tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33147187312665834612024-03-13T16:02:26.292-04:00Golden Rule LivingJust notes and thoughts about living by the Golden Rule.Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-80080461456302255962018-01-23T17:24:00.003-05:002018-01-23T17:24:23.197-05:00My Dad, Barnabas<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Denver
Haught, age 81, died November 29, 2016 from Parkinson’s disease. He was known to Christians around West
Virginia, having preached in many congregations in Tyler County, including Burt
and Sistersville, as well as Sandyville, Romney and West Ripley. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
a large portion of my life, he was just my dad - someone I loved, trusted, and
admired but also shared with members of the churches where he worked. It wasn’t until many years later that I
realized the relationships he had with so many Christians, and the affect he
had on their lives. The apostles named
Joses Barnabas, meaning Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36), and I know that my
father was a Barnabas to many Christians.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Looking
back, I see Dad as being a Barnabas in the church. He was always encouraging people! As he visited friends and family, Dad
encouraged them to become Christians, return to the church or to just be
faithful in their service and attendance.
I remember hearing about how he went to high school and family reunions,
and spoke to many of his classmates about the church. He faithfully attended gospel meetings,
sings, lectureships and the like, and Dad encouraged preachers with his
handshake and kind word. His attendance
alone, especially in later years as his health deteriorated, was an
encouragement. Dad never liked to miss
out on an opportunity to be with other Christians! He encouraged many to make preaching the Word
their profession and was filled with joy when that happened. He made you feel good with his smile, his hug
and his words. Of course, encouragement
isn’t all feel-good stuff! Strong words
were said when needed, but always seasoned with much love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
anyone was sick or in the hospital, Dad would visit. If someone missed a service, Dad would
call. He performed many funerals and
also many weddings. While cleaning his
office, I found a large bag full of funeral calling cards – so many with his
name as the officiant. He was loved and
respected by many. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dad
was a Barnabas in his family. He &
mom (Dorotha) celebrated their 60<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary June 3,
2016. Mom was the most important person
in his life. He depended upon her for so
much! Many knew that he suffered from
macular degeneration, and was unable to drive.
Mom was always there to take him where he wanted and needed to go. There are 4 children, all who are serving God
faithfully where we live, Debra & Chris Tallman in Parkersburg, David &
Debra in Middlebourne, Doug & Linda and Deirdra & Timothy in
Virginia. We were taught that the Lord
comes first!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
he has been gone a year now, there isn’t a day that I don’t think of him and
miss his voice, his advice and his smile.
The Bible mentions Barnabas in just a few places, but 2000 years later,
we have books written about him and sermons preached of him. I know for me, and my family, we will never
forget dad and how he lived his life and I pray others don’t forget the
encouragement received from my Dad, Barnabas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-34318262740917962032015-05-18T09:30:00.000-04:002015-05-18T09:30:04.217-04:00Be Light<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a thought ... </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I do not look different than the world, how do they know I am different?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I do not behave differently than the world, how do they know I am different? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If a city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14) my Christian light <i>must </i>show.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Christian light must show in how I present myself on a daily basis.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Christian light must show on special occasions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Christian light must show in how I speak.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Christian light must show in what I write (emails, social media, etc.) </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matthew 5:13-15 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. </span><span class="text Matt-5-14" id="en-NKJV-23249" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span><span class="text Matt-5-15" id="en-NKJV-23250" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">who are</i> in the house.</span> </span><span class="text Matt-5-16" id="en-NKJV-23251" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-5-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-5-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">How is your light shining this week? </span></span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-39398320237216949182014-06-17T18:05:00.001-04:002014-06-17T18:05:30.248-04:00Guest Blogger! "Standing in the Breach" West Virginia School of Preaching Graduation Ceremony<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Friday night, the majority of our family attended the West Virginia School of Preaching graduation ceremony. Our parents, Denver & Dorotha Haught, were honored for their many years of service in the church. My brother Doug Haught, of Albana, GA, spoke these words and I thought I would share them on my blog. He also had some personal comments on our father which I have left off. </div>
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What an honor to have this heritage in the Lord, and also for us to be in attendance of this event. </div>
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Standing in the Breach</div>
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Ezekiel 22. The text
falls into three sections dealing with the impurity of Jerusalem and the people
of Judah. </div>
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The <b>first</b> section (vv.
1-16) is an indictment of the city with her sins of bloodshed, idolatry,
adultery, and oppression. It includes a judgment from God that exile and
dispersion were inevitable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The <b>second</b>
section (vv. 17-22) speaks of the refiner's furnace (or God's judgment) being
used to purify the city. As a fire burns
the dross from the ore, so God's punishment would consume the wicked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The <b>third </b>section
(vv. 23-31) reveals the evil doing of the whole population of Judah, including
leaders, priests, princes, and prophets.
No righteous souls were found to spare the city. The doom of Jerusalem was sealed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The repetition of words like "blood" and
"bloodshed" is noticeable in this chapter. Her judgment was obviously related to her
being "the bloody city." </div>
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What I want to focus on is that last section, and
particularly verse 30. "And I sought
for a man among them who should build up the wall and <b><i>stand in the breach</i></b>
before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none."</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having looked at four classes of people in verse 29, God
declared that he had examined everyone and yet found "no one" living
righteously. The ills of the society
were being left unattended because no one was willing to build up the wall that
had been broken down; none would stand in the breach and represent the people
with righteousness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Judah had no champions to represent her to the Lord or try
to dissuade the people from their wickedness.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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We need men and women today who will stand in the breach and
dissuade the people from their wickedness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. <b>We must stand in
the breach and declare right is right and wrong is wrong. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Isaiah 5:20 "Woe to those who call evil good and good
evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for
sweet and sweet for bitter!" The evil of man will never end, but we must not become like
the evil that is around us. Romans 12:
21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. <b>We need to fill the breach between "Thus says the
Lord" and "Thus says man."
</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Pride leads us to do a lot of things that we want to
do. In 2 Chronicles 26:1-15 Uzziah
becomes a great king. He did what was
right in the sight of the Lord with all of his heart. And so God blessed
him. He made war against the Philistines
and broke down the wall of Gath. He even
settled the people in the land of the Philistines. He built towers and cut out many cisterns, he had large
herds and had fertile lands full of
produce. The army had 2,600 men
of valor and 307, 500 under his command.
He built towers on the corners of Jerusalem that could shoot arrows and
throw great stones. However, when he grew
strong and his pride overwhelmed his desire to please God, he decided that he
was going to make a sacrifice to God. The "thus says the Lord" no
longer mattered to him, and he rushed into the temple to burn incense. </div>
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81 priests rush in to stop Uzziah. They were willing to stand in the breach and
defy their king. And because Uzziah
would not relent God made him a leper.
