tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20234654180232225452024-03-05T13:37:36.338-05:00Being TransformedExploring real ways that the living Christ deeply interacts with us, transforming us into women and men of God's exquisite designPaula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-21935783628292440612016-08-31T15:22:00.000-04:002016-08-31T15:28:56.929-04:00You Just Gotta Keep Looking<div>
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Six thirty and wide awake before my alarm, I swung my feet to the floor and went into the living room. I opened the blinds to whorled plumes as if an unseen hand had been painting with a giant pinwheel. I couldn't help but smile, and watched mesmerized as it spead throughout the sky.<br />
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Soon, pink clouds stretched as far as I could see. The heavens were declaing the glory of God. In my little space, I grinned and applauded for the Creator of marvels.</div>
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I turned on the burner under my tea kettle and put away the clean dishes. By time I was back, the sky had put on drab clothes. No more pinks, just indistinct, dark clouds casting dreariness on the morning ahead.</div>
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It happened quickly. I thanked the Lord I'd been wakened so I could see The Creator's spectacular sky.</div>
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To receive this gift, I chose <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">to get up before the alarm, open the blinds and position myself to look. Then I chose to take time to watch the display unfold. Lastly, I chose to be thankful. Though engaging colors had been replaced by morose gray, I reminded myself that amazing blue was behind the heavy veil and the sun would be out another time.</span></div>
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We<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">'ve all seen God's amazing dawns. We've also experienced countless other gifts--undeserved, but joyfully given by the Father of Lights. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The gray morning lows that follow beautiful dawn highs can remind us that, if we keep looking for signs of God's amazing handiwork, we will again see unexpected surprises.</span></div>
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<b>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</b></div>
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Meditate on James 1, especially verses 12-17.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.... </i><i style="font-weight: bold;">Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens </i>(verses 12 and 17, New Living Translation).</div>
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<i>When your view changes from sunshine to clouds, what focus helps you endure the dark spell?</i></div>
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<i>How could your discoveries encourage a friend to endure trying times?</i></div>
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<i>Choose a word or phrase to help you stay steadfast when your circumstances change.</i></div>
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Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-67153617757238299022014-09-19T13:03:00.001-04:002014-09-19T13:19:48.504-04:00ROBIN WILLIAMS AND ME<br>
I decided to post this letter (submitted this letter to the Warsaw Times on Aug 18th, 2014) because I haven't posted in a while. The attention to Robin Willliams' death has waned, but the questions are still important, and need to be asked.<br>
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So here it is.<br>
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Robin Williams’ untimely death saddened and shocked me. An incredibly talented man, he made us laugh, cry, and temporarily forget our worries. My heart aches for his family.<div><br>
I was unaware that he suffered with depression and addictions. As I watched reports on accomplishments mined from movies and friends, I wished for an opportunity to publicly explore hope and the afterlife from our historically Christian perspective. Once woven into our public consciousness, that perspective has now been muzzled by fear of offending anyone, even at the expense of permanent results.</div><div><br>
Why did Robin Williams plummet into a pit of hopelessness that had no bottom? Drugs apparently only offered temporary relief but with a horrible aftertaste. Medications were not enough either.<br>
Possible reasons for his suicide are many. Plus mental illness is complicated. There are no easy answers even for professionals. </div><div><br>
This tragedy can lead us to question our own lives. If many wonderful attributes and accomplishments can’t deeply satisfy, what might? Where do I find hope when my distractions no longer work? Could I be missing a personal connection with God for which I was created?</div><div><br>
If this life is a preparation for the next, then how do I get ready? What provisions have already been made? Am I willing seek absolute versus subjective truth?</div><div><br>
I hope each reader will entertain these questions. If you are interested in exploring what Jesus Christ had to say about hope and the way he made to open the door to eternal hope, even in the midst of deep pain, you could read St John’s gospel. It is only one of many books in the Bible that speak to hope and eternal life.</div><div><br>
It could be time well spent to prepare for stepping out beyond time.<br>
<br></div>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-85524614381543407852014-08-02T14:00:00.001-04:002015-03-09T15:44:56.566-04:00Two Cows and a MiracleCan you imagine two lactating cows pulling a driverless cart going anywhere but to their calves?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDYyOPg89q3aj1ZijsFLexuoElznuR7kUrqg9vDTvNXGLbIMNfm8YYtq93s-_w2lWRh7UCFq2pC3LpcIgLY_Rmh556QIkIgwE5q13J44lz7nCJ3Lo9600Mpkv_V5TIOnDhPUa_9itBhJX/s640/blogger-image--2015966167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDYyOPg89q3aj1ZijsFLexuoElznuR7kUrqg9vDTvNXGLbIMNfm8YYtq93s-_w2lWRh7UCFq2pC3LpcIgLY_Rmh556QIkIgwE5q13J44lz7nCJ3Lo9600Mpkv_V5TIOnDhPUa_9itBhJX/s640/blogger-image--2015966167.jpg"></a></div><div>It would take a miracle. </div><div><br></div><div>Do you remember the story? The ark (the box that symbolized God's holy presence and which was to honored in the tabernacle) had become a trophy of war. The Israelites <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">had been ignoring God's commands, but took the ark to war in hope that God would miraculously help them win.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This duplicity gave the Philistines an open door to victory. Gloating over their conquest, they placed the ark along with their god, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Dagon, in his temple.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">In the </font></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">morning they found Dagon on his face before the ark. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The following </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">morning, Dagon was again face down, but with head and arms broken off.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Painful tumors, diseased rats and awful deaths then plagued the city. Each time they moved the ark to another Philistine city, tumors and multiple deaths followed. Eventually they made the connection between the holy ark </font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and unholy consequences. Results of disobedience and dishonor were scattered across the landscape. The God of the ark was not to be trifled with.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Leaders came up with the idea of hitching two milking cows to a new cart carrying the ark and their guilt offering </font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to discern if the tumors and deaths were truly because of the ark.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> With n</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">o driver to guide, the cart was pointed toward the border and they watched where it would go. For twelve hours, </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">God's unseen hand, led them away from their calves. Painfully stretched udders and an unknown destination did not stop them till they arrived in Beth Shemesh, an Israelite town. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mission accomplished. A miracle.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b>For Your Consideration</b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b><br></b></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Read 1 Samuel 4-6, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal insights for your life.</font></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Have you ever made a decision based on magical thinking instead of God's revelation?