070en-NKJV-28244"><sup class="yiv1817158070versenum" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260590" style="display: inline !important; font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></b></div>
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<span class="yiv1817158070text yiv1817158070Rom-11-33" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260583" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260591"><span class="yiv1817158070text yiv1817158070Rom-11-34" id="yiv1817158070en-NKJV-28244"><span class="yiv1817158070oblique" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260596">“For who has known the mind of the <span class="yiv1817158070small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>?</span></span><br /><span class="yiv1817158070text yiv1817158070Rom-11-34" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260600"><span class="yiv1817158070oblique" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260599">Or who has become His counselor?”</span></span><br /><span class="yiv1817158070text yiv1817158070Rom-11-35" id="yiv1817158070en-NKJV-28245"><sup class="yiv1817158070versenum" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260603" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><span class="yiv1817158070oblique" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260606">“Or who has first given to Him</span></span><br /><span class="yiv1817158070text yiv1817158070Rom-11-35" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260610"><span class="yiv1817158070oblique" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260609">And it shall be repaid to him?”</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1817158070text yiv1817158070Rom-11-33" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260583" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yiv1817158070text yiv1817158070Rom-11-36" id="yiv1817158070en-NKJV-28246"><b id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260613">For of Him and through Him and to Him <i>are</i> all things, to whom <i>be</i> glory forever. Amen."</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2011:33-36&version=NKJV" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260440" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="" id="lw_1337369882_1">Read at Bible Gateway</span></a></div>
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<span id="yiv1817158070yui_3_2_0_8_1337350019260625" style="font-size: small;">Read all of <span class="yiv1817158070" id="yiv1817158070lw_1337350199_2"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11&version=NKJV" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260444" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="" id="lw_1337369882_2">Romans 11</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260630" style="font-size: medium;">I have probably said this before, but I would have to rate Romans 11:33-36 as some of my favorite verses. These verses find themselves at the conclusion of some of the hardest chapters of the Bible... those that deal explicitly with God's sovereignty in election and reprobation. These are things hard to understand... impossible to comprehend... and yet the very things that are revealed. How can God be Sovereign and men be responsible? It's a mystery, yet revealed truth. The same God that sovereignly knew and loved his own from eternity past, is the same one who <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:30-31&version=NKJV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">commands all men everywhere to repent.</a>..that the Gospel should be preached to the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2028:18-21&version=NKJV" id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260448" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="" id="lw_1337369882_3">ends of the earth</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260637" style="font-size: medium;">These verses, perhaps as clear an any others, affirm that God is God and has the right and wisdom to do all that pleases. He is not subject to our perceptions or understanding. </span><span id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260641" style="font-size: medium;">As human beings we are inherently limited in our scope and knowledge. The psalmist and prophets affirm that we are like the grass or flowers of the field... we spring up, we grow, we bloom... and then we fade. Not so with God. "His ways are past finding out." </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_9_1337350019260649" style="font-size: medium;">After one thinks about these things, it's a good time to pray. Amen?</span></div>
</div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-29327878315095265792012-05-11T15:40:00.002-07:002012-05-11T15:40:36.594-07:00Verse for Today - Philippians 4:6-7<br />
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<b>"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."</b></div>
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<span id="yiv130394943yui_3_2_0_8_1336770365117686" style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=d7267a9975a7acd6486be85757d46ba5c39738e2121e23f1eb84d0f8dec19fff" id="yiv130394943yui_3_2_0_8_1336770365117442" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv130394943" id="yiv130394943lw_1336771492_2">Philippians 4</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The Problem:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes we let life get us down. We worry about our finances, our friendships, our jobs, our activities, our time... our futures. How will everything ever work out? </span></div>
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<span id="yiv130394943yui_3_2_0_1_1336770365117713" style="font-size: medium;">If this is something you do, then Today's Verse is just what you need hear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">First off the verse tells us not to worry or be to be anxious. Easier said than done, right? Well, most any time when the Bible tells us not to do something, it's because we naturally tend to. This might be our initial response, but we shouldn't stay there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The Solution:</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1336770365117783" style="font-size: medium;">We should voice our concerns to God. As the Apostle says, <b>"in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." </b> We're never stronger than when we're relying upon the grace to God to help. It might seem artificial or forced at first, but God will hear the prayers of those who call upon Him. He is near to the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=broken+hearted&qs_version=NIV" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yiv130394943yshortcuts" id="yiv130394943lw_1336774350_0" style="color: #366388;">brokenhearted</span></a>. While these verses are written to believers, there is an implicit promise those who are still coming to him. We pray... God listens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Then the peace and presence of God will help you through... it "<b>will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.</b>" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Pretty encouraging, don't you think?</span></div>Real Religionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415116146064286825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2544181953918376148.post-50700531152341127602012-05-09T14:12:00.002-07:002012-05-09T14:12:35.888-07:00Verse for Today - Romans 12:12 (click to read mini-Blog)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Romans 12:12</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, <span style="border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; color: #366388;">faithful</span> in prayer."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=bae0439c1ee991d21ad89842178cd2745ce5939b377a62a64b17a1733054123b" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank">Read at Bible Gateway</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read all of <a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=bae0439c1ee991d2d5aedcf278fae4113db6a31afdfe62c36c8ab53ee6efb3e7" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank">Romans 12</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This verse was forwarded to me from Biblegateway.com and I'm forwarding it to you. :) As a whole Romans chapter 12 is describing and urging believers to properly live-out the Christian life. Some of the commands are negative, describing what they should NOT do, but many are positive describing appropriate actions and steps that should be taken. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">As a rule the Scriptures meet us where we are. They tell us <u>to do</u> things we tend not to do; and to <u>not do</u>things that we tend to do (reread that). This is especially the case in the three exhortations of verse 12. <b>"Joyful in hope"</b>... be joyful about waiting for the thing you're waiting for. "<b>Patient in affliction</b>"... I really do not like my present trials, but I will be patient. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">And finally (and appropriately as its the <b>National Day of Prayer</b>)... "<b>faithful in prayer</b>". Do we really have to pray and spend time in prayer? Just depends. What does it mean to be "faithful" in prayer? Certainly it means being earnest and consistent in praying. Let's be hearers and doers of the Word.</span></div>
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Quotation: <span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">"Worry is not believing God will get it right, and bitterness is believing God got it wrong." </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Tim Keller</span></div>
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