And the king was separated with the lepers, and he died and was buried
with the lepers. We need to fill the breach between "thus says the
Lord" and "thus says man."</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3. We need to fill the breach between fear and courage. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Matthew 10:28-31 "And do not fear those who kill the
body but cannot kill the soul. Rather
fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And
not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all
numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are
of more value than many sparrows." Do not be fearful. I John "Little children, you are from God and have
overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the
world." </div>
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Do not be fearful. We
need to fill the breach between fear and courage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4. Stand in the
breach as Jesus has stood in the breach for you.</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Job asks the question, "How can a man be righteous
before God?" Job 9:2<o:p></o:p></div>
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And Paul answers that question in Romans 5:1-5. He says it's Jesus. And that God's love has been poured into
us. So how can I not stand in the breach? </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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My father has been standing in the breach for over 52 years. But he has not stood alone, my mother has
been by his side through this journey.
Which of us could live such a life without someone to stand with
us? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I still hear my father's voice when I preach. His mannerisms have been passed down, his way
of saying things. I hope his care and
concern have passed on. While my father can no longer stand as he stood, others are
there to take his place. I stand today in the breach. I am a champion of the Lord. There is no better life than this. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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When there was a need, dad stood in
the breech. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When there was no one else to do
what needed done, dad stood in the breech. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When no one else would say what
needed said, dad stood in the breech. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The need is still there. The evil one is still prowling. Will you also stand in the breech?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will you do what needs to be done?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will you say what needs to be
said? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-4296455310174388832014-04-24T09:00:00.000-04:002014-04-24T09:00:02.691-04:00The Joy of Being a Christian - part 7<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This is the last post in a series on Christian joy.</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I can have extraordinary
joy as a Christian because Christians pray instead of worry.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s hard to
have joy and worry in the same life.
It’s hard not to worry with all the trials we have in this life. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Ph. 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Can any of
us get out our telephones and call the president of the United States? Do you realize that we can pray to the God of
heaven, the creator of the universe, the Father, we can pray through Jesus our
mediator. We don’t have to wait until
nights or weekends when the rates are cheaper.
We have a direct line for our worries and concerns at any time, or
anywhere.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>When we say
don’t worry about anything, it means we must be willing to turn everything over
to God! We have this ability through our
adoption as His children. I heard an
interview with Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton. He was talking about being in the hospital
undergoing surgery for a brain tumor. He
said that one night a nurse came in and spoke with him about prayer and asked –
what do you pray about. Scott said that
he thanked God for His goodness and blessings.
The nurse suggested to Scott that as our Father, God wants it all. We want our children to come to us with
problems and concerns, hurts and desires.
As our Father, God wants to hear those things from us. We are His children. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A person who
literally does not have a care in the world doesn’t mean that they aren’t
taking care of responsibilities or are negligent, but is someone who is able to
turn over all trials, burdens and temptations over to God –I Peter 5:7 “casting
all your care upon Him, for He cares for you”– that will be a joyful
individual.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>How
wonderful that I have an avenue of communication with God, what joy that
brings.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We can draw
so much strength and encouragement for joy from the book of Philippians. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Rejoice! God has given us so many reasons for joy!</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-39899827646261440722014-04-22T08:00:00.000-04:002014-04-22T08:00:12.989-04:00The Joy of Being a Christian - part 6<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>I can have extraordinary joy as a Christian because
the Lord is near to help me with my problems.
</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Philippians
4:5 – “The Lord is at hand.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Philippians 4:9 “The
things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and
the God of peace will be with you. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Philippians 4:13 “I can
do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Philippians 4:19 “And my
God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What did
Jesus say at the end of the great commission?
Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus is with us everywhere!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We sing
Anywhere with Jesus, I can safely go, anywhere He leads me in this world below –
if we cling to Jesus and never let Him go, we can make it through any
circumstance. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Hebrews 13:5&6 “Let your
conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave
you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly
say: The Lord is my helper; I will not
fear. What can man do to me?” </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Jesus knows our hurts and heartaches. </i></span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Psalm 56 was
written when the Philistines had captured David in Gath. Ps 56:8 “You number my wanderings; put my
tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?” Have you ever thought about God collecting
your tears in a bottle? Even those we’ve
cried when no one knows of. Rejoice! The Lord is at hand! He is nearby. </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Weeping may endure
for the night, but joy comes in the morning, Ps. 30:5<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>If your joy
is in the material possessions and all the goods of the world can that be taken from you? Yes, in a second! If your joy is in Christ, THAT is secure. No one can steal our joy … because if the
world can steal our joy, it was the world’s to take. We don’t sing Blessed Assurance with our
fingers crossed! We can have confidence
not because of our own goodness, but because of God’s promises. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>When we are
scared, and surrounded by darkness and troubles. Our Father is there to hold us in the hollow
of His hand. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Christians
can rejoice because Jesus is nearby.</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-7453052456484313252014-04-17T08:30:00.000-04:002014-04-17T08:30:02.517-04:00The Joy of Being a Christian - part 5<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christians can have extraordinary joy by knowing
that our name is written in the book of life.<b>
<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Philippians
4:3-4 “I urge you, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the
gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are
in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord
always, again I will say, rejoice!” <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rev. 3:5 “He
who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his
name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and
before His angels.” What joy that will
be to hear Jesus say our name in front of God!<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In Luke 10:17
We have the 70 disciples who had gone out and come back, reporting to Jesus “Then
the 70 returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in
Your name. And Jesus said to them (vs.
20) Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you,
but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sin robs us
of joy, but salvation gives us joy. Acts
8 – The eunuch, as he came up out of the waters of baptism, went on his way rejoicing! <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Psalm 51:12
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous
Spirit.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This song says it best:</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No tears in
heaven, no sorrows given.<br />
All will be glory in that land;<br />
There'll be no sadness, all will be gladness,<br />
When we shall join that happy band.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Glory is
waiting, waiting up yonder,<br />
Where we shall spend an endless day;<br />
There with our Savior, we'll be forever,<br />
Where no more sorrow can dismay.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some morning
yonder, we'll cease to ponder<br />
O'er things this life has brought to view;<br />
All will be clearer, loved ones be dearer<br />
In heav'n where all will be made new.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No tears in
heaven fair<br />
No tears, no tears up there,<br />
Sorrow and pain will all have flown;<br />
No tears in heaven fair<br />
No tears, no tears up there;<br />
No tears in heaven will be known.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How thankful
we should be that we have the reason for rejoicing if our name is written in
the book of life.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-34742434857043454552014-04-14T10:45:00.000-04:002014-04-14T10:45:31.880-04:00The Joy of Being a Christian - part 4<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Christians can have extraordinary joy
by not dwelling on the past, but by looking forward to the future. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many times,
Christians will focus on their past allowing those sins committed to hide the
joy from their lives. If you are a
person who is prone to dwell on those mistakes of the past, if you can’t let
that go even though God has forgiven you, you are going to miserable. Faithful Christians have that assurance that
God has forgiven us! God offers us a
brand new start, a clean beginning as a Christian. The world doesn’t give us such an
opportunity, the world consistently wants to remind us of all our mistakes and
short comings, but a child of God has forgiveness and a God who will forget. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ph.