</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Might you be under high stress? To what course of action might God's Spirit guide you?</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">If you're in the midst of difficulty while obeying God, what comfort can you gain from this account?</font></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now, meditate on Jesus' words. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;"> “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Matthew 19:26.</span></div>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-75859923671417399662014-07-08T09:21:00.002-04:002015-02-24T21:48:03.466-05:00Prepare for Comfort<i>"In the desert prepare the way for the LORD</i>" (Isaiah 40:3, NIV)<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh3OANUasgsqd45mC2tZvdmFCoMfllxBkOsxLkG32FYIcMlEvSRvzGPh-o0aVgTrRRssYYEeWbs9hlfGQBthLzwj8pvZSh1xX0MIYxEaKDbk1Sj7t7vGK895XBoVZFWTdKnTUBQK5UjSf/s640/blogger-image-842381672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh3OANUasgsqd45mC2tZvdmFCoMfllxBkOsxLkG32FYIcMlEvSRvzGPh-o0aVgTrRRssYYEeWbs9hlfGQBthLzwj8pvZSh1xX0MIYxEaKDbk1Sj7t7vGK895XBoVZFWTdKnTUBQK5UjSf/s640/blogger-image-842381672.jpg"></a></div>Dry, burning feet; sun-cracked lips; hoarse whispers; weary days and frigid nights. These are companions in the desert. Sad hearts, weary hands and limp hopes: these are signs of the wilderness.<br>
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There, overcome by heat, we hear God calling. <i>Prepare the way for Me to come. </i><br>
<br>Though we might entertain illusions that God has forgotten about us or is no longer attentive, He speaks. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">God's tender voice comes through Isaiah to His people then and now. </span><i>I am here to comfort you. </i><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When adversity thins our will to overcome, God calls forth hope. When desert sucks water out of us and dries out containers too small for God, we encounter this oasis: God cares.</span><div>
<br>God offers us comfort. Our tender shepherd promises to gently lead and protect as we trudge through barren terrain.<br>
<br>Might He ask, <i>Have you forgotten my wisdom is beyond yours? I measure the seas in the cup of my hand, and weigh mountains on my scales. Don't compare me to puny idols you have made, hoping they will save.<br>
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I see you. I know what you face. I don't grow weary, and I will share my strength with you.<br>
Hope in Me. I will renew your strength. </i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Don't give up. </i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Look to My power and ready yourself to receive. </i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Prepare space for me. </i></div><div><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></i></div><div><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As you do so, I will help you, and as you work with My strength, you <u>will</u> see My glory.</i></div><div>
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<b>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</b><br>
<b><br></b>Study <b>Isaiah 40</b>. Place your desert circumstance before the God of all Comfort. Choose some of Isaiah's metaphors and rephrase them to apply to your situation.<br>
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Can you see how that exercise prepares the way for God coming to you in your wilderness?<br>
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According to this chapter, what are some ways that God comes? For example as Creator (28), Shepherd (11), and Sovereign Lord (10). Now worship The Lord as He deserves. And exhale.</div></div>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-19225019084482285412014-06-23T08:55:00.001-04:002014-07-30T11:47:46.175-04:00You Can't, but I Can.<br><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xKLiPjUJCLZqQ9DdgCTn85TnZvjJR5Ve2VNQGDU-uXmVobTZMU9QXGgt3naQsB3wFchde6yj2JqrJEMnJJe41TUVivWtdidrFaoa-Xjt3TOIhV3-C0PmV9smqmGeH8WCvoxATGzAOybw/s640/blogger-image-856439778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xKLiPjUJCLZqQ9DdgCTn85TnZvjJR5Ve2VNQGDU-uXmVobTZMU9QXGgt3naQsB3wFchde6yj2JqrJEMnJJe41TUVivWtdidrFaoa-Xjt3TOIhV3-C0PmV9smqmGeH8WCvoxATGzAOybw/s640/blogger-image-856439778.jpg"></a></div>Waves curled like angry fingers ready to grab the boat and shake the fishermen out like toys. The hull slammed the water and water pounded into their vessel. S</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">trong winds strained their muscles and tattered their hopes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Beyond each subsiding wave, a shadow appeared then disappeared. As the figure came closer, they trembled not from cold skin but quaking hearts. A ghost! Why now? Strong, burly fishermen cried out with fear. It was the last straw.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Out from the darkness, Jesus identified himself. "Take courage. It is I. Don 't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sometimes, even as we obey Jesus' instructions, we encounter unexpected storms that buffet our boats and strain our fortitude.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">At first we may not recognize Him, but </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jesus comes to us, assuring us we need not fear. Water's violence is no match for Jesus' presence. The Creator</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> who can calm a storm with a word, or who comes like a man walking on waves, puts all things under his feet. Storms, waves, hunger, fear, worry, evil. Our strained muscles regain new strength to mount waves.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">As He encouraged Peter and his friends, so He encourages us. (Put your name here.) Alex, Kathy, Dan, Do not be afraid. Trust Me in this storm. It's havoc will end, but my power will prevail. </font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We reach out to the sound of Hope, and take courage. The waves are no match for their Creator. What seems like the end of things, might be the doorway to walking on water.</font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Read Matthew 14:22-33 aware of Jesus speaking to you. What is He saying?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Are you able to see evidence of the Creator's presence in your storm? How will you respond? </font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-55644242685931809942014-06-18T08:48:00.001-04:002015-02-24T21:52:40.495-05:00Pray, Aim, and SwatI was tired and finally in bed. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I knew it would keep me awake. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Annoying fly! I prayed it would settle or fly out of the room. </span><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><div><div>Then as clear as the buzz, I realized I needed to rouse myself out of my comfortable bed and get the fly swatter. I had to make an effort to find and finish it.</div><div><br></div><div>If you've tried to find a loud fly in a full room, you know it can be quiet a challenge, even funny if you are in the right frame of mind. (I wasn't.) But a<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">s I washed my hands after removing the dead fly, the light came on.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>Prayer is good. Always. But I needed to do my part in getting rid of what was bothering me--even if I was dog tired.</div></div></div><div><br></div><div>I was to be part of the answer to my prayer. I had to be willing to get out if my comfort zone, fetch the tool to deal with the disturbance, and aim to get rid of it. Aim and swat.</div><div><br></div><div>Reminds me of<i> 'Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose' </i>(see Philippians 2:12-13).</div><div><br></div><div>We work WITH God. Sometimes The Lord says,<i> Do nothing yet. Be still. </i>Sometimes He says, <i>Get up and do what I tell you.</i></div><div><br></div><div>It's a partnership, and He's the one with all the wisdom. So when He shares it, I best do my part.</div><div>He might part a Red Sea, or He might position a loud fly so I can deal with it. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My God is so practical! I fell a</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">sleep with a big smile. </span></div><div><br></div><div><b>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>What is your annoying fly? When you pray about it, what comes to mind? (Wait? Act? Specifics?)</div><div><br></div><div>What tools can you access to deal with it? (E.G. Is there a scripture promise you can count on?)</div><div><br></div><div>How can you co-operate with God's Spirit? </div>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-16726489285442119392014-06-03T13:53:00.000-04:002014-06-03T13:53:33.012-04:00Love GiftLanding on the white patio rail, he seemed to scrutinize me as I watched him just beyond the glass door. I expected him to fly away from the discomfort of human closeness but he stayed and walked the rail, twisting his head to assess his surroundings.<br />
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My Creator had used doves before to remind me of his presence. Once, from a red bud tree, God's Spirit spoke consolation as I meditated on Scripture. "My eye is on you."</div>
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I had been asking for a tangible expression of God's presence. Yes, I know the Word says God loves me and will not leave, but I was weary, unsettled by a long parade of unfamiliar circumstances that demanded hard decisions. So I looked for encouragement, and the Heavenly Dove sent me a turtledove.</div>
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<i>I call you my friend. I love you as much as my Father loves me! </i> <i>I will never leave nor forsake you. Didn't I promise to help you? Several times. Trust me, my love. Accept my presence as a love gift to you. </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">(</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">See John 15; Hebrews 13:5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 8:32.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I invite you to meditate with me on Hebrews 13:5-6:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>God has said, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>So we say with confidence,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">How is the Lord's presence a love gift to you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What is God saying to you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What is your intellectual and emotional response?</span></div>
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Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-59951944011023130382014-04-15T23:11:00.000-04:002014-06-18T09:46:42.202-04:00Dispel Disappointment<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As Mary traversed the rocky terrain leading to Jesus' crucifixion, questions concerning His suffering jolted her heart and mind. Her preconceptions of how Messiah would save His people from oppression hardly matched what unfolded during the arduous days we now celebrate as Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Mary's disappointment and grief numbed her as she observed Jesus' torture.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Why did it happen that way? Why didn't He just call down heaven's troops and overthrow his opponents? Why didn't He vindicate Himself?</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sometimes, we read God's inklings of the future like Rorschachs, making their pieces fit our best longings. That's quite possibly what Mary did as she waited for Jesus to reveal Himself as Israel's Messiah, for she had expected a throne, not a cross; vindication, not death. She had misinterpreted how God would save.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Like her, at times we miscalculate how God is going to intervene. Our why's jolt us to consider that God does not always act according to our best hopes. But, when we </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">unpretentiously rely on God's wisdom and our relationship with the risen Christ, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">we learn to reinterpret setbacks and heart wrenching disappointment with the truth. God's ways are beyond our understanding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Even after three days, there might not be a clear answer. However, a new glimpse that our Savior suffers with us and also triumphs over suffering, reintroduces</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> the Prince of Peace as a faithful companion. We discard grave clothes, link arms to steady us on uneven terrain, and smile into Jesus' eyes. Each glimpse of glory dispels disappointment and we discover new power to t</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">rust God's ways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">After all, our Savior knows what He's doing. </span></div>
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<b>For Your Consideration</b></div>
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<i> “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts"</i> (<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As you meditate on Jesus' death for the world, what might the Holy Spirit reveal about God's ways? Are there implications you can draw for your own circumstances?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">How did Jesus arm Himself against why's and what-if's?</span></div>
Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-26471071524931484302014-03-20T23:27:00.001-04:002014-03-23T08:33:44.480-04:00Thank Offerings<div>
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The last thing we want to do when things are going bad is thank God. We plead, we ask for help, we complain, but we don't typically give thanks.</div>
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That's why scriptures refer to the sacrifice of praise. "<i>Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name" </i>(<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hebrews 13:15).</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Isaiah says, </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God" </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">(Psalm 50:</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">23). </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When we sacrifice thank offerings, we prepare the way for God's salvation. Amazing! </span></div>
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The only way to give thanks and praise in bad times is to intentionally shift focus. We look away from terror to Truth, from fear to Faithfulness, and <u>we</u> change. Not only do we find strength to persevere (see Hebrews 12), but we experience an other worldly peace that keeps our hearts and minds focused on what is true and lovely (Philippians 4:6-8)--a far cry from anxiety.</div>
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It's not Pollyanna thinking. We have to admit our challenges before Jesus our Intercessor. But as we start looking for things for which to give thanks, t<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">he Holy Spirit cleans our lenses and adjusts their focus. We </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">become more aware that God's power and love far surpass our needs. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Soon we learn to see the Almighty's hand in our lives even after we've shrunk back from some of the ugly gift wrapping.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This rediscovery (that we can trust God) prepares us to lay down worry and fear. It deactivates our default complaint button. The sacrifice of thanks and praise accustoms our eyes to behold our Savior in grander dimensions, including ones that speak to our needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While it's not easy or natural, sacrificing thank offerings honors God. It</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> lays out the red carpet for Jesus, our Savior, to show us the stuff of His salvation.</span></div>
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<b>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</b></div>
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<i>Is there a situation in your life that is dragging your attention away from Christ and diminishing your sense of God's great care and presence? </i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">How might your sacrifice of thanksgiving impact your well being?</i></div>
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<i>What aspect of God's salvation in your life is God revealing? </i></div>
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<i>Thank God anew for a time when your sacrifice of praise refocused you on God's presence and perspective. </i></div>
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Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-59150958717319585862014-03-06T10:45:00.002-05:002014-03-06T10:45:46.594-05:00Jesus Wants You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted"</i> (Mark 3:13, NIV).<br />
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I almost overlooked it.<br />
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He wanted them. Yes, Jesus chose them, but He wanted them. Every last one of them, including Judas.<br />
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Mark tells us that He appointed them so they could be <i>with him</i> (verse 14, italics mine).<br />
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He wanted their company. He wanted to teach them. He wanted to send them out to preach good news and to have authority to drive out demons. He wanted each one, and their names are recorded in the Scripture.<br />