3:13 “Brethren, I do not count myself to
have apprehended; (Paul knew he had not reached perfection) but one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things
which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of
God in Jesus Christ.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we
think of Paul, and his ability of having joy, looking back at his past would
definitely be something that would keep joy from him. What did Paul have to forget about? A lot, actually. What about Stephen? Do you think Paul could remember standing
there, with the clothes of others at his feet, while watching and consenting Stephen
be stoned to death? Do you think Paul
ever had memories of the Christian families he had committed to prison just
because they believed on some man called Jesus?
Acts 8:3 says “as for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every
house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” Can you imagine the memories of the past Paul
had? However he chose to look forward
instead of behind. Paul says – I’m not
perfect, but this one thing I do – forgetting and pressing forward.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We must
remember that if we are willing to repent, then God is willing to forget. Jesus said in Luke 9:62 “No one, having put
his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” We can’t look back, with guilt, with regret,
or with longing eyes, at our lives of sin.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your past is not your
past if you are still allowing it to impact your present.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How
wonderful that we can have joy by not dwelling on our past.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-21821935753706033342014-04-09T12:34:00.000-04:002014-04-09T12:34:28.889-04:00The Joy of Being a Christian - part 3<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Christians can have extraordinary joy
because we aren’t overly concerned with self.
<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Philippians
2:3 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness
of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Selfish
people are not joyful, it takes developing a servant heart to be joyful. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>The world
says that joy is found in self-indulgence.
This idea assumes that sin doesn’t really exist. If it feels good, do it! Whatever feels right must be right, anything
goes, just be happy! This excuse is used
to justify anything and everything. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Paul
mentions 4 personal examples of having a servant attitude in Philippians
chapter 2. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>If we
continue reading there in Philippians 2:5 we see “Let this mind be in you which
was also in Christ Jesus.” Jesus was a
servant – “who, being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be
equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a
bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>As
Christians, we are working by learning from God’s word how to bring our lives
and our minds as close to and equal to the life and mind of Christ. That is the goal for us in Bible study,
sermons, etc. We want to act like Jesus
acted and do the things He did. At every
opportunity, Jesus sought to serve other people, despite the fact that He is
the creator! Jesus didn’t die on the
cross because He was looking out for #1, but because he was looking out for the
billions of people that weren’t even alive yet! In John 13 we read the account
of washing the apostle’s feet. Jesus was
teaching the lesson of service and self-sacrifice. The more Christ-like your actions become the
more joy will show. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Paul himself
is an example in service. 2:2 – “fulfill
my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one
mind.” Paul wanted the Philippian
brethren to share that mind of service with him and with Christ. Paul was concerned about the
Philippians. He said – if you want to
make me joyful, be like minded, be of one accord, be of one love. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>In vs. 19 we
read of Timothy. “But I trust in the
Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I
know your state for I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your
state. For all seek their own, not the
thing which are of Christ Jesus. But you
know his proven character.” Paul wanted
Timothy to go and report back to him about how Philippians were doing. Timothy was a servant – his job was to
minister to the needs of his brethren. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Finally in
vs. 25-29 Paul mentions yet another servant – Epaphroditus, his brother, fellow
worker, and fellow soldier who ministered to my need. Epaphroditus wanted to go to Philippi because
he was concerned for the brethren, he wanted to show that he wasn’t sick any
longer and that they could be joyful.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Christians
find joy in not being self-centered, but being servants.</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-11788177194712734702014-04-04T08:00:00.000-04:002014-04-04T08:00:06.525-04:00The Joy of Being a Christian - part 2<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The next several posts will be focusing on joy from the book of Philippians. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Christians can have extraordinary joy because of our fellow
Christians. </i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Philippians
1:3-6 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of
mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel
from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who
has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I can have
joy because of Christian fellowship. The
togetherness that should be a part of the Lord’s body brings great joy. Sometimes we have a misunderstanding when we
hear the word fellowship. Fellowship
does not just mean that once-a-month potluck after morning worship. Normally, we are so busy setting up, eating
and cleaning up that there isn’t much time for real fellowship! Fellowship means
a joint participation, an association.
We all know people everywhere we go.
My family makes fun of me because I am on first name bases with Kevin
& Jeff in the produce department, or Henry at the post office, who held my
hand on 9-11. I am acquainted with these
people. In our years in our community, I
have associates in many places – the school systems, doctors’ offices, through
my business but I am not related to them by blood like I am related to
my fellow Christians. I am related to Christians by blood, that
blood of Jesus Christ. You see, Christians are a
family and Christians have fellowship because of that blood. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Paul had joy
just thinking about the Philippian brethren.
Christians should want to be together – it should not be a burden to be
in each other’s company. However, many
assume that punching the time clock of church attendance satisfies all
requirements and those who take that mindset, lose out on the joy that comes
from Christian fellowship.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Fellowship
can be found by doing a variety of activities together. Working together brings joy – having a
project, like this ladies day, causes us to spend more time with each other and
helps us to draw closer towards each other.
It is a joy to see a project begin and grow and see positive
results. Fellowship should be happening
in our homes also. Brother Tom Holland
said about fellowship “I want to get to know the people better that I will be
spending eternity with!” Shouldn’t that
be the case?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Another area
of seeing joy is the spiritual growth and fruitfulness in each other. Perhaps it’s in your children or someone you
taught in Bible class or in a private study.
Perhaps it’s in your spouse. Seeing the change and growth in others causes great joy. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We can also have that joy of Christian
fellowship through prayers. Prayer lists
are not just to have your name up in front of a congregation for recognition. We are to bear one another’s burdens, and the
only way we know those burdens are to share them with each other. Paul would pray for his fellow Christians
with joy and he knew that the Philippian Christians were praying for his
deliverance from prison! This brought
him great comfort and joy. How wonderful
to know that our fellow Christians are bringing our names and concerns in front
of God on our behalf! <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Joy can be
found in our fellow Christians.</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-62545900503274264732014-03-30T16:38:00.000-04:002014-03-30T16:38:18.184-04:00The Joy of Being a Christian - part 1<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>There are so
many things in our lives that bring us joy.
<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
is the joy of being a child and all the wonders that life holds</span></i><br /><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
is the joy of young love</span></i><br /><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
is the joy of a bride beginning a new chapter of life full of optimism and hope</span></i><br /><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
is the joy of a positive pregnancy test</span></i><br /><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
is the joy of holding a newborn baby, counting their toes and smelling their
head</span></i><br /><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
is joy in watching our children grow and mature</span></i><br /><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There
is the joy of seeing our children obey the gospel</span></i><!--[if !supportLists]--></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We can have
joy throughout every part of our lives!</span></i></span></div>
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</b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>The
greatest joy we can ever know, is that joy of being a Christian!</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Many of our hymns talk about joy, and there
are numerous mentions of joy in the Bible.
Joy should be a major part in the Christian life. Is it a part of yours? If I were to ask you – do you want your life
filled with joy? I’m confident that you
would say yes, and that is precisely what Jesus wanted for each of us. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>As we look
into the pages of the Bible, we can see that joy is something that we should
have. Jesus said in John 15:11 – “These
things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy
may be full.” Jesus wants us to have
joy! I John 1:4 “and these things we
write to you that your joy may be full.”