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Jesus' desire to have these men spend time with Him was so they could experience, not merely teachings about God, but God in flesh. He would reveal Himself through miracles, teaching, disappointment, grief, and triumphs. There was no way to know what they would discover: awe, confusion, suffering, and joy. At the time of their call, they had already encountered Jesus as the compassionate healer and the authoritative rabbi. Their years with Him would expand their pebble ideas of God into wondrous mountain ranges.<br />
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Encouraging, isn't it, that Jesus also calls us to Himself. He wants us to bring His Kingdom near through His presence in us. But more than that, He wants to reside in us, express His love and delight in us, and make us one with God. Eventually, as we give ourselves to God's purposes, we discover that in all turns of life, God is working to etch Christ Jesus in and through us.<br />
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Oh, dear Lord, thank you for wanting me. Thank you for calling me to spend time with You, and for giving Yourself to me so completely!<br />
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<b>For Your Consideration</b><br />
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<i>Reflect on your life. Why does Jesus want you to spend time with Him?</i><br />
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<i>What key lessons has Jesus taught you in recent years about (a) His love for you, and (b) your part in letting Him love people through you?</i>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-52826773194388793412014-02-14T11:30:00.000-05:002014-02-14T11:30:00.134-05:00Keep Looking at MeI know that God cares about me when He repeatedly instructs me with a particular scripture. In the past several weeks, the Holy Spirit has spotlighted different verses in Hebrews 12. Using this favorite passage, my Coach is retraining me to jump hurdles. On my own, I can't, but the Spirit of God in me can. So I choose to keep looking to Jesus, the 'champion who initiates and perfects [my] faith' (see Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT).<br />
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As I face a succession of challenges--unfamiliar doctors, pain, broken machinery--I deliberately remember the biggies are beyond my ability and intentionally turn and look into Jesus' face. That focus, rather than the jarring circumstances, slowly renews my relationship with Him. Though confidence is thin at times, I remember it is well placed. Jesus Himself could face great suffering because He was closely linked with Father, so I ask for a stronger link: close, tight, and unshaken by circumstances. I read and pray the Scripture, applying it to the issue, and look to Truth to coach me in running the race set before me.<br />
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Interestingly, I rediscover my Helper created me to look confidently to Him at all times, not just when I see rough terrain ahead. My Creator loves me to trust and dialogue with Him. God desires to guide, strengthen and love me. So I'm looking, again and again, and learning new confidence in God's ways even when they don't make sense. It's relationship He's after.<br />
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Keep looking at Me, My child. Look into My eyes. I am looking at you.<br />
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<b>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</b><br />
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<i>Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. </i>(Hebrews 12:1-2, NTL).<br />
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Are you facing a challenge that draws your eyes away from the One who is making you into a champion?<br />
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What can you do to refocus keenly on your Coach, Jesus Christ?<br />
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Spend at least one minute giving thanks for specific evidence of God at work in your life.<br />
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Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-532170608470872012014-01-22T17:59:00.003-05:002014-01-27T18:59:24.699-05:00Think Beyond Yourself<img src="webkit-fake-url://BB32BF47-7BDC-4AE9-AAFB-1763ADA13700/imagejpeg" /><br />
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<i>Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in our thinking be adults </i>(1 Corinthians 14:20, NIV).<br />
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Haven't you met people who thought the world existed to meet their needs? And haven't you, at times, been one of those people?<br />
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Some have had all they longed for handed to them by Mommy and Daddy. The clothes, schools, networks, jobs--all, with more piled on, were offered endlessly. No demands, no responsibility. If Jared failed, Mommy would come behind him hushing his cries and doing her best to keep the teacher's wrath at bay. If Jessica fell down, Daddy would soothe his princess to a fault so she didn't have to pick herself up and keep running.<br />
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Others didn't. They had to scrap and work hard for everything. They easily concluded that they deserved to call the shots and enjoy the perks no matter what. After all, nothing was handed to them on a platter. Rejection and loss were companions they learned to ditch, and their temptation might be to do what they want, when and how, without concern for others. That is, only if it suited them.<br />
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But if we are to grow up, regardless of where we fall on that continuum, we have to become God centered. We discover that means thinking like Jesus. God's Word challenges us to seek not our pleasure primarily, but God's. Like Jesus did. When we start responding to God's desires for us, instead of wallowing in self-centeredness, we speak the truth about our situation. That opens a door to a life changing perspective.<br />
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In hardship, we can discover fresh intimacy with the Lord. His presence transforms us as we realign our thinking according to God's revealed Word. We grow into adults--worshipping adults. And others will come along to worship.<br />
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<b>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</b><br />
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Read 1 Corinthians 14:12 - 25.<br />
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Has The Lord been alerting you to self-centered thinking that's begging to be replaced?<br />
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What specifically needs to be addressed, and what kind of help will you need in making that transition?<br />
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One consequence of mature obedience to God is others might be drawn to worship<i>. </i><br />
<i>(Verse 25: So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!")</i><br />
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<br />Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-6256034411622920342014-01-06T21:18:00.003-05:002014-01-06T21:18:59.843-05:00 Holds Your Hand<br />
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<i>For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. </i>Isaiah 41:13</div>
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I had no idea I had blockages. The cardiologist's plan to cut my artery and send a camera through my arm after an prolonged episode of atrial fibrillation was both a relief and an anxiety.</div>
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A cousin sent me Isaiah 41:13. I figured God had sent it to me for a reason, and started meditating on it.</div>
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It gave me fresh encouragement. I needed God and He took the initiative to hold my hand. He used a familiar promise but in a new way. The doctor planned to go through my right wrist and the Word promised me God would hold my right hand. God's Spirit had taken hold of my hand before. Several times. Now He would help me again.</div>
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When I was nine years old, I realized God wanted a personal relationship with me. With time, His Word became increasingly alive to me and knew I could count on what He said. Precious words that I had encountered before came back to steady heart and hand. I focused on what was true: God's hand had taken hold of mine! God up close, personal--my little hand covered by His eternal one.</div>
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Once when our then five year old daughter was ill, our routine bedtime prayer was punctuated by her little voice, <i>Mummy, I can feel Jesus holding my hand! </i> At the time I marveled. I didn't know if it was her imagination or a special gift. God used that memory to fan my faith. God was holding my hand. Yes, even my right hand--roadway to my heart.</div>
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So when I fear, I squeeze Jesus' hand and ask Him to remind me that His hand holds mine. He can replace fear with faith, and anxiety with peace. And I breathe more easily knowing He's with me all the way.</div>
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Now that's comfort and power. And I'm holding tight.</div>
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<b>For Your Consideration</b></div>
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<i>Read Isaiah 41:13 slowly, and read it several times. After each reading, listen to how the Holy Spirit might address your needs. </i></div>
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<i>If you knew the Lord was actually holding your hand and looking into your eyes, what fear would He ask you to release to Him? What help could you ask for?</i></div>
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<i>Enjoy His love for you and rest in His desire to meet your needs as you face a New Year.</i></div>
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Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-70857593138698554942013-12-25T00:22:00.001-05:002013-12-25T08:19:22.234-05:00Favor with GodMary must have had a great love for God's Word and a great respect for God's work. She was looking for Messiah to come and deliver the Jews from the Romans as much as any other Jew. <br />
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I'm sure God's reasons for selecting her to carry His Son were many, but the one the angel gave her was that she found favor with God. <br />
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Was it that she was pure and loved the Most High God with all her heart, soul and mind? Was she astute, wise beyond her young years, always looking for God's presence in life around her? I expect she hungered for righteousness and regularly found God's filling.<br />
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When Gabriel informed her of the holy pregnancy and gave instructions in naming the Son of the Most High, Mary wondered at the impossibility of the assignment. Gabriel proceeded to give her some general information then reminded her that "Nothing is impossible with God."<br />
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She would have known about the impossible crossing of the Red Sea on dry land; God's provision of manna in the desert; the commandments that sprung out of God's covenant love for His people. She knew the Lord was capable of pulling off the impossible and often did so using humans who obeyed God's instructions.<br />
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So, beyond the first greeting, after which Gabriel told her not to be afraid, there is no hint that Mary started worrying. Though she was young, I'm sure she was no fool. She trusted God to take care of the details. She would have been well aware that this role would be demanding, that the village gossips would have a heyday with her growing belly. She didn't know yet about the sword that would pierce her side, and the horror God's Son would face, but God chose her because she would trust Him implicitly.<br />
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What she did know was she had found favor with God and she wanted to give everything she had to do His will.<br />
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<em>"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."</em> (See Luke 1:38, NIV.)<br />
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<strong>For Your Consideration:</strong><br />
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What might give you favor with God? <br />
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What does the Most High treasure about your availability?<br />
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Can you wholeheartedly say, <em>I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said</em>?<br />
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<em><strong>May we enjoy the blessings of walking in full surrender to the Lord's will for our lives this Christmas and in the coming year.</strong></em>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-28812366654523128102013-11-13T16:19:00.000-05:002013-11-13T16:36:20.015-05:00Treasure in Clay<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL6nb48AiVNPVMYdJNJOQ90DkuUtxRXhDO1Cab7OzcnvmX2YKuujLMFrAXKsH_mMCZP0eWDkMUNRcnDOVvhQS0rnV0Tc0MiluGry8zsshFNnNsLYveeu9dFjVcjcBZ5dSYcABMM5wUsR6/s1600/image+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL6nb48AiVNPVMYdJNJOQ90DkuUtxRXhDO1Cab7OzcnvmX2YKuujLMFrAXKsH_mMCZP0eWDkMUNRcnDOVvhQS0rnV0Tc0MiluGry8zsshFNnNsLYveeu9dFjVcjcBZ5dSYcABMM5wUsR6/s200/image+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i></i><br />
<i>But we have these treasures in jars of clay to show the all-surpassing power is from God and not from us</i> (<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">2 Corinthians 4:7, </span>NIV).<br />
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My demitasse decorated with oranges and blues and highlighted in gold had once been mere dirt, molded, painted and fired specifically to hold Turkish coffee. <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">After I drank my coffee this morning, I noticed the cup had a hairline fracture. It held the coffee just fine, but an almost invisible line reminded me I had dropped it in the sink yesterday.</span><br />
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Though I enjoy these pretty cups, my most important reason for holding, washing, and trying to keep them safe is to enjoy my coffee. Coffee with Scripture. Coffee with my husband or with other loved ones. It's the coffee that's important to me!<br />
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Like the clay pots in this verse, we were designed by God to hold amazing treasure. We've been hit by life: divorce, financial shortfalls, wayward children, health surprises, untimely death. The fracture lines they bring are actually occasions for us to discover God's amazing power. No other power is more powerful, even though we might reel with pain. God's Spirit, present and more powerful, transforms each trauma if we let Him. What we thought would have killed us, made us better. <br />
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Because the presence of Jesus Christ transforms each trauma, we can still carry the rich tasting, robust smell of God's power. We could have been thrown away or set on a back shelf, but the One who has the power to transform works in us, revealing more and more of God's glorious power.<br />
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That's clearly not our own doing.<br />
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<b>For Your Consideration</b><br />
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<em>Read and meditate on 2 Corinthians 4:6-9.</em><br />
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How have you found God's power greater than your traumas, helping you heal?<br />
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What helps you experience Christ's transforming presence when life gives you a jolt? What keeps God's presence at bay at such times?<br />
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Will you rejoice in God's desire to indwell you, His treasured vessel?<br />
<br />Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-33984913226629854732013-11-07T10:32:00.000-05:002013-11-07T10:32:10.794-05:00Alice: Sharing New Life<br />
"Did you see that lady?" my sister-in-law asked as the slim, gray haired woman went through the food line?<br />
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I asked to be excused from my volunteer work at the church's food booth. Business was slow and I was intrigued when I heard how she had spent her day.<br />
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Offering to take her food to her table, I introduced myself. I shared my admiration that she would spend a hot day at the county fair handing out pieces of Good News at the Gideon booth.<br />
Alice's face lit up when I asked why she chose to do that.<br />
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She had been raised in Boston by parents who were caught up in the social scene. Her unitarian father thought Jesus was an illegitimate man, and her main faith input was a grandmother who read her Psalms and prayed for her. Before age 30, she had 3 active children, a husband who was often absent with work, and many socialite friends--all of whom were not enough to stifle the nagging suspicion that there was more to life.<br />
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That is, until she met Lois. <br />