Having an abounding joy is desired for us. Not just a thimble full, but
overflowing! <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>We also see
this same joy in the apostle Paul as he writes “Rejoice in the Lord
always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 – that while in prison, and
enduring persecutions, he had the ability to rejoice. We need to recognize that this Christian life
is one that is meant to be lived with joy.
We have the greatest life in the world!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We may have heard the song “We are the only Bible, the careless world
will read” and I believe that is true.
If we are to be showing the world Christ, and the life of a Christian,
we need to be showing others joy. Why if
someone was miserable in sin would they ever leave it for a life of misery in
Christ? Not that I want all of us to be
fake about the joy – life is not all rainbows, butterflies and unicorns – we
need to understand the reasons we have for rejoicing, grow in the Lord and show
others that joy. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>When we
rejoice even through the sorrow, your coworkers notice it, your family notices
it, your neighbors notice it and people are going to want that for themselves.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Christian
joy is not a happiness that depends on our circumstances and our moods; joy
doesn’t have to do with our emotions or station in life. This joy
is something that is constant; it doesn’t come and go. One can have the same joy in terrible
circumstance that they would have when all is well, the same attitude of being
on the mountain top when they are in the valley.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus didn’t
say these words in John 15 lightly. He was facing a dark time when He
instructed us to have His joy. Consider
that just a short while after this conversation with his disciples, is when
Jesus was arrested and crucified, yet He instructed us to have this joy that
would remain. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Yes, there
are bad things in our lives – the loss of a job, cancer, death, children
leaving the church, so many bad things – and we are to rejoice? Yes, we are to rejoice in spite of these
circumstances.</i></span></span></div>
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<i style="text-indent: 34px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Psalms 89:15-18 "Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the LORD, and our king to the Holy One of Israel." </span></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">Christians
have many reasons for rejoicing! When I
think of joy, my mind immediately goes to the book of Philippians where joy is
mentioned so many times. The next few posts, I will be looking into the book of Philippians and examining 6
things that can bring a Christian joy.</i></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-22636655924190918142014-02-04T08:21:00.001-05:002014-02-04T08:21:58.724-05:00Do You Have Joy?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am preparing for a ladies day talk on "The Joy of Being a Christian". As I am doing my research, I am finding so many reasons why we should have joy, but in my day to day life, I am seeing few people who do have that joy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can I show that joy? Let me offer just a few suggestions. First of all, <b>smile</b>. Smile at everyone you see - the neighbors, the grocery store clerks, your coworkers, but especially your fellow Christians. Smile as you are walking into the church building, smile when you are singing, smile as you shake hands with your preacher and elders. Better yet, give them a hug and a smile. Second, <b>guard your speech</b>. Don't dwell on the negatives of life, and there are many. Most of us have heard "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" however, the majority of us don't follow through with that statement. Finally, <b>focus on others</b>. There is much joy in focusing on the lives of others instead of dwelling on self. Selfish people are never content and are inable to show joy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is by no means a comprehensive list of ways to show joy. In fact, it is difficult to show joy unless you have joy in your life and the only way to have true joy in your life is by being in Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you show the joy that is in you? </span><br />
<br />Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-4887197886661031172013-11-07T15:40:00.001-05:002013-11-08T06:58:00.381-05:00Thankful November<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many people take the month of November to comment daily on different areas of their lives in which they are thankful. This is not something that I choose to do, but strive to live my life in such a way outlined in Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, <i>with thanksgiving</i>, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." That said, I do appreciate many Facebook posts about what people are thankful for, and also that they acknowledge others publically. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes events happen in our lives that bring to mind areas in which we should be thankful. Whether it be someone's illness that makes us thankful for our health, someone's misfortune that makes us thankful for the good things in our life or something of the sort. An event happened recently that causes me to remember to be thankful for the role that God has given me, as a Christian woman, wife, and mother. I am so very thankful for the way God set up families, and for the way God organized His church. I am thankful that eventhough I am to be submissive to my husband (Ephesians 5:22) that I am in no way less of a person than him. I am thankful for a husband who loves me but who also know his responsibility for our family. I am extremely thankful for God-fearing elders who keep a watch for my soul. Hebrews 13:17 "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as t hose who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does the fact that God has placed both my husband and the church eldership "over me" make me any less of a person? Any less valuable? God has created these roles for my benefit, and I am so very thankful for that. Our lives run much more smoothly when we are thankful for our roles, and when we follow according to their plan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a minute and listen to this <a href="http://www.churchofchristsongs.com/sites/www.churchofchristsongs.com/files/23-May-My-Life-be-Holy.mp3" target="_blank">song</a> for a reminder to respect the roles God has given us, and to serve Him and above all, be thankful every day, not just in November. </span><br />
<br />Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-73649207713088906622013-09-16T14:30:00.000-04:002013-09-16T14:30:39.583-04:00Ms. Mildred Cookies<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About 2 weeks ago, a wonderful Christian woman lost her battle against pancreatic cancer. However, she won her crown of righteousness for fighting that good fight on this earth (2 Timothy 4:7).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mildred Everson was a lot of things to a lot of different people. For our family, Mildred was a wonderful Bible class teacher, great cook, fellow Andy Griffith enthusiast and dear friend. She was a Titus 2 older woman, Mildred could admonish and exhort quite well and was an example in all areas as she taught by example to "love their husbands, love their children, be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." (Titus 2:3-5)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, as I was teaching Bible class, I noticed that 2 or 3 items I was using were directly influenced by Mildred. The children love to sing "What I'm Going to Be, When I Grow Up" and we stress how we can be a Christian firefighter, and a Christian mother, or a Christian soldier, and how we become a Christian. Psalm 23 can be easily taught to even 4 year olds by using her simple stick figure drawings on flash cards. I know that my own children learned a lot sitting in her classroom over the years and I grew as a Bible class teacher as well from observing her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Food and hospitality are probably 2 things that will never be forgotten about Mildred. She was well known for her dinners that she would prepare for visiting preachers. Meals were simple, but oh so good. I remember asking her one time how she made her potato salad. She was embarassed to share the simple, easy way she made the sauce but now as I mix those 2 "secret" ingredients together until I get just the right shade of yellow I'm thankful she wasn't unwilling to share.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I remember Mildred, I also recall what she would say whenever you thanked her for something she had done. She'd simply say "pass it on." Passing on good works is an important part of living a life centered around Christ. Whenever we prepare a meal for someone, or open up our homes to them we are showing our Christian light and passing it on is what it's all about, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, back to the title of this blog post - "Ms. Mildred Cookies". What are those, you ask? They are a light, sort of fluffy chocolate chip cookie that Mildred was known for making. Her grandchildren loved them, as did my own children. My 17 year old asked me to make him some today, so I did. I also thought it would be nice for me to pass on her recipe for them so you could make some too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ms. Mildred Cookies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup white sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 sticks butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 tsp. baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup warm water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 tsp vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups chocolate chips</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs - beat well - at least 5 minutes. Add vanilla. Mix dry ingredients together. Add 1/2 of dry ingredients - mix. Add water and mix. Add rest of dry ingredients - mix well. Stir in chocolate chips.