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Lois had rediscovered her Christian upbringing in a way that was exciting and vital. After their children were in bed, they would talk by phone and Lois would share scriptures with Alice. At first, she was offended to hear that she (along with everyone else) was a sinner. But later she discovered and treasured Ephesians 2:8-9. No matter how hard she tried to be a good person, it wouldn't be enough. God had a better way, and He'd already opened the door for her to have true life.<br />
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In a Bible Study, honest discussion watered and sprouted Alice's faith. Years passed as her faith grew tall and her relationship with God changed from vague and intellectualized to robust and vibrant.<br />
At first, her husband thought she was crazy, but her new serenity intrigued him. He, too, eventually came to accept Christ's invitation to a transformed life.<br />
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Widowed now, with grown children who had themselves discovered new life through Christ, it was Alice's joy to share the treasure she had found. Though stamina and social networks had changed, God's love was just as relevant. As she shared her story, her brown eyes sparkled with life.<br />
Those tracts were maps so others could discover it too.<img src="webkit-fake-url://759F4C5C-4E9B-4EA6-87EB-530667CB94B6/imagepng" />Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-77984429609248293802013-05-06T13:53:00.000-04:002013-05-06T13:53:00.246-04:00No More ApathyDo you remember the last time you purchased a Bible? If you live in the west, you probably perused the bookstores and the internet, asked your friends which study Bible they preferred, prayed over your decision, thumbed through the pages, and finally purchased the one you chose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5BNY6yWClJKmSjSE7SZMIM5SAQ6VSAonS1TnNxmUbkTAOiFMx7zahUUXBY2FEs-mw8A2mbTMpWe01lQe_aW25X3kOSYm9-HIjPa_sCu9AB_HjlE54pc0SS4UPSKe892U3TG6ZXvvaK8s/s1600/womanBible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5BNY6yWClJKmSjSE7SZMIM5SAQ6VSAonS1TnNxmUbkTAOiFMx7zahUUXBY2FEs-mw8A2mbTMpWe01lQe_aW25X3kOSYm9-HIjPa_sCu9AB_HjlE54pc0SS4UPSKe892U3TG6ZXvvaK8s/s200/womanBible.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We take that process for granted. We western Christ followers still have easy access to the best seller in the world. But its life giving words are not so easily accessible to many--including those hated for following Jesus.<br />
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Sadly, in our politically correct world, we've backed off sharing life-giving words because of fear of offense. Or some other hurdle. All the while this treasure sits in our homes (sometimes in our hearts), begging to be released to accomplish God's purpose to bless many.<br />
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Easy access has borne apathy. <br />
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We have a different sense of urgency when we have five Bibles on our shelves as opposed to a smuggled sheet torn from one Bible shared among underground Christ followers.<br />
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Instead of apathy, let's ask God for a renewed urgency to share the difference Christ makes.<br />
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God says NOW. <em>Now is the time of God's favor. Now is the day of salvation.</em> (See 2 Corinthians 6:2)<br />
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<strong>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</strong><br />
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Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 in its larger context.<br />
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<em>What is the day of salvation? How are you involved?</em>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-24075488859275203752013-05-01T09:33:00.001-04:002013-05-01T09:33:22.171-04:00Truth and Consequence<em>My people will be destroyed,</em><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><em> </em></span><span class="text Hos-4-6"><em>because they have no knowledge.</em> (Hosea 4:6, NCV)</span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVb4hveNGCi4hjMRyorbovenplHut7lnF2C8SNyBld_YVYiMa1huPkcE-xHJXe7djH78GpbqX-8Gdu5durQcS6Zx_HnpxLhyUzZMrgItkQR8oEkjFePnOCt44lQJu4Ke046ygQViRPHBb/s1600/Street-interviews-pic-300x203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVb4hveNGCi4hjMRyorbovenplHut7lnF2C8SNyBld_YVYiMa1huPkcE-xHJXe7djH78GpbqX-8Gdu5durQcS6Zx_HnpxLhyUzZMrgItkQR8oEkjFePnOCt44lQJu4Ke046ygQViRPHBb/s200/Street-interviews-pic-300x203.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">These are not the people in my story</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before Pope Francis was selected, I watched a TV interviewer ask people on the street their opinions about the new pope.<br />
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I was amazed at the ease in which people pontificated about the yet unelected pope. When asked followup questions, they spoke into the roving mike with ease and confidence. <br />
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But they were deluded. They spoke glibly with no understanding. There was no new pope--yet.<br />
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I hate to admit ignorance. I'm sure they did too. Or perhaps, they didn't even know they were ignorant! <br />
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Whatever the cause, their actions challenged me to take another look at myself.<br />
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Is it more important to make a good impression or to speak the truth? Is it more important to take another person's opinion as valid or do the hard work of digging for the facts? <br />
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<strong>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</strong><br />
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Read Habbakuk 2:6 in context.<br />
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<em>Is there an area in your life in which you might need information? </em><br />
<em>Would you be willing to search the scriptures while asking the Author of Truth to inform, instruct and give you wisdom? </em><br />
<em>What other other sources might you need to research? </em><br />
<em>What action will you take?</em><br />
<br />Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-1656430007724707552013-05-01T08:52:00.000-04:002013-05-01T09:26:49.973-04:00Out of the SaltshakerGod's Spirit was with us as we took a personal look at "Being Transformed through Sharing Faith" last Saturday.<br />
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I highly recommend <em>Out of the Salt Shaker and Into the World</em> by Rebecca Manley Pippert. It is an extremely practical gift to help you face and overcome your fears. Full of practical examples, you will observe many possibilities and explore how you can grow in confidence in sharing the Good News you've found. It also has questions for group study in the appendix--another practical tool.<br />
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Thank you to readers who prayed for us that day. We will discover one day how those prayers impacted eternity. <br />
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I never lead a retreat or speak unless I've asked a group of people to pray for me, because when we pray according to God's will, I KNOW He hears us. And, since that's the case, I know He greatly blessed those women with a refreshed urgency to share God-words, marrying them with the good deeds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIPh705huJxa1SFXiFvAwaYMuih1QoHrTJ2yFiYxh1pvE2dIhI0bhIjuTKg1OucrtK3UFs6xs6kh2WQkYNnhHvU09pf4yi0r7RObdI4a6JDSGQRLHCWmcZhF6eT71RoSNdasrhXU8SqZj/s1600/silvoso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIPh705huJxa1SFXiFvAwaYMuih1QoHrTJ2yFiYxh1pvE2dIhI0bhIjuTKg1OucrtK3UFs6xs6kh2WQkYNnhHvU09pf4yi0r7RObdI4a6JDSGQRLHCWmcZhF6eT71RoSNdasrhXU8SqZj/s1600/silvoso.jpg" /></a>I also want to lift up Ed Silvoso's <em>Prayer Evangelism</em> as another great tool. The reminder is that we pray and become sensitive to God's holy nudgings before we say anything. Talk to God about your neighbors before you talk to your neighbors about God!<br />
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There are many good tools available. There's a resurgence of interest--finally--in obeying the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). It's time. It's past time, yet the Lord is patient. Let's not waste His favor.<br />
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<strong>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</strong><br />
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Read 2 Cor 5:11-21 and listen for the Spirit's alerts. What do you discern?<br />