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drop on parchment paper lined cookie sheet (or well greased). Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Remove immediately to cooling racks. Store in air-tight container once cooled, and layer with wax paper or parchment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-16684144297042703402013-04-25T13:42:00.000-04:002013-04-25T13:42:07.584-04:00Just Like Brown Sugar<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes when I'm baking, and I'm measuring brown sugar I think of Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You see, when you measure brown sugar, you need to pack it down, which means you squish as much of it as you possibly can into your measuring cup. When it is packed down, a lot more sugar is actually used than if you just scooped it and leveled it off as you would white sugar. This is because of the moisture content of the molasses in the brown sugar. (But you aren't reading this for a home-ec lesson, are you?) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whatever we are giving; praise, encouragement, gifts of love and time, we are going to receive back proportionally to what we give. Jesus says here that it will be given to us using a good measure. My grandfather used to work in "weights and measures". That means he would check scales at markets or counters to make sure their scales were accurate. 1 pound should equal 1 pound. What we are given is going to be pressed down, shaken together and running over. Every little bit that can possible get into the unit of measure is going to be in there. So much that it will be spilling out all over. Another thing to notice from this scripture is that whatever unit of measure we use in giving, that same unit is going to be used for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take a few moments and think about what unit of measure you are using. Is it an eye dropper, that you just drop a tiny amount of praise and encouragement onto your husband? Is it a teaspoon of time that you give your children after a busy day at work and school? Is it a measuring cup of love and time you give your parents? When I think of what kind of measure I want to be used towards me, I'm thinking a huge bushel basket or bigger! However for that to happen, it's up to me. Guess I'm just going to have to keep measuring that brown sugar and packing it in tight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">P.S. Think about 1 or 2 people you can give a little extra to today, and do it! Give a word gift (verbal or written), a gift of time or an inexpensive "gift" gift (card, flower, something handmade?) You'll be amazed at how good it makes you feel, and also the blessings you will receive back. </span>Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-47114989210056627262013-04-06T16:18:00.002-04:002013-04-06T16:18:58.170-04:00Hurting People Hurt PeopleI haven't been a very good blogger yet again! I think about it, have lots of ideas I'd like to write about, but between being a wife, mother, business owner, homeschooler, etc. it just gets put down on the list. Today though, I logged onto my blog hoping to write about some good things hopefully to lift your day and encourage you and found a really ugly, hurtful comment left by "anonymous". Ouch.<br />
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You know, in each of us is a bit of insecurity, and hurtful comments like the one I received just go right to the heart of my insecurities, and my things that I have been trying to improve. It made me sad, but not for myself but for anonymous. I'm sad that anonymous couldn't leave her name. I'm sad that anonymous couldn't contact me directly and share her feelings about me so that we could work through them. I'm sad that anonymous doesn't really know me, doesn't know my past, the things I've struggled with and the things I'm working daily to improve. I'm sad that anonymous doesn't see the heart of this blog, and how if we could all ascribe to the Biblical teachings of the golden rule found in Matthew 7:12 we would be a happier people. I'm sad that anonymous doesn't understand that to grow closer to God means we must grow closer to our Christian brothers and sisters. I'm just reminded that hurting people at least try to hurt people. <br />
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So, dear anonymous, if you're reading this post, let's talk. For everyone else, keep working daily at living the golden rule, putting God first in your life and being a light in the world. Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-80522782875432507232013-03-12T08:00:00.000-04:002013-03-12T08:00:04.931-04:00Just OneA friend of mine shared this poem with me, and I thought I'd share it with you.<br />
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<u>Just One</u><br />
Unknown<br />
<br />
One song can spark a moment,<br />
One flower can wake the dream<br />
One tree can start a forest,<br />
One bird can herald spring.<br />
<br />
One smile begins a friendship,<br />
One handclasp lifts a soul.<br />
One star can guide a ship at sea,<br />
One word can frame the goal.<br />
<br />
One vote can change a nation,<br />
One sunbeam lights a room<br />
One candle wipes out darkness,<br />
One laugh will conquer gloom.<br />
<br />
One step must start each journey.<br />
One word must start each prayer.<br />
One hope will raise our spirits,<br />
One touch can show you care.<br /><br />
One voice can speak with wisdom,<br />
One heart can know what's true,<br />
<br />
One life can make a difference,<br />
You see, it's up to you!<br />
<br />
I am inspired by this poem. It serves as a reminder to me of the difference one person can make. Jesus calls Christians to be salt and light. Jesus instructs us to treat others as we wish to be treated. We can be that "just one" and make such a difference in the lives of others. <br />
<br />
Sometimes we allow our shyness, busyness, or other things stand in the way of reaching out. When you are tempted to stop, remember the difference that "just one" can make. You will be making the world a better place, one small thing at a time. Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-33338398493361844702013-02-18T15:44:00.000-05:002013-02-18T15:44:27.206-05:00What's Your Excuse?<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We've all offered an excuse for something before, and I've heard my fair share of them as well. Just recently, I was planning a visit to a neighboring town for my business. I had planned to visit all my clients in that town on one day, delivering product and just visiting. What started out as an entire day planned to visit about 20, ended up being an enjoyable visit with 2. Excuses were varied and interesting. One said "I excercise on Saturdays" and I wondered if she spent all 24 hours of each Saturday exercising? Another said, "I'm taking down my Christmas decorations". Now, this was already February when we spoke and I couldn't imagine what difference 30 minutes could make in a task that was already several weeks old!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I thought about these strange excuses, I couldn't help but remember a song I had heard a gospel quartet sing. "Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them everyday, and the devil he'll supply them, if the church you stay away, when people come to know the Lord, the devil always loses, so to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses." How many times do we offer up an excuse for something we just do not want to do? Whether it be missing a gospel meeting, not teaching a Bible class or just not attending worship, what is our excuse really saying?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Matthew 5:37 says "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes', and your 'No' be 'No'. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." I believe we offer excuses because we don't want to hurt someone's feelings, or maybe we don't want to share the real reason we are saying no. However look at the second part of that verse - where is our excuse from? Satan was giving excuses to us from the beginning (Genesis 3:10, 12, 13). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next time you're tempted to offer an excuse, think about what it is you really want to say and why and also, where that excuse is really from. </span></div>
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Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-76905598713021520192013-01-07T16:02:00.000-05:002013-01-07T16:02:42.549-05:00Reaping What You Sew Part 1<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Priscilla was a seamstress in the Bible. Her story
is found in Acts 18 and throughout the New Testament. There isn’t a lot told of Priscilla,
but we can see from the brief mentions of her throughout the epistles, that she
was a Godly woman, who was a worker in the kingdom. Priscilla was a tent-maker and worked
alongside her husband Aquila. She is
never mentioned in the scriptures by herself, but always with her husband. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Priscilla practiced hospitality. Perhaps because of sharing the common
occupation of tent making, or perhaps because of sharing the common faith, Paul
stayed with them. In Acts 18:11; we see
that Paul lived there about 18 months.
That is hospitality! The couple
and Paul formed a working relationship and their love and service to God kept
them together as they traveled.
Priscilla and Aquila also showed hospitality by having a church meet in
their home, Romans 16:5. This seemed to
be a common practice for them, as they are mentioned doing this several times
in the New Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Priscilla and Aquila were also missionaries,
spreading the gospel with Paul and on their own. In Acts 18:24 we can read that they had
influence over Apollos and helped him to understand the scriptures more
plainly. It’s interesting here to me
that in many verses, Priscilla is mentioned first, but when it comes to
teaching someone else; Aquila’s name comes first. Priscilla was a submissive wife. Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for
Paul’s life (Romans 16:4) and this benefited not only Paul, but also the
churches in that area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I view Priscilla as a strong woman, willing to
work and serve the Lord wherever she lived and in difficult circumstances. We see in her faithfulness, kindness and
longsuffering. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another Biblical seamstress was Dorcas. Dorcas, was also called Tabitha and her story
is found in Acts 9:36-42. Although there is not a great deal told about her,
the little that is said is enough to show that she was a godly woman who was
loved and respected in the Christian community of Joppa.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We know that she followed Christ
because the Bible describes her as a disciple and we know too, that she was
well known for doing good and for helping the poor. In the Acts account, she
became sick and died. Her friends were devastated. They had lost someone they
loved and who was an important part of the family of believers. But they had
faith that God would do something. So much so, that they sent men to travel
twelve miles to the town of Lydda, to find the apostle Peter and to ask him to
come.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
Peter did come, they took him directly to the upstairs room where they had
placed Dorcas’ body. All the widows were there mourning. They stood around
Peter, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had
made. Sending them out of the room,
Peter got down on his knees and prayed. Then he said “Tabitha, get up.” She
opened her eyes and sat up. God had restored her life. Peter took her by the
hand, helped her to her feet, and presented her to her friends.<br />
<br />
Dorcas’ works of stitching clothes and helping the poor may sound simple in comparison
to the more visible works of Priscilla, but they were enough to gain the love
of her community and enough that God saw fit to restore her life. She was described as being “full of good
works and charitable deeds.” She did not
need a women’s liberation movement to make her feel like somebody, she knew
what she was and who she was. Dorcas was
a servant and because of that attitude of the heart, she was truly loved. Dorcas was a good woman who was so loved by
the family of believers that they prayed for a miracle and God granted it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dorcas was a woman with a giving heart and we can
see in her love, kindness and goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These two Biblical women were stitching two
totally different items – Dorcas sewing clothing, made probably of linen and
cotton and Priscilla sewing tents, made of thick, twisted goat hair. Their works were different as well – Dorcas
probably served God in a quiet way, making garments for the widows and those in
need while Priscilla was a teacher seen with her husband teaching others,
providing a meeting place for the local church.
However, they were both serving God and were a great benefit to the
church. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Batang, serif;">Next time, we'll see what we can apply to our own lives through these Biblical women's examples. </span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-50205186827847666622012-11-26T09:30:00.000-05:002012-11-26T18:01:01.317-05:00Lessons from Mrs. Potiphar<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Scriptures to consider:
Genesis 39:1-23<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Mrs. Potiphar is known as a
bad girl of the Bible. She was tempted to sin with a good-looking man. She was
not only tempted by that good-looking man, but she lusted after him and
attempted to seduce him. Matthew 5:28 - "But I say to you that whoever
looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his
heart." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Mrs. Potiphar had already
sinned at that point and she was trying to get Joseph to sin right along with
her! When that didn't work, she lied about it to try and cover her tracks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Oh what a tangled web we
weave when first we practice to deceive.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Most of us have learned
that when we tell one lie, it most often leads to another and another and
another. Mrs. Potiphar should have put the brakes on a lot earlier in the
story. Like so many of the women of the Bible, we never hear from her
again, but I wonder how her husband looked at her from that point on. We see
that his anger was aroused, but at who? Joseph, or his wife? Was Mrs. Potiphar
known previously for messing around with the hired help? Did her husband
question her integrity? Did he believe her accusations, or was he angry that he
had lost the best employee of his career? We don’t know these answers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I think we need to be
reminded sometimes that the sin is not in being tempted. The sin is in
succumbing to the temptation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">James 1:12 – 15 “Blessed is
the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive
the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” “Then,
when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is
full-grown, brings forth death.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Life holds many temptations
for each of us. Something that tempts me may not tempt you. Something that
tempted me when I was a new Christian may not be a problem anymore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I Corinthians 10:13 – “No
temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but
with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to
bear it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Let’s make a list of some
things that might be temptations to any of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sometimes
for myself, I let my own personal relationship with God suffer while meeting
the needs of my family or even the church – this can be a temptation for any of
us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Like
Mrs. Potiphar, sometimes a good-looking guy can tempt us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Lying<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Gossip<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Cheating
on income taxes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Stealing”
from the office<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Using
foul language or unnecessary “euphemisms”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Jealousy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Hating
our brother<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Holding
grudges<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Alcohol<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Smoking<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Complaining<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Not
complying with copyright laws on music and computer software<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Speeding
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Being
lazy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Forsaking
services<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Desiring
riches or a name<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 66pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The list can go on and on.
Satan throws many things in our way and just hopes that one of them will
ensnare us. Not just trip us, he likes that too, but he wants to ensnare us. Can
you visually see the difference in those two words? Trip and ensnare?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">What’s a woman to do? How
can we avoid these things? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">How about trying the 15
minute rule?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">1. IDENTI<u>FIVE
</u>the problem. Isolate the issue. In the first 5 minutes, assess what it is
you want! Why do you want that? What will be the consequences? Is it worth it?</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The Bible tells us to be on
guard for temptations - So we should identify what tempts us, which we’ve just
done, and be watchful. We may each want to spend some time prayerfully
considering this at home too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Ephesians
5:15-16 – “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise but
understand what the will of the Lord is.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do
not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in
all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Christ understands the temptations of this life. He lived on this earth
and dealt with everything possible. He is our example. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So,
take 5 minutes. Step aside from the temptation. Once you see what it is and
consider why you are even considering it, perhaps you’ll stop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2. Pay
AT<u>TEN</u>TION! Concentrate on a solution for yourself. Distract yourself if
necessary. What could you do for 10 minutes to stop yourself from indulging? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">List things …journal, drink
a glass of water, pray, take a walk, read your Bible, phone a friend, brush
your teeth, clean your bathroom, do some housework, exercise, surround
ourselves with support.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Mrs.