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<em>We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28898AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> as though God were making his appeal through us.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28898AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God</em> (verse 20).<br />
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What is Christ's appeal through you?Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-35281266836353259402013-04-01T16:55:00.000-04:002013-04-02T10:51:42.825-04:00Transformed Through Sharing Faith - Women's Seminar<div style="text-align: left;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Women's Seminar- Saturday,
April 27th, 9 am to 3 pm.</span><span id="goog_708107579"></span><span id="goog_708107580"></span><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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Poor examples and distorted expectations often undermine our confidence in
sharing our faith. "Transformed Through Faith Sharing" will examine
the Great Commission, the role of the Spirit's enablement, and common fears.<br />
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Besides spiritual and emotional refreshment, you will leave with practical
ways to overcome your identified fears and share your faith.<br />
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This women's seminar will be held at Cross-Wind United Methodist, 616 N
State Road 25, Logansport, Indiana on Saturday, April 27th, 9 am to 3 pm. <br />
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Your registration of $39 includes a healthy and delicious lunch catered by
Rob & Angie McMinn. We invite you to get a group of friends and come sharpen your skill as a disciple of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of your world! <br />
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<em>Groups of 5 or more pay $29 each if registered together and prepaid by
April 20th.</em> <br />
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Please send your name, address/email, phone, church affiliation, and checks
payable to Paula Gast, 5801 Trinity Road, Muncie, IN 47304. For groups, please
send in one envelope with info for each person. Thank you.<br />
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<o:p> </o:p>Please contact Paula Gast through <span style="color: black;"><a href="mailto:transformingword@sbcglobal.net">transformingword@sbcglobal.net</a> </span>if
you have further questions.<br />
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Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-83399036165406135182013-04-01T14:49:00.000-04:002013-04-01T14:51:53.434-04:00The Morning AfterMy only regret yesterday was that I ate too much desert.<br />
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But I was with family, and we laughed around the table. Earlier, my pastor reminded me about the overcoming Christ who gave His life blood for me and the rest of humankind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KIdks2o11LQRLUCSfv0vBZnJFQl3TRbE-lFeT4VAQAcbSM3Fbjl5KgZVJU4kxV40T6olrx6gfG_vS5y7tKFbqhqUVu9j7TjvYlbP0S4_l3Tynds5125qrs71lker7VlaHHVSXccBgV4f/s1600/empty-tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KIdks2o11LQRLUCSfv0vBZnJFQl3TRbE-lFeT4VAQAcbSM3Fbjl5KgZVJU4kxV40T6olrx6gfG_vS5y7tKFbqhqUVu9j7TjvYlbP0S4_l3Tynds5125qrs71lker7VlaHHVSXccBgV4f/s320/empty-tomb.jpg" width="320" /></a>For me, He died; for me, He lives!<br />
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In a time of increasing skepticism and biblical ignorance, I get to view the story of the resurrection with fresh eyes. I can ask the Lord to disturb the numbing that can come with familiarity or ignorance. <br />
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<em>Lord Jesus, my Savior, deliver me from dullness of heart or imagination. Infuse faith into familiarity and give me joy from freshly discovering the power of Your cross and resurrection.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>My best words lack the eloquence Your eternal gift evokes. Build on our recent celebrations of Your resurrection and live on in us with resurrection power.</em><br />
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<strong>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</strong><br />
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<em>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30378A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> In his great mercy<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30378B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> he has given us new birth<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30378C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> into a living hope<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30378D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.</em> (1 Peter 1:3, NIV)<br />
<strong></strong><br />
With your Easter celebration still fresh in your mind, take a look at your life and the mind scrambling evidence of Christ's resurrection.<br />
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So what?Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-41082786545414037442013-03-25T21:00:00.000-04:002013-03-25T21:00:22.699-04:00Power-Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nOVchexqhkres3VswsrC9RtQMeEbRVdzsP_SZTiTW92l8CDMxkAUSgKBPL2WebPKHXxpRTB2momQLCZjVX65fHxZOTM-NdJLtNxJRcYSUIF-WV9FnsHjK4KHlLajwe8wbPv1vEW7UkuQ/s1600/snow-falling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nOVchexqhkres3VswsrC9RtQMeEbRVdzsP_SZTiTW92l8CDMxkAUSgKBPL2WebPKHXxpRTB2momQLCZjVX65fHxZOTM-NdJLtNxJRcYSUIF-WV9FnsHjK4KHlLajwe8wbPv1vEW7UkuQ/s200/snow-falling.jpg" width="200" /></a>The evening news described airport delays and car accidents as folk weathered the latest snowstorm. While people complain "It's supposed to be spring," the truth is that we need water, and especially after a dry summer.</div>
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One snowflake or drop of rain seems inconsequential, but en masse, it delivers water to replenish earth's crops. A torrent can disrupt life, carve river beds, and help bring fruit. A steady supply can seep deep into the soil and prepare it to help produce a harvest.<br />
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Isaiah says God's Word is like that. <br />
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Just as our Creator sends snow and rain to water the earth and provide seed and bread, so He sends the Word. Like rain, it waters our souls. Like snow it blankets us with truth. If we will let the Word soak into the deep places of our lives, it will do the hidden work of causing seed to grow and bringing spiritual food to make us strong.<br />
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That's a lot of power falling. <br />
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Makes me want to spread wide my arms and let the Word settle on my tongue and slip down into my thirsty heart.<br />
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<strong>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>As the rain<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18751AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> and the snow <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-10">come down from heaven, </span></span><span class="text Isa-55-10">and do not return to it </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-10">without watering the earth </span></span><span class="text Isa-55-10">... </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-10">so that it yields seed<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18751AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> for the sower and bread for the eater, </span></span><span class="text Isa-55-11" id="en-NIV-18752">so is my word<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18752AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> that goes out from my mouth: </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-11">It ... </span></span><span class="text Isa-55-11">will accomplish what I desire </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-11">and achieve the purpose<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18752AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> for which I sent it.</span></span></em><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-11"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-11"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span> </div>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-11">Reflect on your life. Can you see a connection between the power of God's Word and fruitfulness?</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-11"> </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-11">How have the scriptures carved a river bed in your heart?</span></span>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-91575521349881756362013-03-19T22:40:00.000-04:002013-03-19T22:40:23.274-04:00Cupped Ear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRdkRZ77eHUfJHk4gYlEcT7FC7_m26Kt2vB7XSjhywaLybAZfERRnG_7eeZNXS0H-rVv89XfVpQeLr2mke9AJNNlIINY-bnKY52921gwbRtWN0vYTov7vZqYJmzbJ7HPpXWsdpNFMT9Eb/s1600/788582_man_praying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRdkRZ77eHUfJHk4gYlEcT7FC7_m26Kt2vB7XSjhywaLybAZfERRnG_7eeZNXS0H-rVv89XfVpQeLr2mke9AJNNlIINY-bnKY52921gwbRtWN0vYTov7vZqYJmzbJ7HPpXWsdpNFMT9Eb/s200/788582_man_praying.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<em>"Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22028B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> yourself before your God, your words<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22028C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> were heard"</em> (Daniel 10:12, NIV).<br />