Potiphar sent her servants away – big mistake for her - leave the office door
open when meeting with a male coworker, take the kids with us when we chat with
the handyman, carry along a photo of husband when we travel without him, keep a
photo of our family on our desk or at workspace, be appropriately dressed at
all times! Spend time with other Christians; consider your companions and
surroundings. </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Seek
our husbands out before, not after.<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If our minds are full of
steamy romance novels or sexy movie or soap opera stars - #1, we should
consider what we are filling our minds with and #2, channel our desires towards
our husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Genesis 3:16 – “To the
woman He said: … Your desire shall be for your husband.” </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Perhaps Mrs. Potiphar
wouldn’t have been so forward with tempting Joseph if she and her husband had
met each other’s needs.</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>REEVALUATE!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In 15 minutes, reassess the behavior. Is
it worth the consequences? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When we stumble, confess
don’t cover-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t fall into playing
the “blame game” – his fault, her fault, God’s fault. Take responsibility for
our thoughts and actions. Seek forgiveness from God and whoever we’ve hurt in
the process of our sins. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">P</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">salm 120:2 – “Deliver my
soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Proverbs 6:16-19 – “These
six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look,
A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked
plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Do you think some of these
techniques will be able to help stop you from indulging in that sin? Will you
be able to distract yourself so you will not partake the next time?
Congratulations! You’ve just practiced self-control! Self-control is one of the
fruits of the Spirit and something that we should all strive to have. When we
are tempted, we get a chance to exercise that self-control, and like most
things, the more they’re exercised the stronger they become. The more
self-control we practice, the better at it we become.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Galatians 5:22-23 “But the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2 Peter 1:5-7 “But also for
this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue
knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to
perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly
kindness, love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">James 1:12 – “Blessed is
the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive
the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">James 4:7 – “Therefore
submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-33352142039591072302012-09-18T15:51:00.001-04:002012-09-18T15:51:43.461-04:00Are you Cheating Yourself?<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A woman tells the story of how she and a group of other women were working out with a fitness instructor. The instructor gave them things to do - like, run to the fence 3 times or, do 15 push ups. The lady noticed that one group of women weren't running full force to the fence, but stopping part way and counting it as "1". Were they hurting the fitness instructor? Not at all! They were cheating themselves out of the benefits of the exercise!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I heard this story, it made me think of my own life and consider the times where I may have been cheating myself out of some good stuff. When I don't spend time in prayer, I'm cheating myself out of telling my heavenly Father my deepest concerns, thanks and praise. When I don't read my Bible, I'm cheating myself on hearing what God has written for me. When I only attend Sunday morning worship, and skip out before Bible study or don't come back for Sunday evening services, I'm cheating myself out of not only the worship time, and learning but also out of the fellowship and relationships I loose by not being with my fellow Christians. When I fail to respond to the gospel call, I cheat myself out of all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 3:1)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choosing to "work hard" and be fully engaged in every activity will help us to not cheat ourselves from the great blessings God has for us. So, don't be a cheater!</span><br />
<br />
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-82724476536501335512012-08-30T09:15:00.000-04:002012-08-30T09:15:55.902-04:00Teach Your Children Well
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<strong>Teach Your Children Well</strong></div>
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<o:p><strong> </strong></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The Crosby, Stills & Nash song begins by saying, “You who are on
the road, must have a code that you can live by” and then in the chorus “Teach
your children well”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we have a
hummable or singable reminder that, as parents on our journey to heaven, we are
responsible for shaping our children’s minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course the Bible has already given us that instruction, “You shall
teach them (these words) diligently to your children” Deut. 6:4-9.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">As parents we have many things to teach our children, but most
importantly we must teach them the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We begin when they are very young and build on simple truths and Bible
stories laying the building blocks for a faith they must grow on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bonus to this at-home education is the church
Bible school program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is here that
children are exposed to someone other than their parents teaching the same
truths, however the Bible school program cannot do it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">In order to teach our children well, we must be aware of what they are
being taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there are many good
literatures available, some contain denominational teachings or subtle
references to unscriptural things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you’re not sure what literature is being used in your Bible classes, find
out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask to see a teacher’s manual &
student work book and study it to make sure the truth is being taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word of God does not need to be made into
a watered-down comic book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children need
to learn to read from the Bible and know that they <u>can</u> read the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Mothers understand the reference to babies in 2 Peter 2:2 “as newborn
babes, desire the milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Babies thrive and grow on milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can also understand that children cannot
go from only milk to a T-bone steak, there are stages in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Likewise, children need to be taught the
basics and then challenged as they grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If all we teach our children is Noah’s ark and the creation, when will
they be ready to learn of Paul’s missionary journeys or the gospel or the
conversion stories in Acts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">God has blessed us with amazing children who can learn His truths and
can understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember with each day
to teach your children well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-59707838426094079442012-08-16T08:45:00.001-04:002012-08-16T08:45:52.680-04:00Is This the "New" Normal?During the Olympics, NBC used their monopoly of television coverage to push and promote their upcoming show for this fall called "New Normal". It's about 2 homosexual men and a woman who is carrying a baby for them. That's about as far as I got into the explanation of the show to realize I will not be watching it. <br />
<br />
My children and I like to watch a few competition shows on both HGTV and Food Network. Most of the time, the participants don't mention their choice of lifestyle and I'm content not knowing. However, I was quite floored when watching a recent show and seeing a beautiful woman mention her "wife". I looked at my son and said - "Did she just say what I think she said?" <br />
<br />
My husband and I talked about this and how you can barely watch anything without having at least 1, but more than likely, multiple homosexual characters. I asked if it were really such a commonplace thing, to have homosexual families? My wise husband reminded me that the media wants us to believe that it is common, that a family with 2 mommies or 2 daddies IS the new normal. <br />
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Satan has been working hard and for many years at reaching this point. Satan has worked hard at destroying the home that God wants us to have. He may be subtle and deceitful, but Satan's work is constant. Ephesians 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." There is a battle going on. <br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, our Wednesday evening Bible class has begun a series on "The Home". Last night's introductory class was called "The Home Under Attack". In this class, our teacher mentioned several quick areas in which Satan is attacking our homes and the simple answer in safeguarding our homes is to have one which is Christ-centered. <br />
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Before Joshua and the Israelites settled into the Promised Land, he made a profound statement about what they would be facing. Joshua 24:14-15 Now, therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."<br />
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We need more families in today's world standing up to serve the LORD. We need families who are willing to serve God in sincerity and TRUTH putting away the evil things that have become normal to our lifestyle the past 50 years. We need more families to draw closer to Christ. A Christ-centered home is THE normal. Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-37603137790576362482012-07-05T13:01:00.000-04:002012-07-05T13:01:19.206-04:00Question Three!The final question in my series is "Who are you collecting?" I want you to consider those who surround you, those who look up to you, those who are watching you and perhaps even admiring you. If they were to answer these three questions, you might be listed under their question 1, "Who Are You Following?" <a href="http://goldenruleliving.blogspot.com/2012/05/1st-question.html" target="_blank"> http://goldenruleliving.blogspot.com/2012/05/1st-question.html</a><br />