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Hard times alert us to turn to God.<br />
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When circumstances weigh on our emotions like an elephant on a potato, we become excruciatingly aware that we need help. We search for understanding. A potato is no match for an elephant.<br />
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It takes humility to agree that the situation is beyond our capacity to conquer. But as we come to the One who humbled Himself to serve us (Philippians 2:6-8), we look into eyes of wisdom and hear His comforting word: He has heard us. Humility and tenacity put us in touch with the Savior. They provide answers from God's eternal perspective.<br />
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God is listening for our call. In fact, like the prodigal father (Luke 15:17-20), God is waiting for us to come to Him for help. His ear is cupped in our direction. <br />
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As we humble ourselves and search for understanding, God sends His messengers to our aid.<br />
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Even if we don't see them right away.<br />
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<strong>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Do you have a hard time asking God for help? What gets in the way of humbling yourself before God or searching out His perspective on a matter?</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>You may be experiencing a delay in hearing God's answer. Read Daniel 10-12 and search for insight to your situation.</em>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-33575857948905414972013-03-08T16:53:00.000-05:002013-03-08T16:53:05.020-05:00Satisfying <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDhjAtpER6TF5aFcyxsBelXGKzYoc1vvCI13d1M5AxSViO9Lm0FLQp94AaZkE0ERLsDhZLmJOo5FT1S8SJYWHpCyfhByGPqGmPGEaZW9U3HBNPKR45DArQeXwyRoIeIkwFaUAvWw18by7/s1600/woman-eating-healthy-on-the-go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDhjAtpER6TF5aFcyxsBelXGKzYoc1vvCI13d1M5AxSViO9Lm0FLQp94AaZkE0ERLsDhZLmJOo5FT1S8SJYWHpCyfhByGPqGmPGEaZW9U3HBNPKR45DArQeXwyRoIeIkwFaUAvWw18by7/s200/woman-eating-healthy-on-the-go.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Every day Christ calls us to come to His table. <br />
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We no longer have to scramble for food. It has been provided. We just have to wash our hands and hearts with the power of God's Word and come to Love's lavish spread. The more we thoughtfully read, meditate, and pray the scriptures is the more our ears get tuned to the Creator's frequencies. We hear His invitation to come, sit, and eat with Him and be satisfied.<br />
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Other tables entice us. They draw eye and taste buds, but the fare makes us sluggish. A steady diet of glazed strawberries on cheese cake (while tempting) do not deliver the nourishment we were designed to have. Also, poor eating habits--if we don't eat enough, eat healthily, or on time--can lead to sickness. A diet of sugars, refined products, and deserts drains energy and lures us away from life giving food. When we let schedule or stress push God's nourishment aside, we chose a level of dis-ease and dis-satisfaction.<br />
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So we choose what will satisfy.<br />
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Facing Wisdom across the table, we smile and exhale the deep satisfaction God called us to experience.<br />
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<strong>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Using the Lectio Divina, read <strong>Isaiah 55: 1-3 </strong>slowly and thoughtfully.</em><br />
<em>After a second reading, take time to reflect on the image or phrase the Holy Spirit gives. </em><br />
<em>On the third reading, prayerfully respond to God's nudgings.</em><br />
<em>Lastly, reread the Scripture and lean back to rest, satisfied with your Lord's nourishment.</em>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2023465418023222545.post-39615423360785815062013-02-25T17:15:00.000-05:002013-03-08T15:04:35.268-05:00Upsetting Your Normal<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIs0DNvQK5pVMP5-ja3IqekCZosqaWMZjojK1G9z38rF0Nq6DsrOKlopttR87ry9fsgHCCQbDiECqp637HgkEpV3fmqeMyKD1MA-J0_CsqjT-KUBsjXbIXTI8JygwYI7sn_TdNB_VMM6b/s1600/gerasenes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIs0DNvQK5pVMP5-ja3IqekCZosqaWMZjojK1G9z38rF0Nq6DsrOKlopttR87ry9fsgHCCQbDiECqp637HgkEpV3fmqeMyKD1MA-J0_CsqjT-KUBsjXbIXTI8JygwYI7sn_TdNB_VMM6b/s1600/gerasenes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIs0DNvQK5pVMP5-ja3IqekCZosqaWMZjojK1G9z38rF0Nq6DsrOKlopttR87ry9fsgHCCQbDiECqp637HgkEpV3fmqeMyKD1MA-J0_CsqjT-KUBsjXbIXTI8JygwYI7sn_TdNB_VMM6b/s1600/gerasenes.jpg" /></a>You remember the story, don't you? Jesus had just ordered a legion of demons out of a tormented man after they'd greeted Jesus with a plea to not torment them. <br />
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When Jesus was done with them, a large herd of pigs was drowned and the once naked man was clothed. Torment and terror had been exorcised, replaced by peace and clarity. <br />
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The villagers came en masse to see for themselves. They found the crazy man sitting at Jesus' feet: calm, thinking straight, hanging on Jesus' every word. He drank in Jesus' healing presence and wished he could stay with Him forever.<br />
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The villagers and demoniac had exchanged places: the man now calm at Jesus' feet, the villagers terrified asking Jesus to leave.<br />
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Some had tried to clothe and chain "Legion." They had failed, trumped by unearthly terror and violence. Jesus, above all powers, encountered him and brought restoration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu49DwA6fJOrwh9ECrs4lz9zYMrZLUAzeJNFANtk1YbJdQ_YvUPPjSwD6_hylpcFdaUB1tMssj-L8KgaHllWLUjta9_dUl0OX2dEwb_nHXrI8DSro_fs-a7eNy36I3VuR3-q5xs87unTpW/s1600/philosophygeek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu49DwA6fJOrwh9ECrs4lz9zYMrZLUAzeJNFANtk1YbJdQ_YvUPPjSwD6_hylpcFdaUB1tMssj-L8KgaHllWLUjta9_dUl0OX2dEwb_nHXrI8DSro_fs-a7eNy36I3VuR3-q5xs87unTpW/s1600/philosophygeek.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo from PhilosophyGeek</span></td></tr>
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You'd think the villagers would have wanted Him around. Instead, they were scared. While Jesus had done the impossible, He cost the pig farmers their livelihood. And He had upset their normal.<br />
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<span class="text Luke-8-37" id="en-NIV1984-25275"><em>Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25275AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> because they were overcome with fear. </em></span><span class="text Luke-8-37">(Luke 8:37, NIV)</span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-8-37">Unexamined fear slammed shut the door of their hearts. What would Jesus do to them? Would His interventions bring further loss? Discomfort? Changes in their routine?</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"><em>So [Jesus] got into the boat and left. </em></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"><em> </em></span><span class="text Luke-8-37"></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"><strong>FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION</strong></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"><strong>Read Luke 8:</strong><strong>26-39.</strong></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"><em></em></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"><em>Consider how fear of the unknown might chain you away from Jesus' restoration.</em></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"><em></em></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-8-37"><em>What might be Jesus' motivation in drawing close and upsetting your "normal?"</em></span>Paula Gasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13903379944991564954noreply@blogger.com2