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Of all the three questions, this group (those you are collecting) is one that you don't really have control over. You're not always sure who they are, where they are, or why you are collecting them. They may be your own children, your co-workers, women and young ladies at your church or even strangers. <br />
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I just finished teaching the teenage girls class at our Vacation Bible School, I also typically teach the teen girls half of the year. I started this blog, speak at ladies days and write articles for other publications. But last week during that class, I kept thinking about the seriousness of this question - who am I collecting? I want to make sure what I say matches how I behave. Many of the people who hear me or read my articles and blog are also friends with me on Facebook. I want my posts and pictures to match up with what I say and write. "Practice what you preach" comes to mind.<br />
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Titus 2:3-5 says "the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." I have always said that I am always older than somebody else, and I don't have to wait until I'm old to be this Titus 2 "older" woman. To prove my point, I selected a few girls in the class and asked them their age, and then pointed out someone in our group who was younger than them and who might be looking up to them as an example.<br />
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With this question, the only one we do have control over is our self. Are we making good choices in our daily life so that if someone was following us, they would make the same good choices? Am I imitating God so that those who are looking to us for an example are ultimately looking to God? I Corinthians 11:1<br />
<br /><br /><br /><br />Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-29251861377114765922012-06-10T18:26:00.000-04:002012-06-10T18:26:24.300-04:00Question 2<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just a reminder, I'd posted 3 questions for consideration:</span><br />
<ol><ol><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Who are you
following? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Who are you
connecting with?</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Who are you
collecting?</span> </span></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today,</span> I'd like us to look at question 2, "Who are you connecting with?" These are the people who are your peers, your friends, those who you spend the most time with. You may or may not like these people. They're your co-workers, the other parents on the travel baseball team, your family. Our goal is not to emulate, or become likes these individuals but circumstances in our lives determine that we spend time with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we consider the people we are connecting with, I'd like us to think about how they are affecting us. As with question 1, "Who are you following?", our lives can begin to mirror those we spend the most time with and this group is often the one with whom we spend the majority of our time whether we like it or not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Bible speaks many times about the affect others can have on us. I Corinthians 15:33 - "Do not be deceived, 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'" Proverbs 22:24-25 "Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you <em>learn his ways</em> and set a snare for your soul." People can influence us by their direct efforts or by their secret, silent influence by their words, conversation and example. Television, media, books, music all have an affect on us in some way. Do you recall the first homosexual character on television? He was made to be funny, laughable, and you weren't really sure if that's what he was supposed to be a homosexual or not. Now, they are mainstream, in almost every television show, commercial and movie. We've become more soft to the sin of homosexuality and it doesn't seem as dangerous. Consider fornication, lasciviousness, drinking, bad language, etc. The more we are in the company of the worldly, the more worldly we can become.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We often look at just the first part of this verse; 2 Timothy 2:22 "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace <em>with those </em>who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Paul urges Timothy here to pursue those good things with good companions - those who are living a Christian life with a pure heart. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is a great passage about friends. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he flals, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." There is <strong>power</strong> in associating with like-minded people, and there is <strong>power</strong> in associating with those who are worldly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Consider for a minute the top 5 people you spend the most of your time with. If you have children at home, you can count them as 1 person for this exercise. These people may be your husband, parents, co-worker, friends, or whoever you spend the most of your time. What affect do these people have on your life? Are they basement people? Pulling you down towards the cesspool where they live? Or, are those 5 people balcony people?, challenging you to live to your best, helping you along the way with encouragement, smiles and even a hand when you need it.? The balcony people help you rise up to meet the challenges in life. Are these people helping you be more Christ-like or less like Christ?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is a great challenge we have living in the world to not become worldly. I John 2:15-17 reminds us to not love the world or the things in the world. Romans 12:1-2 however lets us know that we are presenting our lives as a sacrifice to God. We are to be holy, and acceptable, not conforming to the world, but being transformed. The difficulty in this lies in the fact that sometimes in our lives, we are placed in situations where we cannot control who we are associating with. What we can control is the degree of association, remembering to reach up to Christ, who we are following (Question 1) and renewing our mind with His words. There are times where we must change our circumstances and separate from those who are a negative influence on us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope this second question has made you think. Please take a minute and do the exercise of your top 5 - you may be shocked at how much affect those 5 individuals have on your life. </span><br />
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<br />Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3314718731266583461.post-77750037555525402322012-05-22T17:58:00.001-04:002012-05-22T17:58:54.997-04:001st Question<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I recently posed 3 questions for you to think on. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Who are you following? </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Who are you connecting with?</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Who are you collecting?</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let's spend a little time looking at the first question. Who are you following? I asked you to think of your mentors and people you admire and look up to. Who came to mind? Did your mind automatically go to women of the Bible such as Ruth and Esther? Did you think of the leaders on your job, in your school, in your church? The president, governor, television personalities? According to <em>Forbes</em> magazine, Jennifer Lopez is the "World's Most Influential Celebrity". Is she someone you're following, or perhaps others on the list, like Oprah, Ryan Seacrest or Lady Gaga. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the world of social media, following someone has various meanings. Of course if you are following my blog, you'll get updates of new posts. If I'm following someone on Twitter, I receive updates from that person or group. Perhaps it means that I'm interested in what they are doing. It can mean that I admire what they do, and I want to learn more about them. However for this article, consider following as in following someone while they're walking or driving. By following them, I am walking in their path, and doing what they do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My life will mirror the life of who I am following. My pattern of speech may change, my dress and attitude will also go through changes to be more like who I am following. This can be a positive change or a negative one. Following popular culture may have me dressing in low-cut tops, tight bottoms and not having a concern for how my actions affect those around me. Following my neighbors may lead to a "keeping up with the Jones's" attitude. My goals will revolve around making my home a show place, traveling to the "in" restaurants and vacation destinations. If I find myself following current political leaders, I will begin to stop believing in the sanctity of marriage and the home, allowing humanistic views to influence my every choice. However if I look to find a positive mentor and example to follow, my life will take a different course.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">According to dictionary.com, a mentor is a wise or trusted adviser or guide. A mentor can be someone we follow to learn from. King Rehoboam had a great set of mentors in I Kings 12. These elders had stood before his father, the wise King Solomon and provided good, sound advice (vs. 6). However King Rehoboam chose to follow his peers, young men who had grown up with him. We can look at others in the Bible as well as examples of good mentoring: Barnabas and Paul, Paul and Timothy, Naomi and Ruth,
Elijah and Elisha, Moses and Joshua, Deborah and Barak. Older women are to be mentors for younger women in the local church (Titus 2). The worthy woman of Proverbs 31 shows an ideal woman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do you have a good Christian to follow in your daily walk? I have been blessed by godly Christian parents who gave me examples to follow. There have been people along the way whom I can look up to, admire and follow as well. Paul in I Corinthians 11:1 said "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." Again in Ephesians 5:1 "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." The one we are to ultimately follow is Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In my business, I have women who have been extremely successful, and if I follow their examples, I know that success can be mine as well. In following godly women by modeling their love of their husbands and love of their children (Titus 2:4) I can grow more successful as a better wife and mother. However, following Christ above all others will give me rewards above anything I could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Because I know that ultimate success is living my life and going to heaven following Christ is my highest priority.</span> <br />
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<br />Deirdra Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593143834412258349noreply@blogger.com0